There’s new life at the Prince Edward County Marathon. 

A 42 km PEC Marathon and 21 km Half-marathon, as welll as an Ultra 50 km marathon  will bring over 800 runners to the County this year, an increase of 200 over last year. 

As many will remember, the 2023 County Marathon suffered an unseasonable heat wave, and water was dangerously scarce on the course.

Ready to ensure a great experience for all runners, Mr. McLean has brought Pure County Bottled Water back on board as a supplier.

“It was an extremely hot day and the runners were pouring bottled water over their heads to keep cool, expecting there would be more water stations further down the route,” Mr. McLean said.

“This year, there will be copious amounts of water and Biosteel on the course. We are also bringing back five-ounce dixie cups and water stations.”

Mr. McLean has organized several road races in the Toronto area. The County is his first marathon. He is very pleased to announce that the finish line will return to Picton Main Street in 2024. Over the past couple of road races, construction on the east end of Main Street meant a winding end to the route at Gladstone St., near the grandstand entrance to the fairgrounds.

“The community support for the County Marathon has been outstanding in the past and we hope to resurrect that spirit in 2024,” said Mr. McLean.

In years past, the community outreach and support of the County Marathon has been off the charts. Local businesses would compete to volunteer at the water stations and hundreds of local residents lined County roads to cheer on the visiting runners.

Runners generally note how impressed they are at the community spirit and support of the event.

The Marathon starts on Niles St. in Wellington, loops onto Main St. and heads east on the Loyalist Parkway. After runners hear the bells of Bloomfield United Church as they sprint by, they are onto County Road 12 and into Sandbanks, where they join the half marathon.

Heading out of the park on County Road 11, the final phase turns up County Road 10 and into Picton to cross the finish line at the east end of Main Street. Motorists can expect road closures and delays along the route until 3 p.m. or later.

With watering stations and a full finish line in place, Mr. McLean is looking for about 200 volunteers to staff both. 

Those interested in volunteering for this great event can email Mr. McLean at bmclean@thecountymarathon.ca.at bmclean@thecountymarathon.ca