2010 Race Information
Start Times
9 October 2010
Kids Runs — 2:00pm
10 October 2010
8:30am (Marathon and Half Marathon)
9:00am (10km)
9:15am (5km Fun Run)
For runners who will take more than 5 hours to complete the marathon distance, a 7:30 am start time is highly recommended and available upon advanced request (but not required). Race numbers for 7:30 start must be picked up on Saturday.
Aid Stations & Support
Aid stations and on route support will be available for 5 hours after the start of the race. After 5 hours, all remaining runners will be given a reasonable chance to finish the marathon with minimal support and traffic control.
Facilities
Portable toilets will be available near the race start and along the route. Showers are also available free of charge.
The Course
View / download complete course maps (PDF, 1.3 MB)
Full/Half Map: quick web view (JPEG, 165 KB)
10k Map: coming soon
5k Map: quick web view (JPEG, 25 KB)
Elevation Profile: quick web view (GIF, 90 KB)
Marathon: The race starts and finishes on the campus of Acadia University, one of the most historic and picturesque university campuses in Canada. The start line is on Main Street, directly in front of the Atlantic Theatre Festival. You will first do a short lap in downtown Wolfville, running past quaint cafes, pubs and shops, before heading west out of town toward the village of Greenwich. From there, you will then run past apple orchards, horse farms and pastoral scenery, through gently rolling terrain, as you take in the splendour of the Valley during our Autumn Harvest.
Half Marathon: The Half marathon features some gently rolling terrain, while the Full Marathon presents a few moderate hills. Whether you are doing the Half or the Full, you will finish back in Wolfville, at the grandstand of Acadia University's legendary Raymond Field. You will enter the track on the opposite side of the grandstand, giving you a 3/4 lap on the track as you are "brought home" to the noise of the crowd and the Run Nova Scotia Race Crew!
10km: The 10km race starts in front of Acadia gym on Main Street in Wolfville. Runners will head west out of town towards the village of Greenwich. From there you will run across the Dyke and into Port Williams where you will loop around the Port Pub and head back to Wolfville for a finish on the track at Raymond field.
5km Fun Run: The 5km is a flat out and back fun run, on pavement and groomed trail, featuring chip timing. The run will begin at the Marathon start line and will finish at the Acadia University Raymond Field stadium.
What did runners say about 2009? Read the Testimonials...
Marathon Training
The website '26.2' has a free day by day marathon training program for three different levels of runners. Track your marathon training with personalized running log that features a built-in daily training program leading up to your marathon race day from Personal Logs.com.
Community Support
The Valley Harvest Marathon Association (VHMA) recognizes that several organizations in our community need and deserve financial support in order to survive. Each year the VHMA supports several worthy organizations who, in turn, have helped us. Organizations that the Valley Harvest Marathon Association supported in 2009 include:
- Canadian Diabetes Association Kids Camp
- Wolfville Tritons Swim Club
- Wolfville Kids of Steel Triathlon
- Wolfville 8-mile Road Race
- Run Annapolis Valley
- Horton High School Environmental Class
- Central Kings High School Band
- Kingsport Tennis Club
- Annapolis Valley Mountain Bike Association
Boston Qualifier for 2 Years!
Because of the date that the Valley Harvest Marathon falls on, a qualifying time for Boston enables you to qualify for the next two Boston Marathons! Lots of time to plan your trip to Boston!
Weather
Weather conditions on race day for the past 5 years in nearby Kentville, NS (closest weather station, data from Environment Canada):
Year 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Max Temp 13°C 15°C 15°C 19°C 14°C 16°C Min Temp 3°C 5°C 11°C 8°C 7°C 11°C Precip. 0mm 0mm 27mm 18mm 0mm 14mm
Awards
Full and Half Marathon:
- Open male/female (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Masters (40+) male/female (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Senior Masters (50-59) male/female (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Golden Masters (60-69) male/female (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Platinum Masters (70+) male/female (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Prizes will be awarded to the 5 and 10km events.
Post Race Reception and Awards Ceremony
There will be a post race reception starting at 10:30 am. Help yourself to healthy snacks while you browse shoe expos and sponsor booths. The Awards Ceremony for the 5km and 10km will be at 10:30am. The Awards Ceremony for the Half Marathon will be at 11:30am. Ceremonies for the Full Marathon will be at 12:30pm. Guests of runners are invited to the reception and awards ceremony.
Volunteers
Race day volunteers are required at water stations and to assist in directing race participants. To apply, please email valleyharvestmarathon@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and any previous race volunteer experience.
Fitness Assessment
Participants should assess their fitness level and consider entering only if there is a realistic chance of completing the chosen distance in under six hours. We recommend a physical examination within the past six months. We advise a stress test for those over 40 years of age participating in their first marathon.