Home > Runs & Races

The iconic Maritime Race Weekend is selling out fast

Looking for a fun race this fall? Nova Scotia's Maritime Race Weekend has something for everyone

Photo by: Maritime Race Weekend

For two years, the Maritime Race Weekend pirate ship has been anchored, but the race is finally back this year on Sept. 16 and 17 in Eastern Passage, N.S., a short drive from Halifax. This year’s race is open to only 2,000 participants, and with the race only one month away, organizers are ecstatic to have fewer than 100 spots left.

Maritime Race Weekend
Photo: Maritime Race Weekend

Maritime Race Weekend has always had a positive reputation among the east coast running community for providing a fun, well organized and competitive event in a small fishing village. This year is the tenth anniversary of the race, and sponsors are gearing up to offer lots of giveaways and prizes at the finish line (including a prize for the best pirate costume).

The reason for the smaller field this year is to allow physical distancing and to create a more meaningful experience, says race director Michelle Kempton. “Quality is more important than quantity, and post-pandemic, we want runners to have more personal space,” she adds. Also, the race will no longer have fenced corrals, a suggestion by past participants that’s particularly welcome in the post-pandemic era, according to Kempton. Smaller numbers and no fencing will mean greater manageability and more freedom for participants.

The best costume winner at Maritime Race Weekend in 2019. Photo: Maritime Race Weekend

What’s not to love about Maritime Race Weekend? This race is everything Maritimes: from ocean scenery to pirates, local bands and, of course, east coast cuisine and beer are sure to get everyone in the racing mood.

You can choose from three races on Sept. 16 and 17: the Sunset 5K on Friday evening, the Sunrise 5K on Saturday morning and the Coastal 10K (also Saturday morning). Or race the Sunset 5K and one of the Saturday races, for a Tartan Twosome, and earn three medals!

Only 20 minutes from Halifax and located at Fisherman’s Cove, Eastern Passage, the small fishing village is ready to welcome runners into their town.

Click here for more information or to register for Maritime Race Weekend 2022.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget