Marathon Details - Northwest Passage Marathon

The Northwest Passage Marathon is North Americas most northerly marathon. This is a true wilderness route. The marathon & 50 km course leave Arctic Watch, go north along the shore of the Cunningham Inlet for 10 km to Polar Bear point. The runners turn west and go beside the famed Northwest Passage for the next 18 km. The trail follows a series of old raised beaches of sandstone pebbles. There are icebergs on the water and ancient encampments on the shore. In 2005, runners saw dozens of beluga whales, and many seals. In 2007 and 2010, runners saw polar bears. At Cape Marie, all runners wade the Marie River (maximum knee deep), then turn south and inland along the Red Valley (so named for the red stone and soil). Muskox sightings in this area are common. The trail then swings back east, climbs gently over a height of land before dropping back down towards the Cunningham River. The final couple of kilometers are along the Cunningham back to Arctic Watch.

This is a rough trail run with no roads. The trail is marked with Inukshuks and flags. The surface is generally smooth and covered with pebble sized rocks. There are some shallow creek crossings.