FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

• 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. Its that 'peoples marathon' idea. So, in addition to a full marathon, we have a half-marathon, 10K, a 5K, a 4.2 km Youth Run, and a 10 person Team Relay. This year we are excited that Nordic Walkers are becoming involved in significant numbers. In future years, we plan to add other events to increase the level of participation and involvement. 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.
• Are any charitable funds being raised for the community?
  Haligonians are very generous when it comes to raising money. And the Blue Nose International Marathon is no different. As part of our commitment to give back to the community, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth are the "official charity" of the Blue Nose Marathon. Funds raised through sponsors, Relay team registration fees, and pledges through the Team Relay, go to the YMCA for their Strong Kids Program. In three years, almost $125,000 has been raised. The Head Shoppe, as the Relay sponsor, are also a major driving force in the growth and success of this fundraising program. New for 2007, runners/walkers in ANY event can now also take pledges for the YMCA Strong Kids Program. The option is available through the online registration system.
• What do you mean by NO SWEAT REGISTRATION?
  Blue Nose International Marathon will automatically "Carry forward" the participant's cancelled registration into the 2008 race year. The Blue Nose is proud to provide this NO SWEAT REISTRATION 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 to midnight, Sunday May 13, 2007 for any of the six running/walking events..The Full Marathon, The Half Marathon, the 10k Run, the 5K Run, the Youth Run or the Team Relay.
• 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 midnight Sunday May 11, 2008. The Event Office contacts are: Email: info@bluenosemarathon.com Tel (902) 496-1889 during normal business hours
• What happens if I cancel after midnight Sunday May 11, 2008?
  Registrations after Sunday May 11 are subject to a NO REFUND policy.
• How do I re-activate my registration for 2008?
  If you selected the NO SWEAT REGISTRATION opportunity in 2007, simply contact the Blue Nose Event Office.
• How do I contact the Blue Nose Event Office?
  Phone 902-496-1889 Fax 902-425-3180 Email info@bluenosemarathon.com Address 1565 South Park Street, Halifax NS B3J 2L2
• How do I register for one of the races?
  Ways you can register:
  1. Online through the BN web at any time.
  2. Print and fax or mail or deliver registrations forms that exist on the web. (Fax, mail, deliver hard copies to BN office at YMCA).
  3. On site on Race Weekend at the WTCC (Fri May 16-Sat May 17).
• I hear there are new venues/locations in 2008?
  Yes, after a one year hiatus, Blue Nose Marathon is delighted to be returning to the World Trade & Convention Centre and the Halifax Metro Centre for almost all activities. Click here to see the current schedule of events.
• What is the route like?
  The Blue Nose features 6 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. Something to keep the interest of any runner/walker.
• What other race-related events are going on that 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 7, 2008. For the Full-Half-10k-5k, Team Relay races, you can register up to and including Saturday, May 17. For the Youth Run, last minute registrations will be accepted on Friday May 16. 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 902-425-3180. Online registration services will be closed down effective Wednesday May 14 at 8:00pm (atlantic time). After this date, registration can ONLY occur in person at the WTCC on Friday May 16 (11am - 6pm), Saturday May 17 (9am - 5pm), or Sunday May 18 (7am - 8am)
• How can I purchase official Blue Nose International 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 Come to life EXPO on Friday and Saturday, May 18-19 at SMU Tower Fieldhouse and at the Post Race Mixer and the Post Race Party on Sunday, May 20.
• During the race, will there be a secure area where I can leave my personal belongings?
  Yes, there will be a secure area where you can leave personal belongings located at or near to the start/finish line the Halifax Metro Centre . Baggage storage services will open at 7:00 am on race day, Sunday May 18.
• 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 16th or 17th. For registration changes that require a refund to the participant, refunds will be issued before June 30, 2008. Of course, if you are changing a registration that requires an additional fee, that increased fee is due at the time of the re-registration.
  
  IMPORTANT - ALL RACE REGISTRATION CHANGES MUST BE COMPLETED OFF LINE BY CONTACTING THE BLUE NOSE EVENT OFFICE AT info@bluenosemarathon.com
• What accommodations are available that weekend?
  The official hotel of the Blue Nose International Marathon is the Delta Halifax. The Delta Halifax 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 Halifax, or the Blue Nose International Marathon accommodations rate, please visit http://www.deltahotels.com/halifax/bluenosemarathon/ To book your room today at the Delta Halifax, 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 get the name: Blue Nose International 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 900-1000 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