The McNabs Half Marathon is a unique island trail race held on McNabs Island in McNabs Island Provincial Park, just off the Halifax waterfront in Nova Scotia. Organized by Urban Trail Racing, the event offers runners a rare chance to race on one of Halifax Harbourโs most historic and scenic islands, combining coastal trails, military ruins, beach sections, lighthouse views, and skyline views back toward the city.
The race is built around the idea of running โFort to Fort,โ with routes that pass the stone walls of Fort McNab, the islandโs iconic lighthouse, beaches, old roads, and natural coastal terrain. Unlike a standard road half marathon, this is a trail and adventure-style event where the experience of getting to the start line is part of the race itself. Participants travel to the island by boat, with shuttle service available from the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts through Sea Halifax.
The event includes three race options: a 21 km half marathon, a 14 km double loop, and a 7 km single loop. The half marathon consists of three loops of McNabs Island starting near the visitor centre by McNabs Beach. The 14 km and 7 km options make the event accessible to runners who want the island experience without committing to the full half marathon distance.
McNabs Half Marathon has a strong local trail-running identity. Urban Trail Racing emphasizes community, urban green spaces, trail stewardship, and a leave-no-trace approach. Participants are asked to bring their own drinking containers for aid stations, and the event supports Halifax Search & Rescue and Friends of McNabs Island through donations. Onsite medical support is provided by Halifax Search & Rescue Medical teams, and trail stewards are placed along the route to assist with directions and aid stations.
After the race, participants can stay on the island for a post-race social with food, prizes, a BBQ, and Urban Trail Racingโs signature race coasters. With its boat-access logistics, historic island setting, coastal trails, and views of Halifax, McNabs Half Marathon is one of the most distinctive trail races in Atlantic Canada. It is best suited for runners looking for a memorable adventure race experience rather than a fast road half marathon.
