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Seven scenic races that showcase Canada’s beautiful east coast

Maritime race weekend

The autumn racing season is now just around the corner and the east coast features no shortage of incredible running events which highlight the quaintness, the charm and the rugged beauty of the Maritimes (as well as Newfoundland and Labrador).

Here are seven spectacular events that are not only exceptionally organized, but also well worth the views.

Sunday September 11th – Cape Breton Fiddlers Run, Sydney, N.S.

The Fiddlers Run takes place in Cape Breton’s largest and vibrant community of Sydney. 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. Participants also enjoy a pre-race pasta dinner, post-race chili, a dry-fit running shirt and signature finisher’s medal.

Friday and Saturday September 16/17th – Maritime Race Weekend, Eastern Passage, 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. The event kicks off with a 5K on Friday and the Tartan Twosome challenge is for those who want to run two races in two days, and earn three medals.

Maritime Race Weekend

Sunday September 25th – Huffin’ Puffin Marathon, St. John’s, N.L.

The Huffin’ Puffin Marathon is the longest running marathon in Canada having first run in 1950 and taking place a record 63 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. All participants receive a finisher’s medal and long-sleeved shirt and are invited to the post-race awards reception and barbecue.

Sunday October 9th – Valley Harvest Marathon, Wolfville, N.S.

Valley Harvest has something to offer everyone from 5K to a 50K ultra-marathon. The event takes place from the historic and picturesque campus of Acadia University. All races start in front of the Acadia track and follow an out-and-back style course that tours downtown Wolfville before heading out of town passing apple orchards, horse farms and pastoral scenery. Participants cover gently rolling terrain while enjoying the splendid scenery of the valley during the autumn harvest.

Cape to Cabot Tower Signal Hill St. John's NL

Sunday October 16th – Cape to Cabot, St. John’s, N.L.

Said to be “the toughest race in Eastern North America,” Cape to Cabot is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier road racing events that is known to sell out within hours. The 20K course is one of the most challenging around with four significant climbs including the signature finish to the top of Signal Hill. It is point-to-point and covers beautiful and historic ground along the way, including two national historic parks and the St. John’s waterfront.

prince edward island PEI Marathon

Sunday October 16th – Prince Edward Island Marathon, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The small island 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 most unique Maritime event.

Sunday October 23rd – 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 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. All participants are invited to the post-race party for refreshments, entertainment and celebrations.

For a complete list of running events and races from coast to coast, visit RaceGuide.

More “best of” races still to come this year: West coast and Ontario.

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