County marathon may feature new 24-hour event

This year’s Prince Edward County Marathon could include an ‘ultra’ 24-hour event this year.

Mark Henry, Race Director, is seeking council approval to waive its noise bylaw for a new 24-hour event – The County Ultramarathon – which would be held on the track at CML Snider Public School on Saturday, Oct. 5 – the day before the 16th annual marathon.

In his letter to the municipality, Henry notes there are growing number of these events, similar in style to the Relay for Life concept.

“We expect about 50 runners will be on the track at any one time. Some will be running 24 hours themselves, some will be part of teams looking to determine how far they can run in a 24 hour period,” he said. “It is the Relay for Life concept but as a more elite level competition with fundraising as a component well.”

Henry states the event can run quietly with track-focused lighting so as not to disturb neighbouring properties with either noise or light pollution.

Residents with properties backing on to the track are to be notified. The OPP will also be advised in case of complaints.

In 2016, council amended the noise bylaw to recognize the annual Relay for Life event in Picton to be exempt from the noise bylaw.

Henry is explaining the Ultra Marathon to council at Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. An authorizing bylaw would be brought forward to a future council meeting for approval.

The annual County Marathon features a Boston qualifying full marathon, a half marathon and team challenges for runners, walkers and wheeled athletes.