About the PEI Marathon

The 20th annual Prince Edward Island Marathon supporting Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI Division weekend is October 18th – 20th, 2024. The route for the Full Marathon takes runners through the city of Charlottetown and is a Boston Qualifier.

PEI Marathon weekend is a two-day event that includes categories for every runner or walker in the family! Saturday October 19th, we offer the 10K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk, 2K Wheelchair, and Free Kids Fox Trot categories. While Sunday, October 20th will have the Marathon, Team Relay, Half Marathon Run/Walk, and 16K Run/Walk.

Hope to see you in 2024!!

Thank you,

PEI Marathon

The Prince Edward Island Marathon office is located on the the traditional and unceded territory of the Abegweit Mi’kmaq First Nation.

We honour the traditional lands and homelands of all indigenous peoples and communities across Canada, including Frist Nations, Inuit, Metis, living both on and off reserve, in rural and urban communities.

Registration – Check back soon for registration information for 2024!!

WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR REGISTRATION FEE:

• Unique Finisher’s Medal
• Atlantic Chip Sport Timing – Race Result
• Custom-designed PEI Marathon technical running shirt
• Transportation to the Start Line (Marathoners & first leg team relay runners only!)
• On Course Entertainment Course Fueling Stations (Water, Gatorade, Fruit, Gels)
• Course Amenities (Toilets & First-Aid)
• Finish Line Nutrition
• Medals & Prizes to Top Finishers in Each Event
• Downloadable Finisher’s Certificate

**Please refer to our size charts before selecting your shirt size (men’s sizing & women’s sizing)*

Race Day info

Please check back later for more information. 

Marathon Weekend Event Schedule 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

• • 12:00pm – 6:00pm – Race Kit Pick Up – The Holman Grand Hotel – this will be the only time for 5 & 10K participants to pick up their race kit.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

• 8:00 am – 10K Run – Prince St by Confederation Landing
• 8:00 am – 10K Walk – Prince St by Confederation Landing
• 8:15 am – 5K Run – Prince St by Confederation Landing
• 8:15 am – 5K Walk – Prince St by Confederation Landing
• 8:20am – Spinal Cord Injury- PEI Division 2K Wheelchair- Prince St by Confederation Landing
• 11:00am-12:00PM- Kids Fox Trot Event (@Confederation Landing)
• 12:00pm – 6:00pm Race Kit Pick up –  Holman Grand Hotel There will be no race kit pick up on race morning.
  •  

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

• 7:00 am – Full Marathon Run Start – Corner of Great George & Grafton St
• 7:00 am – Team Relay (1st Leg) Start – Corner of Great George & Grafton St
• 8:00 am – Half Marathon Run- Corner of Great George & Grafton St
• 8:00 am – Half Marathon Walk, Corner of Great George & Grafton St
• 8:00 am– 16K Run- Corner of Great George & Grafton St
• 8:00 am– 16K Walk- Corner of Great George & Grafton St
  • •  

Participant Swag

2024 PARTICIPANT T-SHIRT 

Please refer to the size charts below when choosing your shirt size. Men’s & Women’s styles are available.

2024 PARTICIPANT MEDALS  

Age Category Medals 

Please don’t forget to pick up the age category medals at the end of the race. There will be no Awards Ceremony for 2023 please go to the awards table after the race to claim your prize. 

2023 Award Winners

2023 Age Class Winners 

Age Limitations

Age Limitation Chart:

*Parents/Guardians are still required to sign the registration form for all participates aged 18 or under. Effective since 2012.

For youth considering running or walking the 10K or over, please consider the following before registering for an event. 

1. Do I have five to six days a week available for training?
2. Am I going to run/walk the race or run the entire distance?
3. What are my time/race goals? Do I just want to finish standing up or run a sub-4 hour marathon?
4. Am I mentally ready to run the distance, and even more importantly, am I physically conditioned for the training and race?

   We strongly recommend that anyone considering a half marathon or further distance checks with their doctor before starting the training.

2024 Pace Bunnies

Rules & Regulations

Registration Policies

Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

Deferral: If for unforeseen circumstances participants are unable to participate in the event for which they registered, they may defer their registration for the same race to the following year. This deferral is valid only until the next race event (the following year). The deadline to defer is September 29th, 2023.

Participants who opt to switch to race categories with a higher fee structure will be required to pay for differences in race fees. Participants will not be reimbursed if they switch to a race category of a lower fee structure. Switching of race categories is permitted during the Prince Edward Island Marathon Race Weekend, with the same rules as above.

