Join us on August 10, 2024 on our beautiful island for the very first Campobello Coastal Challenge!
This event is the joint effort of Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Herring Cove Provincial Park and Dutch Viking Events and is a celebration of the cooperative and collaborative international relationship that Campobello Island is defined by. A portion of all registrations will be donated to food banks on both sides of the Campobello-Lubec border.
This will be a day you won't forget!
Event Description
One race, two parks! The Campobello Coastal Challenge offers participants the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty and scenic coastal trails of Campobello Island. Runners will encounter a variety of terrain including forested trails, rocky beaches, coastal cliffs, and bog boardwalks – all while soaking in stunning views of the Passamaquoddy Bay.
As runners make their way through some of the very same trails that President Franklin Roosevelt established during his summers on the island, they are sure to gain his same sense of appreciation for the breathtaking natural landscape that Campobello Island has to offer.
The 25 km and 50 km races begin at the historic core of Roosevelt Campobello International Park and wind their way across the rocky coastal outcrops and tidal bogs of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Runners will then cross over into Herring Cove Provincial Park where they will continue across a 1mile (1.6 km) stretch of beach before returning to the trails and enjoying a final leg through pristine old growth Acadian Forest and finishing back at the start line.
The 10 km race begins at the same start line and follows the 25 km loop route for several kilometers before spurring off inland and into Herring Cove Provincial Park where runners will then continue on the same final leg as the 25 km loop.
Runners will face a variety of challenging terrain but will be equally rewarded with pleasant coastal temperatures and spectacular coastal views; bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and whales are possible to see from the route.
Race kit pick up
Race kit pick up will be available on Friday night from 6 to 8pm at Herring Cove campground (136 Herring Cove Rd, Welshpool) and on Saturday morning from 7am at Roosevelt Campobello International Park close to the start/finish area. There will be signs pointing you in the right direction.
We are a cup-less event!
In order to leave just footprints and nothing else we do not provide cups for water, so you have to bring your own cup, bottle, bladder etc.
Course Maps
10 km loop
25/50 km loop
Aid Stations
There will be aid stations at roughly 8.5km, 15.5km and 22km on the 25km course. On the 10km course there will be an aid station at about 5km.
Water and Skratch will be available and also an assortment of nutrition.
Additional Info
- There will be a number of washroom facilities along the course as well as at the start/finish area.
- There will be First Aid services at the start/finish area.
- There are no refunds or deferrals!
- A short period for transferring registrations will be opened closer to the event in case the race sells out.
- There will be no race day registrations; all registrations will have to be done on-line through Race Roster. On-line registration closes August 8 at noon.
- Although we absolutely love your pooches and we are certain they are well-mannered, dogs are not allowed to participate.
- Strollers are also not allowed due to insurance reasons, but you would have a hard time anyways on these trails.
Pre-race meal on Friday
Join us for a pre-race meal at Herring Cove Provincial Park on Friday evening from 6-8pm. We will be having a traditional lobster boil, serving delicious lobster rolls and a variety of pasta options. Pre-registration for the meal is required so that enough food can be prepared. The cost for the meal is $30. Not interested in the meal? Still join us for some good music and other pre-race activities.
Kids run
On Saturday at noon there will be a kids run around the same location as the other races. Follow the signage to the start. Parents or guardians are required to sign a waiver before the event takes place.
Race Features
- The races will be chip-timed
- Swag for all participants
- Prizes for top male and female finishers of each distance
- Free kids run
- Pre-race meal (optional) at Herring Cove Provincial Park on Friday night with live music
- Post-race celebration with food, music, and activities
Registration fees
10K Closed
10km, 6.2 mile loop
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$40.00
25K Closed
25km, 15.5 mile loop
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$50.00
50K Closed
50km, 31 mile, double loop
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$50.00
Travel and Accommodations
Getting Here:
From the North:
Depending on your mood, you may wish to travel to Campobello Island by island hopping via the ferries route or travelling through the USA and entering the island from Lubec, Maine.
By opting for the scenic ferries, you will not need to leave Canada. From Route 1, take Exit #56 to St. George. Follow the signage for Route #172 to L’Etete, N.B. The first ferry to Deer Island, is government operated and free of charge. Cross Deer Island, then take a second ferry to Campobello Island. This ferry is operated privately by East Coast Ferries and requires a fee. Up to date information can be found on their website at Come Sail With Us! (eastcoastferriesltd.com).
OR
Take Route 1 from Saint John, N.B or Route 3 from Fredericton, N.B to the St. Stephen-Calais border. From Calais, drive south on Route 1, turning left onto Route 189 in Whiting towards Lubec, Maine. Cross the FDR Memorial Bridge to arrive at Campobello Island. Campobello is a Canadian Island and requires a border crossing if not arriving by ferry. Appropriate documentation or a passport are necessary.
From the South:
Travel I-95 to Bangor, Maine. From Bangor take Route 9 towards Calais and continue on Route 192 from Wesly towards Machias. From Machias, travel North on Route 1, turning right onto Route 189 towards Lube, Maine. Cross the FDR Memorial Bridge to arrive at Campobello Island. Campobello is a Canadian Island and requires a border crossing if entering from Lubec. Appropriate documentation or a passport are necessary.
Accommodations:
A variety of lodging types are available on Campobello Island and in nearby Lubec. Below is a list of popular accommodations. Others, not listed, may be available on Airbnb or other short-term booking sites.
This event is brought to you by:
Event schedule
- Fri., August 9, 2024 6:00 p.m. - Race kit pick up Friday
- Sat., August 10, 2024 7:00 a.m. - Race Kit pick up Saturday
- Sat., August 10, 2024 8:00 a.m. - Start of the 50K
- Sat., August 10, 2024 9:00 a.m. - Start of the 25K
- Sat., August 10, 2024 10:00 a.m. - Start of the 10K
- Sat., August 10, 2024 12:00 p.m. - Start of the kids run
Contact information
- Event contact
- Jos Eijkelestam
- joszti@hotmail.com
- Phone
- +1 506-897-0051