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Marathon Details - Nova Scotia Marathon

North America Marathons > Canada > NS > Barrington > Nova Scotia Marathon

Nova Scotia Marathon

Nova Scotia Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 6K

Barrington, NS Canada

July 21, 2024

http://www.barringtonmunicipality.com/Recreation/nova-scotia-marathon-half-marathon-and-10km

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Race Details

The course set in the rural setting takes place on a secondary highway and except for the first two to three miles takes place around Cape Sable Island in the shape of an 8. The route is basically flat, with some rolling hills and a gradual grade around the 19, 21 and 23 mile marks. Aid stations of water and gatorade are approximately every 2 miles and the temperature is generally between 19 degrees and 23 degrees C or between 66 degrees and 76 degrees F. There is usually an offshore breeze for the majority of the course that is found to be refreshing. The Half Marathon starts the same time as the Marathon and follows the same route until you get to the end of the top of the 8 then you return to the causeway where both races finish.

Contact Information

Name:	Anna Kenney
Address:	Recreation and Facilities Management Department Municipality of Barrington PO Box 100 Barrington, NS BOW 1E0
Phone Number:	902-637-2903
Fax Number:	902-637-2598
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (22)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.5

Write a review

Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Seth Elsheimer from Winter Park FL (8/4/2019) "Nice but should start earlier" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 First half was fine in the relatively cool morning. The course rolls a little but no huge hills. The second half was much more difficult when it got too hot to run well and traffic became troublesome on roads that were not closed and had only small gravel shoulders. It was a cloudless day and temperature when I finished was about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This could be easily improved by moving the start time up from 7:30am at least an hour since it gets light early that time of year. The course stays mostly near water with views of bays, salt marshes, and beach homes. Post-race celebration was good sponsored by a grocery chain and included salad, several kinds of fruit and cheese, and a tasty seafood chowder. If you want to run this event book lodging early since the small towns don't have quite enough rooms for the influx of runners
C. C. from Boston, Massachusetts (9/13/2013) "Best small marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nova Scotia Marathon is the best small marathon. Beautiful coastal scenery, mild weather, fairly flat course w a few rolling hills, great volunteers, friendly people, terrific post-race food & showers. Other than the Boston Marathon, I have never returned to run a marathon twice. But, I will be back to run the Nova Scotia Marathon.
s. f. from Massachusetts (8/11/2013) "Really awesome small race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The race director is one of the best. When picking up my bib the day before the race I asked if there would be a National Anthem. (I am one of those runners cherishing this moment prior to a race.) Although nobody sang at the start, she sang it for me at the finish line while putting the medal around my neck. How precious is that? If you are looking to run a marathon in NS, this is a good one to pick.
Mark Pollock from Jerusalem, Israel (9/1/2012) "I loved this marathon!" (about: 2003) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The staff was uncommonly friendly. The route is very level. It's not a large marathon with thousands and thousands of participants. So it feels real warm and 'homey.' It's a very special marathon.
andy crowell from hamilton ON (8/22/2012) "A thoroughly enjoyable expereince" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Nova Scotia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having lived in NS most of my working life, I returned to this race (having done it twice before) from where I live now in Hamilton ON, to vacation on the south shore and do the marathon. The day (weather) was perfect, but more impressively was the improvement of aid and support on a course that is ruggedly beautiful. Not being a sea-food lover i did not partake of the chowder ( and would ask whether there could have been an alternative to the chowder...beautiful as it was to most :)but I did enjoy the beverages, bread and fellowship. Thank you for a well structured race and great volunteer support. sincerely Andy Crowell - 3:45:40 (2012)
R. S. from Iowa, USA (7/24/2012) "Flat and fairly mild weather for July" (about: 2012) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am from Iowa and chose this marathon as my first because I needed to escape the 100 degree July Iowa heat and also because it is billed as a flat course which it was. It was in the low 70's F so a touch warm for the area. There is no shade as previously stated by others and it was a sunny day. However, I think this was a great choice for a first marathon (it's flat and mild people!). My only recommendation is a few more water stops the last 15 K. There were water stops every 3K I believe but it wasn't enough. Thank God that there was a guy handing out water on his own and another guy driving around in a car handing out water in those last 10 K or I don't know whether I would have made it (I was cramping by this point). However, I pushed through the cramps and completed my first marathon! There was excellent organization and I thank Anna and the town of Barrington for hosting this wonderful event.
S. C. from Toronto (2/12/2010) "Beautiful solitary course" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Nova Scotia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Although I hadn't properly trained, I ran this again in 2009 - with a time just under 4:11. I really want to run this course when I'm at my peak and do a sub-3:30. I cannot challenge it again this year as I'll be running my first ultra!
Stefan Czapalay from Montreal (6/22/2009) "Great Course" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 i ran this marathon in 2005 at a weight of 104 kilograms. I can't wait to run it at my new weight of 88 kilograms. This is a great course, which could be fast. There are long periods of solitary running. I love it. It's very well organized.
