The fourth Bay of Fundy International Marathon will be run on Sunday, June 26, with the largest field of runners in the event's history. Planning for this year's competition began shortly after the conclusion of the 2015 event, and 800 runners are expected for the day.
     Last year saw the first running of the half‑marathon, but routing difficulties forced much of that race onto U.S. soil. This year the half-marathon will run almost entirely on Campobello, starting at Cook's Point with only the finish line in Lubec. Also for this year, the Road Runners Club of America has designated the Bay of Fundy International 10K as the Maine State Championship race, so expect to see top‑level competitors burning up the course. Another first for this year is the event's pairing with the August 13/14 Marathon by the Sea activities in Saint John. Runners who compete in both will earn the title of "Fundy Runner."
      As before, the main event will start at the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse at 7:10 a.m., head down South Lubec Road to State Route 189, head east across the bridge and into Canada, following Route 774 to the Head Harbour Light Station, where runners reverse course, recross the bridge, then turn right onto Water Street to cross the finish line. The first finisher should complete around 9:45 a.m. The half-marathon will start at 8 a.m. and will share most of the course with the full marathon, with first finishers expected at around 9:20 a.m., less than a half‑hour ahead of the full marathon top finishers. The 10K will also start at West Quoddy Head Light, at 9:30 a.m., but will not cross the bridge. Runners will pass to the left of Flatiron Corner on Main Street, loop around to Johnson Street, proceed past monument lot and then turn the corner onto Water Street and the finish line with first finishers expected at approximately 10 a.m.
      Currently, the men's record for the marathon is held by William Guzick of New York with 2:40:51, set in 2013. The women's record was set last year by Sarah Mulcahy of Baring Plantation, at 2:59:18.
      The annual one‑mile fun run will start at approximately 8:45 a.m. at the Pleasant Street and Route 189 intersection and will conclude at the main finish line on Water Street.
      Street closures are planned, allowing transit of runners and emergency vehicles. Detailed schedules are available at many local establishments, listing times, routes and street closures. As before, runners who will cross the bridge are provided with bibs that include electronic chips that are registered with border officials to prevent delays.
      Unlike previous years, the only group dinner available to runners will be Saturday evening, June 25, in Campobello's Herring Cove, starting at 4 p.m. Lubec dining establishments have been given a "heads up" regarding hungry runners and their friends and families. Water Street will be closed from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. for finish line activities and the annual street fair. More information about the race is available at <bayoffundymaraton.com>.