Age Restrictions: As of race day, all participants shall fall within the following age categories for eligibility in the Prince Edward Island Marathon Race Weekend.

Full Marathon

• – under 16 : not eligible
• – 16 – 18 : eligible with parental/guardian consent
• – 18 + : eligible

Half Marathon:

• – under 14 : not eligible
• – 14 – 16 : eligible with parental/guardian consent
• – 16 + : eligible

* Parents/Guardians must sign the Letter of Consent for participants who fall within the restricted age limit. Parents/Guardians are urged to ensure that the health and safety requirements of youth participants is paramount upon signing the Letter of Consent. Event organizers reserve the right to require proof of age, and to deny entry into any of the races during the Prince Edward Island Marathon Race Weekend.

Liability Disclaimer: Participants shall assume all liability for risk of direct or indirect injury, loss, damage, or death as a consequence of their participation in any of the races during the Prince Edward Island Marathon Race Weekend. Prince Edward Island Marathon Inc. assumes no liability in respect to the state or condition of the surface upon which the event is held and all participants shall ensure that they are satisfied with the state and condition of the surface of the route before commencing the event.

Course Policies

• Course Hours: Traffic control, health and safety volunteers, and race officials will start to vacate the course as the last runner passes by or six (6) hours after the start, whichever comes first. Anyone who continues to run on the course after the six (6) hour time limit will be doing so at his/her own risk.

• Course Closure: During the Prince Edward Island Marathon Weekend, routes for each race are closed while each race is in progress. Routes are monitored for safety and security by police, course marshals, and Prince Edward Island Marathon officials. Participants are still encouraged to heed caution.

• Restricted Items: Bicycles, inline skates, rollerblades, scooters, pets (animals), and Segways are banned in every race category.

• Use of Strollers: Strollers are permissible in all race categories under the condition that they are positioned at the back of the start group.

• Use of Wheelchairs: The Prince Edward Island Marathon course is not fully wheelchair accessible. Subsequently, the Prince Edward Island Marathon Inc. does not sanction the use of wheelchairs on the marathon course. Should a participant wish to pursue using a wheelchair on the Marathon course, he or she will require the support of another able- bodied person, and that person must also be a registered participant in the Prince Edward Island Marathon. Please see our Liability Disclaimer above.

• Participant support: Participants receiving nutrition or pacing support from unregistered runners will be disqualified from the event. If participants choose to have a support person aiding them at any point during the race, that support person must also be a registered participant in the event.

Other Policies

• Weather: The Race Director reserves the right to cancel or modify any component of the Prince Edward Island Marathon Weekend in consideration of extremely adverse weather conditions or other health or safety factors that pose an imminent threat to participants or volunteers. In the unlikely event of cancellation, registered participants will be entitled to defer their current registration to the following year’s entry fee.

• Use of Image: By entering this event, participants give permission for the free use of his/her name, voice, or picture in any broadcast, marketing, promotion, or other medium in relation to any Prince Edward Island Marathon activity.

• Unforeseen Circumstances: If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Prince Edward Island Marathon Weekend is cancelled or modified, the entire liability of Prince Edward Island Marathon Inc. is limited to the registration fee only. Prince Edward Island Marathon Inc. will not cover any further costs and/or expenses incurred by participants.

Water & Nutrition Stops

2024 Nutrition Brands & Flavours 

Item                         Brand                                                 Flavour 

Gels                        Hammer Gels & GU Energy                 Chocolate & Vanilla

Sports Drink            Gatorade                                                TBA

Fruit                         Bananas 

Chocolate Milk        

Chocolate Milk – The Official Recovery Beverage of the PEI Marathon!     

2024 Nutrition Chart

Parking and Traffic

Parking

• We are asking all participants to please help us by not parking close to the Churches in downtown Charlottetown on Sunday morning October 20th. We try to help protect those parking spots for parishioners attending their Church service on Sunday morning.
• Some suggested places to park are, the Government parking lot, the Policlinic, Confederation Landing Park, the Queens Parkade and the Confederation Court Mall Parkade. Thanks!

Traffic

• Sherwood Rd. between Brackley Point Rd. and Route #2 from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
• University Ave. between Kirkwood Ave. and Grafton St. from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm.
• Grafton St. from Queen St. to Church St., and University Ave. from Kent to Grafton St., will be closed from 5:00 am to 3:00 pm to host the finish area and once again to ensure the safety of all participants.

