Bay of Fundy International Marathon
Lubec, ME
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The communities bordering the Bay of Fundy are thrilled to announce the Bay of Fundy International Marathon (BFIM) will return this June. Get ready for an awesome weekend packed with races that highlight the best of Downeast Maine and the Atlantic Maritimes. We’re super excited to bring you a marathon, … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 21):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 64 | 75 | 79 | 72 | 64 |
| L (°F) | 51 | 54 | 63 | 45 | 43 |
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CHARMING LITTLE TOWN; BIG HEARTED PEOPLE
#139 Marathon done…Bay of Fundy Marathon! ✅ It was very hilly, it was hot, but it was oh so beautiful! Traveling from the west coast to the easternmost town of … MORE
#139 Marathon done…Bay of Fundy Marathon! ✅
It was very hilly, it was hot, but it was oh so beautiful! Traveling from the west coast to the easternmost town of US running a marathon the next day sleeping in a car is not for the faint of heart. For this marathon you will be Running 6-7 miles in Lubec, Maine and then straight into Canada. Highly recommend this one as it’s scenic, (very peaceful…maybe a bit too peaceful for me personally 🤪), well organized and the volunteers are amazing, plus they feed you so good at the end! I got in late last night and the director made sure I was good, met with the Canadian border control to get the bib and then with the American border patrol. He truly went out of his way to accommodate every runner that missed the expo times. I love marathons where the race director is understanding and I loved that the 8th grade kids made grab and go breakfast to raise funds for their school. The community showed up big in many ways for all of us! ❤️ Oh and I know for 100% certainty I have never had a fresher lobster roll in my life, totally recommend the Fisherman’s Inn for the best one ever and gorgeous views!
Half Marathon for everyone's bucket list
Half Marathon Review All aspects of this race were amazing. The volunteers at bib pickup/expo, race morning and on the course were amazingly supportive. I loved the kids from the … MORE
Half Marathon Review
All aspects of this race were amazing.
The volunteers at bib pickup/expo, race morning and on the course were amazingly supportive. I loved the kids from the Campobello School working the water stop in the park. Bonus points for the bug spray they had for the woods. It was a little disconcerting surrendering your passport at the start but it was a very easy process.
The post race tent was amazing with the variety of food and snacks, most of which were local. The locally produced chocolate milk was the absolute best. The people of both Lubec and Campobello Island seemed genuinely happy to have the runners in town.
The course itself was definitely challenging with all the hills, especially the hill at mile 12.5 just before going over the bridge to the finish line. The volunteer at bib pickup apologized for “the last hill”, but I had no idea what she was talking about until I saw that steep incline. I walked that hill and even walking it was a challenge.
The scenery on the entire half marathon course was beautiful, there was always something cool to look at.
The only thing I wished was different would be a slightly earlier start time. 9AM was a great time to start, but I would’ve preferred something a little earlier. Just a personal preference of mine.
All in all this race should be on everyone’s bucket list to do at least once.
Best Big Small Race
Small race with a large race organization and enthusiasm. Both the half & full marathon had less than 300 runners each. For the half, it was enough to see other … MORE
Small race with a large race organization and enthusiasm. Both the half & full marathon had less than 300 runners each. For the half, it was enough to see other runners, but never feel crowded.
The organization is unparalleled. They are running three race at the same time, two of them across an international border and it still feels relaxed. The communication is clear, friendly and never felt overbearing.
Swag is solid. Race bag, Nice, long-sleeve t-shirt, magnet, speed cup, bag for passport, really nice finisher medals. Overall winners and age group medals get awards from local artists.
Pro’s – 1. The people – volunteers were incredibly friendly and helpful. People line the course everywhere with signs, cheering throughout. Border patrol were friendly & professional.
2. The scenery – the race will give you amazing views pretty much everywhere – especially the half-marathon.
3. Post-race refreshments – varied, extensive and local.
4. Enthusiasm. The entire community of Lubec/Campobello are genuinely excited to have you there.
Cons – 1. Registration – an inevitable one. There is a bit of logistics in getting registered with the border patrol. You have to register in the US. Go across the border to get your number in Campobello Island. Then return to the US and register with the border patrol. In the morning, you have to surrender you passport to border patrol and get it after the race. It’s actually very easy and everyone is incredibly friendly, but it’s different from other races and can be a little intimidating at first.
2. The course is not for the faint of heart. The half marathon has a MONSTER hill just after mile 12. Everyone I could see in front of me walked it, as did I. There are other hills (the bridge to and from Canada, one from the park), but those are manageable. The half-marathon course runs on a gravel road 4-5 miles, but it is packed fairly hard and shouldn’t be a concern.
3. Lubec isn’t the easiest place to get to, but the area is stunningly beautiful and well-worth the effort. I arrived the night before the race and left after the race. I wish I’d spent more time there.
