Next race
Sunday, 23 May 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
The Blue Nose Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on an urban road in Halifax, Canada. The race leans into Halifax's rugged harbor-city topography rather than hiding it. The route passes harbor roads, Citadel-area hills, and Atlantic-city neighborhoods. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Blue Nose Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 1,500 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes in downtown Halifax. The route passes harbor roads, Citadel-area hills, and Atlantic-city neighborhoods. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Blue Nose Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 60 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
The Blue Nose Marathon uses open online registration at bluenosemarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Halifax / Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
27 km / 17 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Halifax.
The Fredericton Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each May on a river city road in Fredericton, Canada. The river setting gives it a relaxed small-capital feel. The route passes riverside paths, bridge approaches, and calm New Brunswick roads. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027
The Marathon Beneva de Quebec draws approximately 2,500 finishers each October on a historic urban road in Quebec City, Canada. The walled-city backdrop gives it one of North America's strongest historic settings. The route passes the St. Lawrence, old-city fortifications, and broad roads above the river. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
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Cheap Marathon draws approximately 550 finishers each April on a scenic road in Derry, United States. Millennium Running's flat rail-trail marathon ranks among the nation's top Boston-qualifier percentages with a time-trial start. The flat out-and-back course uses the Windham and Derry Rail Trail for two marathon loops. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 3 April 2027
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and the only major requiring qualification for most runners. Starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street, the course features the challenging Heartbreak Hill and legendary New England crowd support. It is the pinnacle race for competitive amateur marathoners.
Next race: Monday, 19 April 2027
The Manchester City Marathon draws approximately 572 finishers each November on an urban road in Manchester, United States. New Hampshire's largest marathon is Millennium Running's Queen City Boston qualifier through the state's biggest city. The course tours Manchester's Millyard, North End, Merrimack River crossings, and Goffstown Rail Trail connectors. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026
The Baystate Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier favourite, drawing about 1,700 finishers each October on a fast point-to-point from Lowell to Chelmsford through northeastern Massachusetts. The net-downhill course follows the Merrimack River valley with cool October New England weather. It is one of the fastest autumn marathons in the northeastern United States.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
