Medavie Blue Nose Marathon 2026

The Medavie Blue Nose Marathon takes place in Halifax each May, with the 2026 edition scheduled for May 15, 2026. Organized by Blue Nose Marathon — a community-based, volunteer-driven non-profit born in 2004 — the event has grown from a single marathon into a city-wide Victoria Day weekend festival that celebrates running across Halifax and Dartmouth.

Race weekend spreads across multiple days and includes a two-day Active Living Expo. Distances cover a broad range: 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, a marathon team relay, and Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run options of 2KM and 4KM. The Expo serves as the central participant hub and historically hosts race kit pick-up at the Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth.

What sets Blue Nose apart is its community focus. More than 1,000 volunteers staff the weekend, and the Giv’er Charity Challenge engages over 80 charities — a program that has raised more than $6.2 million to date. The Expo brings more than 80 booths that promote active living, and the organization has highlighted sustainability through formal reporting and certification milestones in recent years, underlining a commitment to responsible event practice.

Runners and walkers who need flexibility will find transfer and deferral options: transfers and No Sweat deferrals are available through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, subject to published fees. Participants with questions about transfers, deferrals or support person arrangements can contact Blue Nose Marathon staff ahead of race weekend.