About

The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon began with a dream - that Halifax, Nova Scotia should have its own annual marathon.  Realizing that there were many such races around the world, we came up with a unique idea. Our marathon would be part of a weekend of events promoting and celebrating healthy living and active lifestyles. As well, we would encourage everyone in our community and beyond to get involved as a volunteer, sponsor, spectator, or participant.

The first-ever Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon was held on the Victoria Day Holiday weekend in 2004. It was by all measures a success, so we planned a repeat engagement for the same weekend the following year. That one almost didn't happen, thanks to a combination of high winds, torrential rain and chilly temperatures. Yet we persevered, and an event that seemed doomed became the stuff that legends are made of.  Ask anyone who braved the elements that day.

Those hardy souls came back the next year, and many more people chose to lace up as well. Every year, the numbers grow. Today, the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is the largest marathon weekend east of Ottawa, with almost 12,000 runners and walkers expected in 2012.

Our goal from day one was to make this event all-inclusive for people of all levels and abilities. There are five running and walking categories, including a full marathon, half marathon, 10k run, 5k and a youth run. And we treat everyone, from the participants to the spectators and sponsors, like superstars.

The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon has also become a significant fundraising event in our community. Almost $1 million has been raised by 87 charities in our first 8 years. In 2012 alone, over 50 charities are expected to raise more than $600,000 in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.

The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is registered as a non-profit society in the Province of Nova Scotia.