FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information please contact the Scotiabank Blue Nose Event Office at staff@bluenosemarathon.com

• What is the weather like in Halifax in late May?
  Because we're right on the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax's weather can change rapidly. But on average, the temperature in Halifax in late May, during the day, is 10 - 15°C. Being optimistic and hardy Maritimers, we prepare for any weather day and especially enjoy the good ones!
• Are you having events other than a full marathon?
  Yes, we host an event where runners and walkers at all levels, from beginner to elite, feel comfortable and confident. It’s that 'peoples marathon' idea. So, in addition to a full marathon, we have a half-marathon, 10K, a 5K, and a 4.2 km Youth Run. And yes, did we say that walkers are very welcome in all events. And of course, we also welcome and encourage the participation of handicap athletes and participants.
• How do I learn more about the 2 day Active Living EXPO
  Active Living EXPO is a two day consumer show featuring exhibitors focused on products and services akin to active, healthy living. Click HERE for more information.
• Are there any charitable funds raised for the community?
  Coming in March 2009 is the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, a new fundraising program featuring the YMCA Strong Kids Program and 20+ other charities.
  
  Its easy to support the charity of your choice from the Official Charity list with a new online donation system.
  
  For more info click HERE
• What do you mean by NO SWEAT REGISTRATION?
  The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon will automatically "carry forward" the participant's cancelled registration into the next race year. The Blue Nose is proud to provide this NO SWEAT REGISTRATION POLICY in lieu of refunds to current year registration fees.
• What is covered by the NO SWEAT REGISTRATION POLICY?
  For any reason, a confirmed and paid registration can be cancelled up until 5:00 p.m. ADT, Friday, May 14, 2010 for any of the five running/walking events. This includes the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k Run, 5K Run/Walk and the Youth Run.
• When does the new NO SWEAT REGISTRATION POLICY come into effect?
  The NO SWEAT REGISTRATION POLICY immediately covers all paid registrations.
• If I have to cancel my registration, what is the process?
  Contact the Blue Nose Event Office to advise us of your decision. This notice must occur before 5:00 p.m. ADT, Friday, May 14, 2010. You can contact the Event Office by email at staff@bluenosemarathon.com or telephone at (902) 496-1889 during normal business hours.
• What happens if I cancel my registration after midnight on Saturday, May 16, 2009?
  Registrations after midnight Saturday, May 16, 2009 are not eligible for a refund.
• How do I reactive my registration?
  ….simply contact the Scotiabank Blue Nose Event Office…..
• How do I contact the Scotiabank Blue Nose Event Office?
  You can contact the Event Office by telephone at 902-496-1889, by fax at 902-492-2888, by email at staff@bluenosemarathon.com or by mail at 235-1657 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3J 2A1.
• How do I register for one of the races?
  1. Online through the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon website.
  2. Print and fax or mail or deliver registrations forms that exist on the web. (Fax, mail, email and you can deliver hard copy registration forms to the Event Office).
  3. On site on Race Weekend at the WTCC (Friday, May 15 to Saturday, May 16).
  
• What is the route like?
  The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon features five different road events, which together provide the opportunity to tour through many of the historical and new sections of our seaside city. Given our local terrain, the routes are somewhat hilly and challenging, but also contain vistas which feature major urban parks, the MacDonald Bridge, cityscape lakes, harbour waterfronts, exclusive residential areas and downtown commercial centres.
• What other race related events are happening on race weekend?
  Check the "Race info and events" section of the website for all of the weekend's events.
• Is there a registration cut-off date?
  Registration by mail or fax closes May 15, 2010. For the Full, Half, 10k and 5k races, you can register up to and including Saturday, May 22. For the Youth Run, last minute registrations will be accepted until Friday May 21. Unfortunately, there is no race day registration. Your registration can be processed online (see registration), by downloading a hard copy of the registration form off the website and faxing it to the Event Office at 902-492-2888. Online registration services will be closed down effective Wednesday May 19 at 5:00pm (AST). After this date, registration can ONLY occur in person at the WTCC on Friday May 21 (11am - 8pm), Saturday May 22 (8am - 6pm).
• How can I purchase official Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon merchandise?
  We have plenty of merchandise including shirts and hats available for purchase. Take a look at what's available through our online merchandise section. Or you can purchase these items at the Power Promotions Booth in the retail area of our Active Living EXPO on Friday and Saturday, May 16-17 at the World Trade & Convention Centre.
• During the race, will there be a secure area where I can leave my personal belongings?
  Yes, there will be a secure 'bag storage area' located at 'ice level' inside the Halifax Metro Centre. Baggage storage services will open at 7:00 am on race day, Sunday May 17. Upon your to HMC, come see us again to retrieve your bag. Please bring ONLY ONE bag for storage as space is limited.
• I registered for one race and want to run another, what do I do?
  If you wish to change a registration we are happy to assist. You can change your registration up to the time you receive your registration kit on May 21 or May 22, 2010. Refunds do not apply. If you are changing a registration that requires an additional fee, that increased fee is due at the time of re-registration.
  
