Lake Ainslie Marathon

Most marathons are point to point, out and back or circuitous routes through cities and you don't get a visual of the distance covered. This course is around the lake, but because of other scenery and landscape you only see glimpses of it for the first 23 or so miles. However, when you're close to the finish, an opening through the trees provides a vista of the whole lake and the distance you ran. Thinking about that view and the emotions it stirred still gives me goose bumps. If you seek an awe-inspiring marathon with its attendant high, run this race. Another bonus of this small run is bragging rights for placement. I placed 2nd in women's, (there were only 2 of us) and 24th overall, (I finished second to last). This event has remained my all time favorite.

A wonderful rolling course through a beautiful rural setting in the heart of Cape Breton. A little quiet around the course but the relay runners keep things interesting. Hospitality was wonderful. I would run it again in a heart beat. This race should be supported..

What a great little race! There are very few runners doing the full marathon, but the race has a cozy, intimate feel to it. The race organizers seem to know what runners want, and they give it to them. The course meanders about 3/4 of the way around the lake and there are constant small rises and dips. If you have knee troubles, you might want to avoid this race because so much of it is on canted roads. Nice medal and long-sleeved shirt too. Lake Ainslie is on Cape Breton island in Nova Scotia which celebrates its Celtic culture. The race incorporates this with a kilted piper at the start, and taped fiddle music at one of the water stops. And it's a fantastic place to holiday post-marathon - lots of beaches, lighthouses, seascapes and very close to the famous Cabot Trail. It's a good idea to stay at one of the local bed and breakfasts (the Tulloch Inn took excellent care of us).