PARKING & TRAFFIC NOTICE for October 19-20th, 2024:

PARKING: There will be NO PARKING signs put in place on Prince Street from Euston St. to King St. to discourage Marathon participants, families, and friends from parking there. Volunteers will be in place along the downtown route to make sure that only churchgoers park near church areas. Parking in no parking zones is at your own risk and you might be towed.

TRAFFIC: Residents and visitors might experience some traffic delays across PEI on Sunday, October 20, due to the number of participants on the roads and highways as we prepare for their safety.

On Saturday Oct. 19, full road closures will be in effect in the following areas:

• Water St Between Prince St and Havalind from 7:00am – 11:00am
• Havalind/Rochford St. from 7:00am – 11:00am
• Victoria Park Roadway from 7:00 am – 10:30am

On Sunday Oct. 20, full road closures will be in effect in the following areas:

• Water St Between Prince St and Havalind from 7:00am – 11:00am
• Havalind/Rochford St. from 7:00am – 11:00am
• Victoria Park Roadway from 7:00 am – 10:30am

On Sunday Oct. 20, full road closures will be in effect in the following areas:

• Sherwood Road between Brackley Point Rd. and Route #2 from 7 am to 12 pm
• University Ave. between Kirkwood Ave. and Grafton Street from 7 am to 1 pm
• Grafton St. from 2 am to 3 pm to host the finish area and ensure the safety of participants and the general public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when can you pick up your Race Kits?

Race Kit Pick up will be held at The Holman Grand Hotel (123 Grafton St, Charlottetown, PEI) on October 18th and 19th. The times for kit pick up are 12:00pm to 6:00pm on both days. The only time for 5 & 10K participants to pick up their race kits is Friday October 18th, 12:00pm to 6:00pm. There will be no race kit pick up on the morning of the events.  

Can a friend/family member pick up my race kit?

Yes, a friend or family member can pick up your race kit for you.  

Is there a registration cutoff date?

Online registration as well as mail/fax in registrations closes on October 18th at noon. If you miss registration before these times, on-site registration will be available at the marathon headquarters on October 13th and 14th. Last day to defer your registration is September 27th, 2024 at 11:59PM (AST).

How can I register for one of the races?

1. Register online by clicking the registration link and race category.
2. Print off our registration form available on the registration page and fax it to (902) 368-4548 or mail it to: PEI Marathon, 40 Enman Crescent – Room 220, Charlottetown, PE, C1E 1E6. 
3. Onsite registration is available on October 13th and 14th at race headquarters, The Delta Prince Edward, 18 Queen St. 

Is there a price for youth?

Yes, in 2018, we introduced a youth rate for our 5km run or walk and our 10km run or walk categories. The age for youth is 17 & under. To register check out the registration link.

Are strollers allowed in the event?

Yes, strollers are permissible in all race categories under the condition that they are positioned at the back of the start group.

I registered for one race but would like to switch to another, what do I do?

Your registration can be changed when you come to pick up your registration kit. If you are switching to a category which is more expensive you will be required to pay the difference. However, if you are switching to a category which is less expensive no refund will be provided, sorry. The transfer cut-off is Monday, September 27th, 2024. If you decide to change categories after this date it must be done at race headquarters when you register.

Please be reminded, there are no refunds for any registration.

What is the Virtual Category?

The PEI Marathon Virtual categories provides you with the chance to participate in the event without the need to travel. The Virtual Categories can be completed anytime, anywhere, however, if the participants would like their results to appear on our official virtual results page. More information about how to submit your results will be sent via email. All participants will receive a participant package (Medal & Bib) by mail prior to the event. 

If I need to cancel my registration, what is the process?

If you are unable to participate in your registered race, we will transfer your registration to the following year if notified before Friday September 27th, 2024 at 11:59PM (AST). Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any refunds.

Is there a cap on any of the categories?

More information coming soon

What is the weather like in Charlottetown in mid October?

The surrounding waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the north and the Northumberland Strait to the south moderate the Island’s weather. Early autumn in the Island is characterized as clear and bright. Mornings are usually cool, while afternoons can be quite warm. Typically, the weather on race day has been between 5 – 15°C.

Can I use the PEI Marathon to qualify for Boston?

Yes, you can use the PEI Marathon’s Full Marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier. 

Gun vs Chip Timing – What’s the Difference?

