2009 Race Information
Start Times
11 October 2009
8:30 am (Marathon & Half Marathon)
9:00 am (5km Fun Run)
For runners who will take more than 5 hours to complete the marathon distance, a 7:30 am start time is 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.
The Course
View / download complete course maps (PDF, 1.3 MB)
Full/Half Map: quick web view (JPEG, 165 KB)
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, but mostly flat 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!
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 2008? Read the Testimonials...
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 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Max Temp 15°C 15°C 19°C 14°C 16°C Min Temp 5°C 11°C 8°C 7°C 11°C Precip. 0mm 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.
Finisher Medals
You asked for them, you've got them! Beginning in 2008, all marathon and half marathon finishers will receive a Valley Harvest Marathon medal. For those of you do not collect medals we will provide a recycle box so medals can be used for future years.
Race Photos
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)
There will be no prizes/medals for the 5km fun run. It is in the spirit of participation.
Post Race Reception and Awards Ceremony
There will be a post race reception starting at 11:00 am. Help yourself to healthy snacks while you browse shoe expos and sponsor booths. 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 10, 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.