Canadian marathons that should probably be on your radar this fall

The 2017 fall marathon season is just around the corner and there are dozens of events in Canada to choose from. From flat and fast races to set a personal best or qualify for Boston, to sensationally scenic yet more challenging courses that profile territory worth exploring, there’s certainly an array of options to suit every type of runner.

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Here in chronological order are some noteworthy 42.2K events from coast to coast this fall:

Sunday, September 10th: Cape Breton Fiddlers Run, Sydney, N.S.

After being excluded for a number of years, the marathon is back by popular demand and will feature an out-and-back course along the harbourfront that departs the Victoria Park Armouries and follows King’s and Westmount Road to the turnaround point.

Sunday, September 10th: Queen City Marathon, Regina, Sask.

The Queen City Marathon is the largest and most popular event in Saskatchewan’s provincial capital offering a race and a distance for everyone. All races start near the Conexus Arts Centre and run along the lake and around Wascana Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks. The marathon loops the lake once then follows a flat and scenic out-and-back along the creek using Regina’s pedestrian pathway system.

Saturday, September 16th: Maritime Marathon, Eastern Passage & Cow Bay, N.S.

The Maritime Race Weekend continues to grow in popularity and hosts races for everyone. In addition to coastline views, participants can expect a sea of cheering supporters– some sporting pirate-themed costumes – along the route. The courses tour the flat and scenic coastline of Eastern Passage while showcasing the area’s interior beauty that includes rolling hills through Cow Bay. Marathoners follow the same course as the half and then cover the flat and groomed paths of the Salt Marsh trails. Oh, and new this year: a trail race!

Sunday, September 17th:  Huffin’ Puffin Marathon, St. John’s, N.L.

The Huffin’ Puffin Marathon is the longest-running marathon in Canada having first been run in 1950 and taking place a record 64 times. The event also serves as the provincial marathon championship and also offers a relay and half-marathon option. The races utilize a 21.1K loop course—which marathoners complete twice—that starts and finishes in Bowring Park and offers a scenic tour of downtown St. John’s and Quidi Vidi Lake.

Sunday, September 24th: Marathon Oasis Rock ‘n’ Roll de Montreal, Que.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Oasis de Montreal was the first of its kind and still only one of two R ‘n’ R Series events in Canada. The courses provide a complete city tour starting on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and looping around Ile Ste-Helene and Ile Notre Dame before running along the harbour and to the halfway mark–the finish for the half-marathon–in Parc Lafontaine. Marathoners continue on and complete several scenic and often loud out-and-back loops of Montreal’s most famous attractions and landmarks before returning to the finish.

Sunday, October 8th: BMO Okanagan Marathon, Kelowna, B.C.

The Okanagan Marathon takes place in beautiful Kelowna B.C. during the Thanksgiving Day long weekend. All races start and end in City Park and are run along essentially flat out-and-back courses that provide a scenic tour of Kelowna. The routes showcase the stunning Okanagan Lake waterfront.

Sunday, October 8th: Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon, B.C.

The Victoria Marathon is a historic event that also offers popular half and 8K race options. The marathon is an out-and-back course that features rolling hills but spectacular scenery while touring the city’s downtown, Fairfeld, Oak Bay, Uplands and James Bay neighbourhoods. Participants pass through picturesque parks and along oceanfront boulevards enjoying well-supported aid stations, on-course entertainment and cheering crowds.

Sunday, October 15th: Niagara Falls International Marathon, Ont.

Niagara Falls is truly an international experience. It is one of only a few events to start in one country and finish in another. The point-to-point marathon course begins in Buffalo, N.Y. before participants cross the Peace Bridge into neighbouring Fort Erie, Ont. After completing a loop of the historic city, participants follow the scenic Niagara Parkway along the mighty Niagara River toward the world famous finish at the majestic Horseshoe Falls. Participants can expect an exceptional level of organization, generous amenities and an unforgettable experience.

Sunday, October 15th: Prince Edward Island Marathon, P.E.I.

The province’s largest running event and only one to include a Boston Qualifying marathon is also popular as a destination race. The marathon features a scenic point-to-point course starting on the north shores of Prince Edward Island National Park—transportation is provided—and follows the coast before heading south over rolling hills towards the finish in downtown Charlottetown at the Province House National Historic Site. A popular expo, pre-race pasta dinner and Kids Spud Run make for an entire weekend of celebrations at this unique Maritime event.

Sunday, October 22nd: Legs for Literacy Marathon, Moncton, N.B.

Legs for Literacy has become the largest running event in the province and continues to increase in popularity offering races for all ages and abilities. The courses take participants from downtown Moncton along the Petitcodiac River via scenic trails and roads and into the suburbs of Riverview and Dieppe before returning to the finish on Main Street.

Sunday, October 22nd: Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Ont.

Toronto’s signature running event, also its largest, is the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Offered as part of the Canada Running Series, #STWM was the first Canadian marathon to be awarded the prestigious IAAF gold label status. All races–there is also a popular half- and 5K–are flat, fast and festive attracting elite, recreational and first-time runners alike. The revamped marathon and half courses start and finish near City Hall and take participants on a tour of some of Toronto’s most iconic attractions, notable landmarks and unique neighbourhoods before finishing near Nathan Phillips Square. Participants enjoy the benefits of supportive crowds, on-course entertainment and excellent aid-stations and volunteers along the way. Post-race festivities are enjoyed by participants, friends and family alike making this a complete and memorable running experience.

Sunday, November 5th: Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon, Ont.

Hamilton Road2Hope is well known for its fast course with a generous downhill portion that can help any runner set a new personal best. It is Canada’s fastest Boston qualifier, featuring a point-to-point course that tours rolling rural countryside before heading down the Red Hill Valley Parkway and local trails followed by a lengthy out-and-back with scenic lakeshore views. The marathon and half – also known to be fast – take place Sunday while 10K and 5K races are run on Saturday. The finish area, weekend race expo and post-race reception all take place from Hamilton’s Confederation Park.

For a complete list of runs and races from across coast to coast, use RaceGuide.ca