Legend has it, back in the age of sail when the sea was at the core of our existence, mariners would arrive in the port of Halifax with noses stained blue by the dye of their peacoat sleeves – the perfect substitute for a handkerchief. It is in their name we run. Blue Nose.

The Emera Blue Nose Marathon began with a dream – that Halifax, Nova Scotia have its own annual marathon. Realizing that there were many 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, be it as a runner, walker, or Nordic walker.

The Blue Nose Marathon, known as ‘the people’s marathon’, is the signature event of Blue Nose. This event welcomes all ages, abilities and fitness levels traditionally occurring annually on Victoria Day weekend*. Blue Nose Marathon is a community based and volunteer-driven organization.

With the help of more than 1,000 volunteers, there are six running events (5KM, 10KM, half marathon, full marathon, marathon team relay, youth run-4KM and 2KM) taking place during the Victoria Day weekend every year. There is also an Active Living Expo that spans two days with more than 80 booths. The Giv’er Charity Challenge has grown to over 80 charities that collectively have raised more than $500,000.

Along with the Emera Blue Nose Marathon, Blue Nose also owns and operates four additional running and walking events across Nova Scotia, including the Valley Harvest Marathon, Not Since Moses, The Night Owl 5KM and Beat Beethoven.

Who We Are

Blue Nose Marathon was born and bred by Nova Scotians in 2004 – taking place in the City of Halifax. Blue Nose was founded in 2004 by community leaders Gerry Walsh and Rod McCulloch, who dreamed of a world-class running event that would showcase the beauty of Halifax and Dartmouth. “In the first year, we had 3,500 registrants – and we thought that was pretty good,” said Walsh. “Little did we know that Blue Nose would experience double-digit growth in most years, reaching 13,000 in 2014.”

Co-Founders, Gerry Walsh (left) and Rod McCulloch (right)

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

In 2015, the founding co-chairs Rod McCulloch and Gerry Walsh, recruited a Board of Directors for the Blue Nose Marathon organization to ensure our continued success as a safe, fun, social and well-governed event in years to come. The board of directors is now comprised of a team of people with a variety of backgrounds; community leaders who have specialist knowledge in community engagement, finance, legal, HR, sponsorship, health & wellness, operations, marketing, technology, risk management and /or governance. The inaugural board of directors was appointed in September of 2015.

Board of Directors

Christine Pound, Chair

Jane Elise Bates, Vice Chair

Larry MacEachern, Past Chair

Jennifer LaPlante, Treasurer

Glenda Barrett, Secretary

Juanita Spencer

Jarvis Googoo

Mary Navas

Allan Ferguson

Staff

Owned by the community and driven by volunteers the Blue Nose Marathon has six full time staff.

Sherri Robbins, Executive Director

Rochelle Locke, Director, Sponsorship & Expo

Kelly Hudson, Director, Development

Jessica Theriault, Manager, Volunteers

Marshall Colaiacovo, Manager, Marketing & Communications

MacKenzie LeBlanc, Participant Services Coordinator