Start Strong. Finish Proud.

One of the greatest joys on Father’s Day is seeing thousands of school-aged kids line up at the start of Manitoba Marathon race weekend—excited, proud, and ready to run. That moment is what the Champions in Training (CIT) program is all about.

For over 43 years, Champions in Training has supported Manitoba schools in introducing students to walking, running, and healthy movement. Each spring, nearly 200 schools and 3,500 students participate, supported by free resources, training tools, and guaranteed lowest prices.

 

Champions in Training 2026

We’re excited to welcome schools back for the 2026 Champions in Training Program as we celebrate 43 years of getting kids moving.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

 

Champions in Training is a free, school-based program that encourages students to stay active through walking and running.

Schools design programs that fit their schedules—before school, at lunch, or after school. Participation in the Manitoba Marathon is not required to join the program. The goal is to build healthy habits and confidence through movement.

Schools in the program receive guaranteed early pricing for race events, youth-specific rates, and access to special events like Jog in the Park.

 

Important Dates

  • Registration opens February 1, 2026.
  • School Presentations February 1, 2026- June 1, 2026.
  • Jog In The Park May 7, 2026.
  • Online Registration Closes June 5, 2026.
  • School Week June 8-12, 2026.
  • Manitoba Marathon June 21, 2026 

 

Registration For School Teams/Captains

Click here for easy to follow instructions or follow the easy steps below

  • Step one: Click on the Registration button below
  • Step Two: Before attending Jog In The Park, or having participants register under your school team. You must register as a team captain by selecting ‘School Team Captain-Register Now’
  • Step Three: Fill in all registration questions and information
  • Step Four: Under the ‘Teams’ headline, Create your school team by entering your Schools Name (NOT Team Name) This makes it easier for your students to find at registration.

Please note: Entering as a Team Captain does NOT automatically register you for an event. You still must fill out a registration form as a participant if you are running in the Manitoba Marathon.

Leaders register your school

Questions can be directed to Sarah Carroll, School Program Manager, at manager@manitobamarathon.mb.ca or 204-415-4517.

 

Registration Details

  • Online registration closes June 5, 2026. Please register by this date to ensure race kits are packed and ready for school distribution. Please note: a processing fee is applied when paying online.
  • Manual registration will continue to be accepted during School Week (June 8–12) through your school. Forms and payments will be collected by your schools team captain. Please make all cheques payable to the ‘Manitoba Marathon Foundation’. Your team captain will have registration forms, or you can find them here. (Individual Event Registration, Virtual Event registration, Individual Event Bulk Form, Relay Team Bulk Forms)
Join Your School Team

All relay teams must register using manual forms. Relay teams cannot register online.

Book a School Presentation:

Book Your School Presentation

We offer free, interactive presentations focused on safe walking and running, road safety, and encouraging an active lifestyle. Presentations are available in person or online and can be tailored for assemblies or classroom visits.

What Do Schools Receive?

Champions in Training resources are designed by teachers and school leaders to support successful programs. All materials are delivered directly to schools.

Schools receive leader t-shirts for program leads, milestone attendance charts to track participation, and downloadable achievement certificates for students.

 

School Week — Race Kit Pickup

School Week runs June 8–12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To remove barriers for families, all school-registered participants will pick up race kits through their school rather than at the Manitoba Marathon Fit Expo. Appointment booking will open in April.

Schools will book an appointment at Unit 3 – 55 Henlow Bay to submit manual registration forms and payment and to collect race kits for their students. Teachers will distribute kits directly to students at school. Hosting School Week two weeks before race day ensures all students are race-ready and allows time to correct any errors.

Manitoba Marathon Race Day is June 21, 2026.

 

Jog in the Park

Jog in the Park is a free 2.5 km walk/run on May 7, 2026 at Assiniboine Park. This low-barrier event takes place during school hours and gives students the opportunity to experience a race-day environment with course marshals, a finish arch, a DJ, snacks, and more. Schools do not need to participate in the Manitoba Marathon to attend, though the event serves as a great halfway milestone for schools training toward the 5 km Super Run.

 

Schedule of Events

Schools arrive at 9:30 AM
Warm-up begins at 10:15 AM
Run starts at 10:30 AM
Snacks and activities at 11:00 AM
Wrap-up at 11:30 AM

Discounted bus rates are available for schools. Click here for more information or message sarah@manitobamarathon.mb.ca for info

 

Fundraising

Manitoba Marathon participants help raise funds to support programs for individuals living with an intellectual disability. Schools are encouraged to involve parent groups or volunteers to manage fundraising so teachers can focus on training and student engagement.