Race Information
Start Time
12 October 2008 at 8:30 am
For runners who will take more than 5 hours to complete the distance, a 7:15 am start time is available upon advanced request (but not required). Race numbers for 7:15 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
TBA for 2008. Portable toilets will be available near the race start.
The Course
Starting at one of the most picturesque university campuses in Canada, 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, but mostly flat terrain, as you take in the splendour of the Valley during our Autumn Harvest. 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.
Maps updated Sep 6/08:
Download Half Marathon Map (340 KB) |
Download Full Marathon Map (320 KB)
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 October 12 for the past 4 years in nearby Kentville, NS (closest weather station, data from Environment Canada):
Year 2007 2006 2005 2004 Max Temp 15°C 19°C 14°C 16°C Min Temp 11°C 8°C 7°C 11°C Precip. 27mm 18mm 0mm 14mm
Finisher Certificates
Full Marathon participants, who complete the course, will be mailed a completion certificate. Full marathon results will be sent to the Boston Marathon Committee, allowing participants to use this event as a Boston Marathon qualifying race.
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)
Post Race Reception and Awards Ceremony
There will be a post race reception starting at 11:00 am. The Awards Ceremony for the Half Marathon will be at 11:30 am. Ceremonies for the Full Marathon will be at 1:30 pm. Guests of runners are invited to the reception and awards ceremony.
Pasta Dinners
There will be pasta dinners on Saturday, October 11, at many locations in Wolfville. Go pub-fare or upscale in many of the town's fine dining establishments. Cost not included with registration. All invited.
The following local restaurants will host Marathon Pasta Specials on the evening before the marathon. Please contact the restaurants for further details.
- Front Street Cafe, Front Street, 902-542-4097
- Paddy's Brew Pub, Main Street, 902-542-0059
- Library Pub, 472 Main Street, 902-542-4315
- Acton's Cafe, 406 Main Street, 902-542-7525
- The Port Pub, 980 Terry's Creek Rd (Port Williams), 902-542-5555
- Joe's Food Emporium, 434 Main Street, 902-542-3033
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.