Hills OMG Hills
Don't plan on making a PR on this race. Having said that I highly, highly recommend this race! Everything was amazing. The expo starts in at the local school where … MORE
Don’t plan on making a PR on this race.
Having said that I highly, highly recommend this race! Everything was amazing. The expo starts in at the local school where you pick up your packet. A few cool vendors and lots of info on the race, there was a place to make up signs if your crew wants, there was a cork board with a world map so everyone could put a pin from where they were from. The shirts are an athletic material long sleeve with very nice design, front and back. The race starts at a light house in Maine and the turn around is at a light house in Canada. Both light houses were on the shirt with. You also have to show you passport where they scan in. Then you have to go across the bridge to Canada where they scan you passport on the Canadian side this is also where you pick up you bib.
Race morning you park at the same school where a bus takes you 6 miles out of town to the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse to start the race. They did both the Canadian and American nation anthem and a cannon to start the race. You run back through town and run across the international bridge to Canada at about mile 6 or 7. The first 13 miles are hilly. Then the big ones are from about 13 to 18, with the turn around a mile 16. Big long hill around mile 25 tough one. Finish line was a huge party, great announcer, cool medals. The food WOW, a delicious minestrone soup, Greek yogurt and you can add granola, local honey and local Maine blueberries. Ice cream, you can add Maine blueberries or strawberries, bagels with peanut butter or cream cheese, apples, oranges, bananas, watermelon, granola bars, gummies, pretzels, Gatorade, water, chocolate milk, there were a few other items i was just too stuffed to try them. This was both my hardest and most enjoyable race. Highly recommended running it. The production and support were great.
Absolutely a gem of a marathon
At the start line, the official called us the luckiest runners in North America today. I do believe he was right. This was my 14th full marathon and hands down … MORE
At the start line, the official called us the luckiest runners in North America today. I do believe he was right.
This was my 14th full marathon and hands down one of the very best.
This race is small (I believe there were 160-170 runners participating in the full. It’s organized by members of the Lubec ME and Campobello Island NB. Registration, packet/bib pickup, and start line transportation was smooth as silk, even with the international logistics. The runners handbook answered any question I could have possibly had. These folks could teach some other organizations a thing or two.
The course itself is beautiful, well marked, and HILLY. There were wonderful race officials making sure we were both motivated and safe. Aid stations were plentiful. We were provided a collapsible water cup to help with sustainably, which I loved. Every volunteer out there was amazing. And for a small race, there was wonderful support from residents—so many out there cheering us on.
Finish line festivities were probably the best I’ve experienced. These folks go way beyond the banana and water. Fresh homemade soup and bread, ice cream, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and local honey, among many other things. There was also Lubec’s downtown market fair, featuring local businesses and music.
Love my swag, which included a bag, long sleeve shirt, magnet, and the aforementioned collapsible cup. Medal is beautiful and I can’t wait to hang it on my wall.
This race is fun for runners AND supports its local community. It’s hard to think of anything better. If I could give them 6 stars I would.
The PEOPLE are amazing
Wind, rain and hills made this a challenge. The people and logistics were incredible and make this a must do race. The border crossing was so well executed and every … MORE
Wind, rain and hills made this a challenge. The people and logistics were incredible and make this a must do race. The border crossing was so well executed and every person was kind and positive. The lighthouses and scenery were a bonus.
Very unique race that crosses borders.
Gorgeous scenery. Three lighthouses on the half marathon route, four on the full marathon route. Extremely friendly organizers and volunteers. The post run snack table is great! MORE
Gorgeous scenery. Three lighthouses on the half marathon route, four on the full marathon route. Extremely friendly organizers and volunteers. The post run snack table is great!
Hell yeah! I will be back
Fantastic race, great organization, amazing course. Hard to get to so a bonus!! Small, friendly and good for us turtles! The start is at the most eastern spot in the … MORE
Fantastic race, great organization, amazing course. Hard to get to so a bonus!! Small, friendly and good for us turtles! The start is at the most eastern spot in the US and is a literal line in the parking lot. Super small which means you can see and talk to everyone running. A doozy of a hill at mile 12, and over the FDR bridge. The volunteers were brilliant, stay at Cobscook Inst and get coffee and bfast sammies at McFaddens (gas station- but trust me) the farmers market had amazing treats for pre race and literally the whole town is involved in the race!
Best Experience!
Overall everything was PERFECT 🏃♀️➡️ everyone was friendly. Their route was clearly marked. Lots of refreshments bathroom stops available beautiful finish line snacks people there to warm you up and … MORE
Overall everything was PERFECT 🏃♀️➡️ everyone was friendly. Their route was clearly marked. Lots of refreshments bathroom stops available beautiful finish line snacks people there to warm you up and welcome you was overall the best experience, nice swag lots of pictures lots of participation tons of volunteers can’t say enough good
Great scenery, best community support
**clarification** This is for the half-marathon course. After a 5 year hiatus, this event came back in a spectacular fashion. The weekend included a 10K, 13.1, and 26.2 option. The … MORE
**clarification** This is for the half-marathon course.
After a 5 year hiatus, this event came back in a spectacular fashion. The weekend included a 10K, 13.1, and 26.2 option. The halfarathon was an all new course and I cludes spectacular mixed surface runs from West Quoddy to and through Campobello and back to Lubec for a finish line feast.
