RaceGuide presents – Where to run/race Oct. 25/26

The month of October is coming to a close and with it goes one of the busiest months of racing. Here from the Canadian Race Guide are but a few of the largest, most popular events taking place from coast to coast this coming weekend.

Sunday Oct. 26th – Rock ‘n’ Roll Vancouver Half Marathon & James Cunningham Seawall Race, B.C. This will be Vancouver’s first and Canada’s second Rock ‘n’ Roll series event — after the Montreal Marathon in September — and pairs with the already successful and storied James Cunningham Seawall Race, an event with 44 years of experience. The courses capitalize on Vancouver’s lively cityscapes, oceanfront running, and spectacular mountain views in and around the city’s famed Stanley Park and Seawall. Participants should expect the same excellent organization that comes from the Seawall race and the proven success of the R’n’R series events.

Sunday Oct. 26th – Niagara Falls International Marathon, Ont. One of very few events to start in one country and finish in another, Niagara Falls is truly an international event. The point-to-point marathon course begins in Buffalo, N.Y. at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and follows the interstate parkway to the Peace Bridge which participants climb — the course’s only significant hill — and cross the border into neighbouring Fort Erie. Runners then loop around the historic city before following the scenic Niagara Parkway along the mighty Niagara River towards the world famous finish at the majestic Niagara Falls. Participants can expect an exceptional level of race organization, a memorable experience and all the typical pre- and post-race amenities in a stunning setting at a beautiful time of year.

Sunday Oct. 26th – Marathon de Magog, Que. A late-season event in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Magog is a scenic and small town event. The marathon course is a double loop of the half (21.1K) course which takes runners from downtown Magog and on a scenic and sometimes hilly route through the surrounding countryside. Small town charm and fresh country air provide a nice alternative to the larger big city events and the overall atmosphere and organization is worth noting.

Sunday Oct. 26th – Legs for Literacy Marathon, Moncton, N.B. Legs for Literacy has become the largest running event in New Brunswick and continues to increase in popularity year after year. It sold out early in 2013 and is likely to do the same this year. The marathon course takes runners from downtown Moncton along the river via trails and roads and into the suburb of Riverview where runners complete two out-and-back loops before returning to very near the start. Runners then continue into Dieppe for another lengthy out-and-back loop before returning to the finish on Main Street. All participants are invited to the post-race party for refreshments and celebrations.