When the temperature drops, so does motivation. But what if your next race took place somewhere warm, inside a shopping mall, an underground pedestrian network, or on a campus, with no snow, ice, or wind to worry about?That's exactly what BougeBouge offers with its indoor races: weather-protected 5 km courses in a fun, festive atmosphere, welcoming both runners and walkers.
Here's what makes these events unique, the five winter 2027 races to look forward to, and our tips for making the most of the experience.
That's exactly what BougeBouge offers with its indoor races: weather-protected 5 km courses in a fun, festive atmosphere, welcoming both runners and walkers.
Here's what makes these events unique, the five winter 2027 races to look forward to, and our tips for making the most of the experience.
Running in a shopping mall or an underground pedestrian network is a little different from running outdoors.
You don’t need to be an athlete to participate. Each event generally offers:
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A timed 5K race for runners.
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A 5K intergenerational walk to share the experience with family and friends.
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Depending on the event, a shorter course (2.5 km or 1 km) for younger participants or beginners.
All participants receive a generic BougeBouge finisher’s medal, a finisher’s prize, and a snack at the finish line. A personalized medal is also available as an optional add-on during online registration.
Why Run Indoors?
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No more bad weather: No ice, snow, or freezing temperatures. Just run in a warm, comfortable environment.
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A motivating goal for winter: Signing up for a race gives you a great reason to stay active when it’s already dark by 4 p.m.
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Unique courses: Running through an indoor amusement park, beneath the city, or above downtown is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
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Accessible to everyone: Runners, walkers, families, and colleagues can all take part.
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A great weekend outing: Many events are also a fun opportunity to discover a city during the winter.
Running Indoors: What You Need to Know
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Wave starts: Runners start in groups based on their estimated 5K finish time (red: under 29 minutes; yellow: 30–34 minutes; blue: 35–45 minutes; green: 46 minutes and over). Choose your wave honestly to avoid congestion and enjoy a more comfortable running experience.
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Stairs: Many courses include staircases. Using escalators and taking two steps at a time, either up or down, is prohibited. Always take one step at a time!
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Strollers: Due to stairs and narrow corridors, strollers are generally not permitted on the courses. Check the event page before attending.
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Headphones: The Fédération québécoise d’athlétisme recommends not wearing headphones for safety reasons. If you choose to wear them, make sure you can still hear instructions and other runners.
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Hydration: Water stations vary from one event to another. At the Underground Montreal race, for example, a refill station is available at kilometre 3 for participants bringing their own hydration vest or water bottle.
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Bag check: Availability varies by event. Bring a clearly labelled bag with your bib number and leave valuables at home or in your car.
BougeBouge Québec 5K – Les Galeries de la Capitale
A race organized in partnership with Les Galeries de la Capitale, taking participants through 15 attractions, including a roller coaster, carousel, arsenal, pendulum ride, and many more. Choose between a 2.5 km or 5 km course. The 2.5 km loop alone features more than 400 steps, so get your legs ready! It's a fun way to kick off the year, whether you're running solo or enjoying the experience with family in Quebec City.
BougeBouge West Edmonton Mall 5KM
Run through one of the largest shopping malls in the world! For one morning, West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, transforms into a 5K course sheltered from the elements. Choose from the 5K run, 5K intergenerational walk, or 2.5K run. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
BougeBouge Ottawa La Cité 5K
A brand-new event in the heart of La Cité’s campus in Ottawa! The course takes place entirely indoors, so forget about the snow, cold, and ice. You can run in shorts and a T-shirt right in the middle of winter! Open to everyone, whether you're an experienced runner or simply looking to enjoy some physical activity with family or friends. Walk or run at your own pace in a fun, festive atmosphere!
BougeBouge Calgary +15 Skywalk 5KM
A race in the heart of downtown Calgary, taking you through the famous +15 network, an indoor pedestrian walkway system connecting downtown buildings. This unique urban course offers a 5K run, a 5K intergenerational walk, and a 2.5K run, with the start and finish at CORE Shopping Centre.
BougeBouge Montréal souterrain 5K
A classic! This race takes place in the RESO, Montreal's underground pedestrian network, which spans 32 kilometres of tunnels. Participants make their way through iconic locations such as Place Ville Marie, Central Station, Place Bonaventure, the Palais des congrès, and Complexe Desjardins. The race starts at Carrefour Industrielle Alliance and finishes at Complexe Desjardins. Choose from a 5K run, a 5K intergenerational walk, or a 1K run, in collaboration with Montréal Centre-Ville. And since the race takes place on February 14, why not make it an active Valentine's Day outing?
Our Tips for a Successful Indoor Race
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Dress light, but bring warm layers for before and after the race. You’ll be running in a T-shirt and shorts indoors, but getting to the starting line may involve going outside.
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Arrive early. Parking, picking up your race bib, and checking your bag can take time, especially at larger venues.
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Familiarize yourself with the course. Check the course map and directions. Some events have different starting and finishing locations.
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Get your legs ready for the stairs. Adding some stair climbing to your training can make a real difference on a course like the one in Quebec City.
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Follow the safety guidelines. The courses take place in public spaces, so stay alert and be mindful of pedestrians and other participants.
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Register online in advance. On-site registration is limited and not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Races
No. Each race offers an intergenerational walking option and, depending on the event, a shorter course. Wave starts allow everyone to start alongside participants who are moving at a similar pace.
To avoid the cold, snow, and ice while enjoying a motivating goal and a unique course experience.
Yes. Timing is provided by Sportstats, and results are ranked by age category.
Generally, no, due to stairs and narrow corridors. Check your event’s guidelines for specific instructions.
A limited number of on-site registrations may sometimes be available, but spots are not guaranteed and registration fees are generally higher. Online registration is strongly recommended.
Ready to Run Away from the Cold?
Whether it’s beneath the streets of Montreal, inside an indoor amusement park in Quebec City, or above downtown Calgary, BougeBouge’s indoor races turn winter into a season to celebrate rather than endure.
Explore all our indoor races and register today
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