K. W. from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (7/29/2008) "Good things come in small packages" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There were 156 hardy runners at the start, and 46 of those were running the full marathon. The gradual inclines made the course challenging but not overbearing. The start of the race was at 8:30 (7:30 start preferred), and after a short pep talk by organizer Anna Kenney, we were off. Course is well marked in miles, which drew a bit of criticism by the home town folks who preferred kilometers, but I liked it. Aid stations were well manned and very accommodating, with nice, cold sponges from mile 14 on, every 2 miles. They came in quite handy on a day that started in the 60's and ended around 76 degrees. The heat and hills and lack of shade were a marathoner's test in the last 6 miles. You would think with only 46 runners that you would feel alone, but there always seemed to be someone there to pick you up. Whether it be a race director or a passing car with people cheering out the window. The ending is quite satisfying, as you have a good flat 1/2-mile trek across the bridge to get to the McDonald's finish line. Overall, it was a very good marathon. The people were outstanding - nice and accommodating (especially Anna and Stephanie Nickerson). They were up for any request, and smiled as they helped you. Can't ask for anything more!! Accommodations: I stayed at the Stage Coach Inn in Barrington, along with some other runners. It was nice and quiet by 10 p.m. Nice place; nice location. Comfortable.
D. S. from FLORIDA (9/6/2007) "MOSTLY FLAT, SCENIC COURSE" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 It was a warm and humid day. The first 6 miles were run in 100% humidity, with temperatures in the mid 60's. Once the sun came out, it warmed up into the 70's with little breeze. Driving from Halifax to Barringon you do notice that Nova Scotia is very hilly, but the course is mostly flat. The course instructions warn about some hills but they were gradual inclines. Aid stations were adequate at every 2 miles, with both water and Gatorade. There seemed to be a lot of traffic on the course and I felt at times that this was unsafe so I would run on the dirt/gravel shoulder when cars or tractor trailers approached. I think the course would be safer and more pleasant with an earlier start. This race starts at 8:30 a.m. With an earlier start, it would be cooler and there would be less traffic to deal with on the road. The race is well supported by the business in the community. It only cost $30 Canadian to register for this race. Except for the first 3 miles, the course is mostly a loop around Cape Sable Island. I like the last mile, which is across the bridge as you leave the island. As you are approaching the bridge off the island, you can see the golden arches in distance at the finsh line. The finish line is right next to a McDonald's. They had fruit and chocolate bars at the finish. They had to keep the chocolate bars on ice because they would melt. Locals told me it was the warmest that it had ever been at this race. There was a nice post-race/awards party that had fish or corn chowder along with desert. If you want lodging close to the race start, book your rooms early. All rooms in town were booked solid a few weeks before the race. If you don't stay in town, stay about 15-20 min. away in Pubnico, which is a French Acadian village. Rooms are cheaper there - like $65 for a room with a view of the bay. Organization was good. Although this marathon has been going on for 30+ years, the race director was a 20-something guy organizing his first race. Race director did a great job. If you want to see how not to organize a race, read the comments on this site from the Reno Marathon, which is the most disorganized marathon in existence. Reno should bring this kid out there to run their race.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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Seth Elsheimer from Winter Park FL (8/4/2019) "Nice but should start earlier" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 First half was fine in the relatively cool morning. The course rolls a little but no huge hills. The second half was much more difficult when it got too hot to run well and traffic became troublesome on roads that were not closed and had only small gravel shoulders. It was a cloudless day and temperature when I finished was about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This could be easily improved by moving the start time up from 7:30am at least an hour since it gets light early that time of year. The course stays mostly near water with views of bays, salt marshes, and beach homes. Post-race celebration was good sponsored by a grocery chain and included salad, several kinds of fruit and cheese, and a tasty seafood chowder. If you want to run this event book lodging early since the small towns don't have quite enough rooms for the influx of runners
C. C. from Boston, Massachusetts (9/13/2013) "Best small marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nova Scotia Marathon is the best small marathon. Beautiful coastal scenery, mild weather, fairly flat course w a few rolling hills, great volunteers, friendly people, terrific post-race food & showers. Other than the Boston Marathon, I have never returned to run a marathon twice. But, I will be back to run the Nova Scotia Marathon.
s. f. from Massachusetts (8/11/2013) "Really awesome small race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The race director is one of the best. When picking up my bib the day before the race I asked if there would be a National Anthem. (I am one of those runners cherishing this moment prior to a race.) Although nobody sang at the start, she sang it for me at the finish line while putting the medal around my neck. How precious is that? If you are looking to run a marathon in NS, this is a good one to pick.
Mark Pollock from Jerusalem, Israel (9/1/2012) "I loved this marathon!" (about: 2003) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The staff was uncommonly friendly. The route is very level. It's not a large marathon with thousands and thousands of participants. So it feels real warm and 'homey.' It's a very special marathon.
