Fiddlers FAQ
Registration FAQ
1. Online at Race Roster before October 16th at midnight.
2. Registration is also available during the expo between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Online registration closes on October 16th at midnight. All registration closes on Saturday, October 17th at 5:00 p.m.
There will be NO REGISTRATION on race day.
Registrations are non-refundable and we are not allowing deferrals. However, you can transfer your registration to another participant or change distances by simply navigating our event page on Race Roster and selecting the transfer option from the right-side menu. There will be a $10 fee to transfer or change race distance.
Walkers can participate in the 5k and 10k event. There are no prizes for walkers as this is primarily a running event.
Race kits can be picked up at the Fiddlers Race Expo held at Victoria Park from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
No, access to Victoria Park is restricted to pedestrians. Please allow for an hour to park and organize yourself prior to race times. There is parking available in the vicinity of Victoria Park.
Yes, you can use the Fiddlers Run Marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier.
We require around 250 volunteers to make the Weekend a success. Please click the following link to sign up Volunteer Registration.
You can get your official Cape Breton Fiddlers Marathon merchandise during the expo at our booth. We have a variety of crested items, running hats, t-shirt, and much more! They make a great souvenir or gift.
- Children under the age of 6 are only eligible for the youth run on Saturday,October 17th, 2026.
- Children between the ages of 6-12 years are permitted to run the 5k race, but must be accompanied along the route the entire time by a registered participant over 18 years of age;
- Children 12-18 years are permitted to run the 10k with parental consent;
- Adults 18 years or older can register for all races (5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon).
Race Day FAQ
All races start and finish at Victoria Park.
Start Times:
- Marathon start time: 8:00 a.m.
- Half marathon start time: 8:50 a.m.
- 10k start time: 8:20 a.m.
- 5k start time: 8:40 a.m.
No, there will be no early start at this event.
The time limit for the marathon is six hours. No race support will be provided after 2 p.m.
You should be at the start area at least 15 minutes prior to your race start time.
Yes, there will be a bag storage near the race kit pick-up. Please do not leave anything valuable. The Cape Breton Fiddlers Marathon is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Attach the tear off section of your bib to your bag.
To ensure the safety of all participants on the route, no baby strollers or baby joggers are allowed on the 10k, half or full marathon route. Strollers or baby joggers are allowed on the 5k route. Runners with strollers and baby joggers are asked to start at the end of the pack. Pets are NOT ALLOWED on any race routes.
That is the accepted protocol.
The bib must be worn on your front and be clearly visible so that we can identify runners on the course. Your bib is also your identification for the race photographer. Runners who cross the finish line without a race bib will be disqualified. The race chip is located in the bib.
One lane will be closed along King’s Road. There are several street crossings along the route. Police and course marshall’s will be present to ensure your safe crossing. It is your responsibility to be cautious about all vehicles along the route.
Portable toilets are placed along the course. Check the map before starting, or ask a volunteer along the course.
We understand that some runners enjoy listening to music and find it helpful to distract themselves while training. Our approach to wearing headphones in a race is based on three factors: the desire that all participants fully enjoy being part of group event (we put effort into creating an upbeat atmosphere on the route); concern for the safety of all runners, those who may not be able to hear directions and cautions and those who may be impacted by this. Therefore, we strongly advise against headphones and hope that participants will cooperate with us.
Please plan to park on surrounding streets and walk to the venue. Allow extra time to get to the race site. Please note that access to Victoria Park will be limited to pedestrians and event vehicles.
Yes, cyclists will lead each event. Their purpose is to show the lead runners where to turn and to clear any congestion in front of them on the path. There will also be a bike at the back of each event.
Yes, poles are allowed, but we simply ask that you exercise caution for the safety of those around you.
Post Race FAQ
All races finish at Victoria Park.
The awards for each event will be presented as soon as the majority of runners in a given event have completed their race. There will be light refreshments, live entertainment and a possible square dance.
It is our policy not to mail out awards or prizes. However, contact us and we can arrange for pick up at a later date.
We encourage spectators to come and enjoy the post race atmosphere and celebrate with the runners. However, for the safety of runners finishing their race, please ensure you stay off the course and meet up in a safe spot in the finish area.
Race results are posted periodically as groups of runners finish. They are usually posted inside the venue at Victoria Park. Results are also available at atlanticchip.ca
Race officials will be wearing hi vis vest or shirts with Volunteer on the back.
There will be a selection of post-race food and beverages available at Victoria Park for all finishers.
Yes, massages will be available in the finish area on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, there are shower and change facilities located inside Victoria Park.
Other FAQ
The t-shirts are long-sleeve technical shirts. T-shirts are available in ladies extra small to XXL and men’s sizes from small to XXL
You are guaranteed your size if you register by August 31st. There will be additional shirts ordered, but we cannot guarantee your size after August 31st.
Healthy Living Expo – between 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., we will be offering an expo including a wide range of wellness and active living related presenters and merchants from around Atlantic Canada.
The Glow Kids Fun Run will take place on Saturday, October, 17. Registration time is 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. at Open Hearth Park at the concession area. The race itself will start at 7:30 pm. Our course marshalls will have glow sticks and we ask all kids to wear reflective clothing.
There are several great accommodation options in Sydney, many of which are located close to the run start area. A few nearby options include:
Holiday Inn Sydney – Waterfront | (902) 562-7500
The Simon Hotel Sydney | 1-800-565-9466
Comfort Inn Sydney | (902) 562-0200
Travelodge Sydney | (902) 707-4603
Maps: Check out the maps under routes on our website. There will also be large display maps (and a limited amount of printed small maps) at race kit pick-up and registration on Saturday and on race day Sunday.
Water stops: There will be seven water stops, several of which can be accessed twice on the out and back route. You can have your own special drink and food along the course, but you are responsible to manage this yourself. There will be water and Gatorade at every water stop.
Medical assistance: will be available at Victoria Park.