The Run
What: Once or twice each summer on a weekend, the sea parts in the Minas Basin of Nova Scotia, dropping in six hours from 15 meters to nearly zero. When that happens, we start running. This year the 5K course loops out and back from Sand Point in Five Islands while the 10K course starts at Soley Cove and finishes with the 5k at Sand Point.
This year local volunteer fire brigades will cook food for entrants and volunteers. Music will include fiddlers and a bag pipe or two. The poetry gathering, started softly last year, will bloom prominently this year.
And for kids: The Basket Run, sponsored by Merrell Canada with courses of from 100 to 500 meters along the shore, in sight of parents and cheering supporters. Entrants ($5 fee) get a medal to hang on their proud mud splattered chests.
Where: At the spectacular vista of Five's Islands's Sand Point, two hours north of Halifax, one hour from Sackville NB. Sand Point is directly across from the Provincial Park, last year's start and finish but Sand Point is far better: indoor registration, beautiful views, alcohol allowed (not sold), electricity, room for our barbeque, all in one grassy knoll. And the parking is easy this year, beginning right at the headquarters area and stretching out along a wide road with a great view as you walk in. Parking for 10k entrants will be on a ball field in Five Islands, as explained to the entrants.
When: Sunday July 3rd. The 5k and 10k start at 8:30 am. The Basket Run starts at 10:30.
Cost: $50 includes shirt, hot food, water on the course, (delivered by boat at high tide and dropped with anchors, yes this run is different, that's for sure), music, party, freshly written poetry. No refunds but if you cancel before the day of the event, your fee will be carried over to next year and you will be guaranteed entrance to the run.
Prizes: $100 to first place male and female finishers in the 5k and 10k; $75 to second places; and $50 for third places. The first place winners' names will be engraved on the Not Since Moses trophy at Mo's, the community gathering center.
Lodging: Inns along the shore including in Parrsboro, 20 minutes away from the start. Camping available nearby including Five Islands Provincial Park.
Volunteers: We are helpless without volunteers. This is an intense event, very odd and and our need for volunteers is critical, for safety and for guidance and spreading the joy.
If you or someone you know can help out the day of the run, please sign up online. You get a free shirt and food and will have so much fun you will wonder why everyone doesn't volunteer.
Supporting Local Schools: To tell you the truth, a bit in shame, we don't make much excess on this event. The entry fee is high but we want the run to be right so our costs are high. if you do really appreciate what we do, please add something to your registration fee. That is deductible as a gift to The Fundy Fund, a registered charity.
Again this year, with the donations you make and the net cash from the run, we feed the community needs along the Fundy Shore, including a special program to fund up to $500 for any project proposed by a classroom teacher or staff member which would not be funded by the school itself. That program will be continued and expanded. We have organized Skill School, a program which lets anyone with a skill teach it to others in the area, how ever and where ever and when ever they want, so long as it is free.
