May 17 at 16:00 (Atlantic Time)
- 19km $45.00 (members only)
- 19km $50.00 (non-members only)
- 11km $40.00 (non-members only)
- 11km $35.00 (members only)
The event takes place during Paddlefest with an provisional entry cap of 100 runners (25 spots and a waitlist added on April 24th).
(NOTE: There is a 19km course which includes a loop around Minister's Island and a shorter 11km option which does not cross the bar to the island)
All runners must have proper footwear (trail running shoes with good support and protection from rocks and to provide traction on the slippery surfaces) and must carry a cell phone in case of emergency on the remote sections of this challenging course.
With our amazingly pristine and varied beaches, the St. Andrews area is ideally situated to host a Trail Run. Runners will have to choose their own path along the beach and the wide expanse of beach at the start will allow for self-seeding in the first mile. The mix of rock, seaweed, sand, and mud make beach running particularly challenging, yet unique. Poles or a piece of driftwood come in very handy. (Old hockey sticks with the blades cut off work great!)
As part of Paddlefest each year, this event – the Wharf to Wharf 19k Beach Run (or the newer 11km Mayor's shortcut option) will take place at times dictated by the outgoing/incoming tide. Athletes will start on the West side of Market Wharf, proceed on the beach for the first mile to Pottery Creek, then jump up onto pavement for the next 2 miles from Brandy Cove Road to Marine Science Drive. Then, crossing Bayview Drive to Cornelia St and Mowat Drive, runners would run down the Bar Road, and starting at mile 3, cross over the tidal bar to Minister’s Island. The remainder of the run is entirely on the beach. Beach Maps provided at start, with on course officials at any intersection where you might lose your way.
Once on Minister's Island, runners will stay on the beach circumnavigate the tidal island in a clockwise direction. When they have run the perimeter of Ministers Island and return to the mainland, they will stay on the beach and continue south to the St Andrews Point and peninsula until they arrive back at the East side of the Wharf near the starting location.
The total distance is around 19km and takes an average of about 2.0-3.0 hours, with the 11k option taking less time. The Minister’s Island Crossover opening time on May 18 is expected to be about 1:00 pm. Runners will depart in a mass start this year. All runners must complete the circuit around Ministers Island and be back across the tidal bar by 5:00 pm due to the incoming tide. Runners who don't make it before the incoming tide will be stranded on the island for 6 hours (or they can call in and be rescued by boat :)
Insurance and Safety:
Runners will need to check in by 1:00 pm for instructions.
All runners need to be in possession of a cellphone and have proper sturdy trail running shoes.
The St Andrews Fire Department and Charlotte County Ground Search and Rescue are providing runner support with a sweep vehicle and boat rescue services if needed. An emergency number will be provided at the race start and cell phones are required for all runners.
Post-race refreshments will be sponsored by our good friends at the Saint Andrews Brewing Company at the end of the race.
Here is a link for the run: https://fastestknowntime.com/route/st-andrews-ministers-island-beach-run-nb-canada
Here are links for the last three years results:
2021: https://events.runnb.ca/results/paddlefest-wharf-to-wharf-19k/1587/
2022: https://events.runnb.ca/results/paddlefest-wharf-to-wharf-19k/1638/
2023: https://events.runnb.ca/results/paddlefest-wharf-to-wharf-19k-11k/1706/
Kurt Gumushel
kurtgumushel@hotmail.com
Phone: 506-466-8388
Michael Power
powermj@nbnet.nb.ca
Ian Covey
iancovey28@gmail.com
* All prices in CAD $