Annual Stewart McKelvey Fredericton Marathon Race Weekend
The Stewart McKelvey Fredericton Marathon Race Weekend begins and ends at Queen Square in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Runners cross the Saint John River approximately 1.5 km into the course. This event is an annual road race held in mid-May and stands as New Brunswick's oldest annual marathon, with origins dating back to 1979. The primary marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. The weekend also includes a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K, youth runs (1 km or 3 km) for ages 5 to 14, and a 5K student challenge for high school participants. The Capital City Road Runners, a local running club, hosts the event. The course consists of paved and gravel trails alongside the Nashwaak River. Turnarounds are used to segment the different race distances. 5K participants return shortly after the river crossing, 10K runners turn around in Marysville, and half marathon and marathon runners proceed to approximately 10.25 km before turning back. Half marathoners complete one loop, while marathoners run the loop twice. The race attracts individuals aiming for Boston qualifying times, alongside local club runners, students, children, and participants in shorter races. Canadian Running Magazine noted Fredericton as having the highest rate of Boston qualifying performances in Canada and subsequently named it the “Best Boston Qualifier.” Fredericton has also participated in New Brunswick race challenges, where medals from various events can be combined to form larger Tri-City or New Brunswick Challenge medallions.