  ALL RACE REGISTRATION CHANGES MUST BE COMPLETED OFF LINE BY CONTACTING THE SCOTIABANK BLUE NOSE EVENT OFFICE AT staff@bluenosemarathon.com
• What accommodations are available that weekend?
  The official hotels of the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon are the Delta Halifax and the Delta Barrington, both centrally located in downtown Halifax and readily adkacent to Race Headquarters at WTCC and Halifax Metro Centre. Delta has extended a special rate for the Blue Nose Race Weekend of $125.00/night + tax, single or double accommodation. For more information on the Delta Hotels, or the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon accommodations rate, please visit www.deltahotels.com/bluenosemarathon To book your room today, please telephone toll free 1-888-423-3582 or locally in Halifax area 425-7009 and quote the booking code of BIW
• I hear East Coast music is the best. What entertainment are you planning?
  We guarantee there is no shortage of music and entertainment in Halifax. Look for an eclectic offering of various musical genres out on the race routes. And of course after the races, music will help sooth your sore muscles and joints at the Post Race Party on Sunday night. We want to make Blue Nose Race Weekend a memorable occasion for you - so you'll come back year after year!
• Where did you come up with the name Blue Nose Marathon?
  We first thought of calling it the Halifax International Marathon - just another in a long list major city marathons around the world. But we wanted to be different because, well, we are different. There's a difference to the region and to the people here. And the event we're building is not just about a marathon it's about a community of people getting together to have a great time. It's about a city that has more than a bridge and a clock tower; it has history, culture, and above all, personality. So we uncovered a story about how Nova Scotians became known as Bluenosers. Back to seafaring days when sailors and fishermen, off the coast of Nova Scotia, would wipe their runny noses on the sleeves of their navy blue, wool peacoats, the perfect substitute for a handkerchief. They would arrive back in port with their noses stained blue from the dye of their sleeves - Bluenoses. It is in their name, we run.
• How did you come up with that funny-looking character in your logo?
  That funny-looking character's name is "MYLES". If you take a close look at Myles, you'll not see an elite runner. Rather, MYLES is an ordinary, every day runner/walker, symbolizing the broad participation of our event. We also wanted a symbol that everyone, whether young or old, would see as fun.
• I can't run but would like to volunteer. How can I do that?
  Volunteers play a critically important role in the success of the Blue Nose Race Weekend and we are privileged to have such outstanding civic and community support for such a big time, world class event. We'll need lots of helpers from registration to crowd control to chip clippers. If you can assist in any way, please check the Volunteer section to view a list of available positions. We expect we'll require 1,000 volunteers to ensure a smooth operation.
• Is there any opportunity for young people to participate?
  We're hearing every day that Nova Scotian youth have among the lowest fitness levels in Canada and we are doing something about that! So we've made youth fitness a primary focus of our event. We want to raise the level of awareness among youth, and their parents, of the benefits of a healthy body and healthy mind. Together with our Youth Run sponsor, Doctors Nova Scotia, we are expanding the participation of this year's Youth event beyond the boundaries of Metropolitan Halifax and are expecting 3,000+ youth runners on Saturday May 20 for the 4.2 km run. Many schools are establishing a youth running program that will see students complete the equivalent of a full marathon. If you are aware of Elementary Schools or Junior High Schools in Nova Scotia that are interested, or ought to be interested, in a Youth Running Program, please contact Kerry Copeland, Youth Running Program Coordinator at Doctors Nova Scotia: Telephone - (902) 468-8935 ext. 278 Email - or kerry.copeland@doctorsns.com