How long have you been a running enthusiast? A runner?

I have been a recreational runner for most of my life, mostly because running helped me stay fit, healthy, and grounded. But for many years, I did my running on a treadmill because I am legally blind and did not yet have the confidence to run outside on my own. That changed in June 1999, when I decided to turn my own experience into an opportunity for others. I created and developed the Achilles Track Club of Canada, a non-profit organization that supports people with physical disabilities who want to take up running, build confidence, and stay active. What began as a personal step forward became a way to help others discover what running could do for them.

When did you begin as a Race Director? How did it happen?

I became a Race Director in 2000 when I created and developed the first-ever Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Run. At the time, I needed a fundraising event to support my new charitable running club, but I also wanted to build something joyful that people would remember. After doing some research, I noticed there wasn’t a St. Patrick’s Day Run in Toronto on March 17th, and I thought the theme had real energy: run first, then celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together. In that first year, 800 runners showed up, and we raised more than $60K. In 2026, we celebrated our 27th year and raised more than $111K. Looking back, that first event taught me that a race can be much more than a finish line — it can bring people together for a purpose.

What was your first race you directed ?

My first race as a Race Director was the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Run. It will always be special to me because it was the event that showed me how powerful running can be when it brings people together for a cause, a celebration, and a shared sense of community.

How long have you been directing the County Marathon?

I became Race Director of the County Marathon in December 2023 after reading a social media post that the previous race directors wanted to sell the event. After meeting with them and negotiating the purchase, my wife, Trish, and I became the owners of the Prince Edward County Marathon, also known as The County Marathon. I saw more than a race — I saw a chance to protect a community tradition and help it grow. Now in my third year as Race Director, and with a dedicated team of volunteers, we have increased participation from just over 600 runners in 2023 to more than 1,600 runners in 2025. Our goal for 2026 is to surpass 2,000 runners, and we are already well ahead of schedule.

What year was the County Marathon founded?

The Prince Edward County Marathon was founded in 2003. It has a long history in the County, and I feel fortunate to now be part of carrying that tradition forward.

How has it been going, so far?

From the beginning, I wanted this marathon to be about community. I wanted residents, businesses, volunteers, runners, and visitors to feel that the County Marathon belonged to all of us. Prince Edward County has so much to offer, and the marathon gives us a chance to showcase that spirit to people coming from out of town while also creating pride for those who live here.  The support since 2024 has been outstanding. Like any growing event, there is still work to do, but my goal is to keep building something that has a positive impact on everyone it touches.

What are a couple important changes you have made to the County Marathon to make it a better event?

The most important change our committee and I have focused on is creating the best possible experience for every participant, no matter which distance they choose. In 2025, we brought back the popular 2-5 Person Marathon Relay and added a 5K Run so more local residents could participate and feel part of the marathon weekend. Not everyone is ready to run a half marathon or a full marathon, but many recreational runners can take on 5 kilometres and experience the energy of race day. We are also considering a Kids 1K Run so young runners can be part of the celebration, learn that running supports good health, and maybe be inspired to keep going farther as they grow.

The 5K distance was added to the Event. How was it received?

We added the 5K in 2025 to welcome more local recreational runners into the County Marathon experience, and the response was incredible. More than 300 runners joined us in the first year, which showed us that people were ready for a shorter distance that still felt like part of the big event. Building on that success, we are anticipating more than 600 runners in 2026. To me, that growth says something powerful: when you make room for more people, more people step forward.

What is the County Marathon’s charity recipient?

The County Marathon charity recipient has been the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECHF) since the event began in 2003. That connection means a great deal because the marathon is not only about running — it is also about giving back to the community that supports us. In 2025, more than $11K was raised for PECHF from our 1,600 runners. For 2026, PECHF is once again on board, and we have also opened the door for other charitable organizations to be part of the County Marathon.

How much money was raised last year for the charity recipient?