Official Time or Gun Time is the time from when the race starts (gun/horn goes off) to when you cross the finish line mat (a chip records your personal finish time). Official Time is used by organizations like IAAF, Athletics Canada, USATF, and AIMS and International Awards standards.
Official Time is important for competitive runners – that’s why they like to be right up front. They can keep an eye on each other from the word go!

Chip time – think of it as your own personal time. Chip time starts when you cross the mat and activate your chip, and it stops when you cross the finish line mat. It helps when there are a few thousand people ahead of you. You can find out your exact walking or running time.

Are participant massages available?

No, there will be no massages available for 2024. 

What events are specifically for walkers?

We have many events which are in for walkers only including:

• Half Marathon Walk
• 10K Walk
• 5K Walk

All walkers will be timed and ranked according to age/sex categories. When registered in a walking category please keep in mind that running/jogging is not permitted and will result in disqualification. It is permitted to walk in a running category, but you CANNOT RUN if entered in a walking category.

What are the routes like?

The routes can be described as mainly flat and fast. The full marathon, half-marathoner, 10K and 5K participants will start their race in downtown Charlottetown making a loop through the city. Province House National Historic Site will beckon all runners and walkers to the finish line.

During the race is there a secure location I can leave my personal belongings?

Baggage check will only be available this year for Marathon participants. More details to follow as the event gets closer.  

Is there medical support during the race?

Yes, there is on-site medical support, via personnel and vehicle support, both throughout the course and at the finish line. Each year, we continue to enhance the level of medical support provided to ensure your health and safety.

Should I get Travel Insurance?

We do recommend that if you are travelling from out-of-province, that you obtain your own travel insurance to cover additional medical expenses, should you incur any.

I would like to volunteer, how do I register?

We require around 250 volunteers to make the Marathon Weekend a success. Please click the following link to sign up Volunteer Registration (opening soon).

What events are youth eligible to participate in?

The Kids For Trot, on Saturday, October 14th is a free & fun event. It is 400m (ages 0-6) and 800m (ages 7-14) run around the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place – Track for ages 0 – 14. The 5K Run & Walk takes place on Saturday, October 14th at the same start line as the 10K. Youth can register for the other categories as long as a parent or guardian will be running with them (as a registered participant) and sign the child’s registration form.

Where can I purchase official PEI Marathon merchandise?

We have a variety of crested items, shoe laces, running hats, toques, scarves, t-shirt, sweaters, jackets and much more! We also have an online store selling many other PEI Marathon crested apparel and accessories. Click here for Merchandise Page 

Can I get support from someone not running?

Participants receiving nutrition or pacing support from unregistered runners will be disqualified from the event. If participants choose to have a support person aiding them at any point during the race, that support person must also be a registered participant in the event.

Can I use the PEI Marathon to raise money for a charity?

The PEI Marathon’s official charity is the Canadian Mental Health Association of PEI. You can donate or start a fundraising campaign online during your registration process. Click here for more information about how you can fundraise.

Will there be parking available at the start line? At the finish line?

The start & finish line, there are 2 parkades (Queen St & Fitzroy) near the Confederation Center. We highly encourage everyone to park at the parkades instead of the street. (The parkades are free on weekends!). Check out our interactive maps here to see available parking as well as road closures.

What do the PEI Marathon proceeds go towards?

The PEI Marathon is a non-profit event that takes all the proceeds and puts them right back into the event to make it bigger and better for the next year. The PEI Marathon has helped local groups raise over $50,000 through various fundraising initiatives. 

What are shirt sizes like?

Running shirts are available in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes. The women’s shirts are more fitted than the men’s. Please try to estimate your shirt size accordingly. The size chart can be found on the registration page.

Can I switch my t-shirt size when I pick up my race kit?

The size you ordered with your registration is the only size we can pass out until Saturday, October 14th at 6:00pm. After that, you can switch to a different size depending on availability.

Is there a cut off time for the Marathon course?

There is no official cut off time, however, traffic control, health and safety volunteers, and race officials will start to vacate the course as the last runner passes by or six (6) hours after the start, whichever comes first. Anyone who continues to run on the course after the six (6) hour time limit will be doing so at his/her own risk.

Are dogs allowed in the event?

Due to the large number of participants that we have, we do not allow dogs in any of the PEI Marathon event categories. If you are traveling to PEI with your dog, there are many great boarding options available to take your dog in for the day. Click here to see a list. 

Course Records

PEI Marathon Male & Female Course Records