On the Run: P.E.I. Marathon weekend just around the corner

Published on September 14, 2011

Here we are again. The BMO Nesbit Burns Island Marathon weekend is quickly approaching and scheduled for weekend of Oct. 14-16. Over the coming weeks we will attempt to give some helpful tips, hints and viewpoints on training, nutrition, gear and course information. We will also keep you abreast of highlights, improvements and any schedule changes for the marathon weekend.

In the articles that follow we will look at information and suggestions that may help you through the final stages of your training for any of the marathon events you may decide to compete and complete. Whether your goal is to complete your first run or walk, improve your time from a previous race, to qualify for the Boston Marathon or increase your distance we will have something to help with your goal. While the focus of these articles will be mainly for the beginning and intermediate runner and walker, we should be able to provide some useful tips and hints for the more experience runner.

Let’s start with an over view of the events for this year’s marathon weekend. The P.E.I. Potato Industry Kids Spud Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Driving Park. Registration for this event can be made in advance online on the P.E.I. Marathon website, at the race expo on Oct. 14 or at the driving park from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. before the race.

The MRSB Marathon and Browns Volkswagen Corporate Relay will begin Sunday, Oct. 16 at 8 a.m. sharp from the Brackley Beach National Park entrance.

The Ben’s Smart 5k run and walk, the Tourism Charlottetown 10 k run, the Egg Producers of Prince Edward Island 10 k walk, the Gemini Screen Print half marathon walk along with the Dairy Farmers of Canada half marathon run will begin Sunday, Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. from the intersection of Queen and Grafton Streets in Charlottetown.

There are no changes to the race course routes for this year’s events or for any of the transition points for the corporate team relay.

You can take advantage of a price break by registering in advance online on the marathon website listed below. We apologize but with the exception of the kids run there will be no race day registrations accepted.

There are two important changes for this year’s marathon weekend. The Race Expo, race kit pickup and onsite registration will be held Friday, Oct. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For these venues, we will be returning to the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Secondly, this year’s pasta dinner with be located at the Murphy’s Community Centre, Saturday, Oct. 15 from 4-7 p.m. Don’t forget the speakers series to be held on Saturday at the Expo from 12 to 2 p.m. Last but not least, the awards for the 5 and 10 k events will be held on Sunday at 12 p.m. and the final awards ceremony for the half and full marathon from 2:30 to 3:30. If you need additional information, please consult the marathon website at http://www.princeedwardislandmarathon.com.

In next week’s article, we will be taking a look at how to tweak your training plans to get the most out of your race efforts. Good luck with you training.

Doug MacEachern is chair of course logistics for the BMO Nesbitt Burns P.E.I. Marathon. For questions about training, contact him at info@princeedwardislandmarathon.com