Last year, we raised more than $11K for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. I am proud of that number because every dollar reflects the generosity of our runners and the strength of this community.
Are there specific organizations who have stepped up to provide volunteer teams, you wish to shout-out ? Absolutely. The Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League have volunteered every year and helped with various positions near the Finish Line and along the route in Picton. The Rotary Club of Wellington has also supported us every year by providing volunteers to help manage the Start Line and serve as Route Marshals throughout Wellington. We also rely on more than 20 water stations along the 42-kilometre route, where volunteers provide water, electrolyte drinks, energy bars, and first aid supplies to keep runners hydrated and safe. In 2025, Special Olympics Belleville Quinte West also helped at the Finish Line by handing out finisher medals to participants. I am truly grateful for every organization and volunteer who steps forward, because they are a huge part of what makes race day possible.

Is the County Marathon in need of volunteers for 2026? What kinds of positions are available ?

We are always looking for energetic and dedicated volunteers who want to help create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for runners and spectators. A marathon of this size depends on people who are willing to give their time, encourage others, and keep the event moving smoothly. Volunteer positions include Registration, Route Marshals, Water Stations, the Refreshments Area, and more. The County Marathon needs more than 200 volunteers, and every one of them plays an important role in making race weekend special.

How can potential volunteers get in contact with the organization to get a position?

Anyone interested in volunteering can visit our main website at countymarathon.ca to register. They can also contact me personally at bmclean@thecountymarathon.ca. I always appreciate hearing from people who want to be part of the event, and we do our best to find a role that fits their interests and availability.

Where can out-of-towners go to find a place to stay in the County for the races?

On our website, we provide a list of places where out-of-town runners can stay and receive the best possible rates. We want visitors to feel welcome and to have the chance to enjoy not only race weekend, but everything Prince Edward County has to offer.

Is the County Marathon still a Boston Qualifying race?

Yes, the County Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. Every year, we make sure the race is properly sanctioned and the course is certified so runners can pursue their Boston Marathon goals with confidence.  In 2025, more than 35 runners qualified for the Boston Marathon, and that is always exciting to see. For many runners, qualifying for Boston is a dream, and I am proud that our race can be part of that journey.

What do participants get with their race bib? What’s in the kit?

As part of their entry fee, all participants receive a specifically designed race shirt for their distance of choice, a bib number that allows them to run their route, and a beautiful finisher medal when they cross the Finish Line. That medal is our way of celebrating each runner’s accomplishment, no matter which distance they complete. Participants also receive a race kit with incentives donated by local suppliers from the Prince Edward County region, along with information about the marathon, local vendors, and tourist attractions. Race kit pick-up takes place at the County Marathon Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, October 3rd, at the famous Crystal Palace venue located at the Fairgrounds in Picton.

Are there any new and exciting things happening for this year’s event?

For 2026, we have decided to add a new Kids 1K Run to bring more of a family atmosphere to County Marathon weekend. I love the idea of giving children a chance to participate, feel the excitement of race day, and see running as something fun, healthy, and welcoming.

What numbers do you anticipate for 2026?

We are on target to pass our anticipated goal of more than 2,000 runners this year. That growth is exciting, but what matters most to me is that every person who comes to the start line feels welcomed, supported, and proud to be part of the County Marathon.

Are there discount codes available for sign-up?

Yes, there are plenty of discount codes on social media that runners can use to save money on their entry fee. I always encourage runners who are able to consider using some of those savings to make a small donation to one of our charitable partners. It is a simple way to make their race experience go a little further and support the community at the same time.

Any last words to readers and racers?

As your Race Director, and with the support of a strong committee team, my goal is to make sure every participant, family member, friend, volunteer, and spectator feels welcome and leaves with a meaningful experience. The County Marathon is more than a race to me. It is a celebration of perseverance, community, health, and everything Prince Edward County has to offer. Whether you are running your first 5K, chasing a Boston Qualifier, volunteering at a water station, or cheering from the roadside, I hope you feel part of something special.