andy crowell from hamilton ON (8/22/2012) "A thoroughly enjoyable expereince" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Nova Scotia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having lived in NS most of my working life, I returned to this race (having done it twice before) from where I live now in Hamilton ON, to vacation on the south shore and do the marathon. The day (weather) was perfect, but more impressively was the improvement of aid and support on a course that is ruggedly beautiful. Not being a sea-food lover i did not partake of the chowder ( and would ask whether there could have been an alternative to the chowder...beautiful as it was to most :)but I did enjoy the beverages, bread and fellowship. Thank you for a well structured race and great volunteer support. sincerely Andy Crowell - 3:45:40 (2012)
R. S. from Iowa, USA (7/24/2012) "Flat and fairly mild weather for July" (about: 2012) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am from Iowa and chose this marathon as my first because I needed to escape the 100 degree July Iowa heat and also because it is billed as a flat course which it was. It was in the low 70's F so a touch warm for the area. There is no shade as previously stated by others and it was a sunny day. However, I think this was a great choice for a first marathon (it's flat and mild people!). My only recommendation is a few more water stops the last 15 K. There were water stops every 3K I believe but it wasn't enough. Thank God that there was a guy handing out water on his own and another guy driving around in a car handing out water in those last 10 K or I don't know whether I would have made it (I was cramping by this point). However, I pushed through the cramps and completed my first marathon! There was excellent organization and I thank Anna and the town of Barrington for hosting this wonderful event.
S. C. from Toronto (2/12/2010) "Beautiful solitary course" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Nova Scotia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Although I hadn't properly trained, I ran this again in 2009 - with a time just under 4:11. I really want to run this course when I'm at my peak and do a sub-3:30. I cannot challenge it again this year as I'll be running my first ultra!
Stefan Czapalay from Montreal (6/22/2009) "Great Course" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 i ran this marathon in 2005 at a weight of 104 kilograms. I can't wait to run it at my new weight of 88 kilograms. This is a great course, which could be fast. There are long periods of solitary running. I love it. It's very well organized.
K. W. from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (7/29/2008) "Good things come in small packages" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There were 156 hardy runners at the start, and 46 of those were running the full marathon. The gradual inclines made the course challenging but not overbearing. The start of the race was at 8:30 (7:30 start preferred), and after a short pep talk by organizer Anna Kenney, we were off. Course is well marked in miles, which drew a bit of criticism by the home town folks who preferred kilometers, but I liked it. Aid stations were well manned and very accommodating, with nice, cold sponges from mile 14 on, every 2 miles. They came in quite handy on a day that started in the 60's and ended around 76 degrees. The heat and hills and lack of shade were a marathoner's test in the last 6 miles. You would think with only 46 runners that you would feel alone, but there always seemed to be someone there to pick you up. Whether it be a race director or a passing car with people cheering out the window. The ending is quite satisfying, as you have a good flat 1/2-mile trek across the bridge to get to the McDonald's finish line. Overall, it was a very good marathon. The people were outstanding - nice and accommodating (especially Anna and Stephanie Nickerson). They were up for any request, and smiled as they helped you. Can't ask for anything more!! Accommodations: I stayed at the Stage Coach Inn in Barrington, along with some other runners. It was nice and quiet by 10 p.m. Nice place; nice location. Comfortable.
D. S. from FLORIDA (9/6/2007) "MOSTLY FLAT, SCENIC COURSE" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Nova Scotia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 It was a warm and humid day. The first 6 miles were run in 100% humidity, with temperatures in the mid 60's. Once the sun came out, it warmed up into the 70's with little breeze. Driving from Halifax to Barringon you do notice that Nova Scotia is very hilly, but the course is mostly flat. The course instructions warn about some hills but they were gradual inclines. Aid stations were adequate at every 2 miles, with both water and Gatorade. There seemed to be a lot of traffic on the course and I felt at times that this was unsafe so I would run on the dirt/gravel shoulder when cars or tractor trailers approached. I think the course would be safer and more pleasant with an earlier start. This race starts at 8:30 a.m. With an earlier start, it would be cooler and there would be less traffic to deal with on the road. The race is well supported by the business in the community. It only cost $30 Canadian to register for this race. Except for the first 3 miles, the course is mostly a loop around Cape Sable Island. I like the last mile, which is across the bridge as you leave the island. As you are approaching the bridge off the island, you can see the golden arches in distance at the finsh line. The finish line is right next to a McDonald's. They had fruit and chocolate bars at the finish. They had to keep the chocolate bars on ice because they would melt. Locals told me it was the warmest that it had ever been at this race. There was a nice post-race/awards party that had fish or corn chowder along with desert. If you want lodging close to the race start, book your rooms early. All rooms in town were booked solid a few weeks before the race. If you don't stay in town, stay about 15-20 min. away in Pubnico, which is a French Acadian village. Rooms are cheaper there - like $65 for a room with a view of the bay. Organization was good. Although this marathon has been going on for 30+ years, the race director was a 20-something guy organizing his first race. Race director did a great job. If you want to see how not to organize a race, read the comments on this site from the Reno Marathon, which is the most disorganized marathon in existence. Reno should bring this kid out there to run their race.

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Marathon Details - Nova Scotia Marathon