Paddlefest Wharf to Wharf 19k

Due to Covid 19 regulations only New Brunswick runners from Zone 2 (St Stephen to Sussex) may participate in this free event.

The event takes place during Paddlefest with an entry cap of 50 runners. All runners must have proper footware (trail running shoes with good support and protection from sharp 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.

Trail running is exploding in New Brunswick partly in response to the desire to be socially distant, but also on its own merit. With our amazingly pristine and varied beaches, the St. Andrews area is ideally situated to host a Trail Run. The beaches are particularly breathtaking in their variety and topography. Running on the wide expansive beach is, in and of itself, an exercise in social distancing. Runners will have to choose their own path along the beach which is very different from running on a narrow trail with few points to pass. The mix of rock, seaweed, sand, and mud make beach running particularly challenging, yet unique.

During Paddlefest this year, we are launching this new event – the Wharf to Wharf 19k Beach Run. Athletes will start on the West side of Market Wharf, proceed up the beach to Pottery Creek, jump up onto pavement at Brandy Cove Road and proceed to Marine Science Drive. Then, crossing Bayview Drive to Cornelia St and Mowat Drive, runners would run down the Bar Road, and cross over the tidal bar to Minister’s Island.

Runners are not to go on Minister's Island at any point and must remain on the beach at all times. Runners will stay on the beach around the Island and circumnavigate it 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 about 2.5 hours. The Minister’s Island Crossover opening time on May 22 is 12:15 – and the first wave of 5 runners will start the race at the St. Andrews wharf at 12:00 noon. Runners will depart in groups of 5 at regular intervals. All runners must complete the circuit around Ministers Island and be back across the tidal bar by 17:15 due to the incoming tide.

Insurance and Safety:
Runners will need to check in by 11am for instructions and COVID screening.
All runners need to be in possession of a cellphone and have proper sturdy trail running shoes.
The St Andrews Fire Department is providing runner support with a sweep vehicle. An emergency number will be provided at the race start and cell phones are required for all runners.

Post-race refreshments will be provided by Graystone Brewing 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