Running through open borders is incredible. The communities on both sides of the border come out on full support. The many, many volunteers are the most friendly I have ever met. You feel like you’re chatting with family. Race directors are well organized.
My daughter and I ran this as a Duo team. We were warned about hills, and while the course is predominantly a series of rolling hills, they are as manageable as they are challenging. You will earn your medal, but not be afraid of the challenge.
Run this Race!
Absolutely stunning scenery with rolling hills. Excellent race production with lots of moving parts coordinating with two countries. All ran smoothly though! Well stocked aide stations and more food at … MORE
Absolutely stunning scenery with rolling hills. Excellent race production with lots of moving parts coordinating with two countries. All ran smoothly though! Well stocked aide stations and more food at the finish than I’ve seen in a long time. Very friendly people. Count this among the best!
Sign up for the lobster supper!
As the name suggests, the novelty aspect here is starting in one country and ending in another. It requires a bit more planning that just rolling up to the start … MORE
As the name suggests, the novelty aspect here is starting in one country and ending in another. It requires a bit more planning that just rolling up to the start line on the morning of the race. You need to present your race bid to both the American and Canadian border agents the day before so that on race day you can just run across the border without stopping! How fun is that? I got a laugh from the Canadians for yelling “Nothing to declare!” as I ran past them. The lobster supper the night before was a real treat. Some people will possibly complain about the hills, but they’re probably just folks who train on treadmills. It was a sea-level to sea-level run, so it’s hard to complain about a few rollers. Plan ahead for accommodation or you might be camping in the forest.
Xing an International Border!!
I ran this one as a back to back with Portland, ME because I wanted to get New Brunswick. It is definitely off the beaten path and if you choose … MORE
I ran this one as a back to back with Portland, ME because I wanted to get New Brunswick. It is definitely off the beaten path and if you choose to do this one, PLAN AHEAD for housing! Look at VRBOs all over (we stayed in Whiting) or look on Campobello Island. Don’t wait, there is nothing in this area at all. You MUST do packet pickup by a deadline on Saturday night since you have to cross over to Canada to get your bib, then check in with US Border Patrol on the way back in for a sticker. Without this, you aren’t allowed to cross the next day. We had the lobster dinner (on the Canada side) for $22 you get a whole lobster, spaghetti, potato salad, cole slaw and dessert. Super good food CHEAP, and there isn’t really a lot of choices around anyway! Expo is very, very small but the volunteers are locals and so friendly. Next AM, buses leave 5:30A-7A (Eastern Time, be aware, Canada is on Atlantic time and your phone can randomly switch towers so figure out how to turn that off before you go), from Lubec. At the border, the Canadian Border patrol takes your customs declaration and you go to the start. It’s beautiful—and chilly. The race starts old fashioned (no starting mat, time is gun time for start, chip for finish). You run out to the point and then turn back and run the coast. Apparently some years they have seen whales and eagles. The people along the course are super friendly (Santa is at mile 3ish—not kidding), and everyone waves and if they can see your bib name, they call you by it. The course is HILLY. And I mean HILLY. Be prepared. I was running a back to back so had no extra to give but it was worth it, the scenery was nice to look at. You flip mile 12 before the visitor center where you got your bib and then brace for the final hill climb to the bridge and then up and over. You go through Canadian customs where they will give you high fives, then power over the bridge (wind whips through there) and then through US Customs where they too give high fives. Round the corner and turn on the burners for the finish under the lobster traps. Results are posted on paper and there are custom, hand made medals and hand made prizes by the same artist for AG. Age groups are 10 years, not 5. Excellent food—Dunkin Donuts, chocolate milk, Greek yogurt with Maine Blueberries, ice cream, bagels with cream cheese or peanut butter…the volunteers were awesome. Really great people. Totally worth it, would do it again.
Run US and Canada
Come for the run, stay for the scenery. Do you like Lighthouses? Lubec, ME has the eastern most lighthouse in the states. We rented an air bnb house so that … MORE
Come for the run, stay for the scenery. Do you like Lighthouses? Lubec, ME has the eastern most lighthouse in the states. We rented an air bnb house so that our adult children could come and stay with us. House was walking distance to the ocean. Lubec is a small Northeastern town. Not a lot to do besides relaxing in your house, reading, doing puzzles. The race was surprisingly hard. 1000 feet of elevation gain and we got a very warm day. But the course on Campobello Island, Canada was beautiful. Your passport info is attached to your running chip so no problem crossing the border in and out of US/Canada. We fell in love with Maine. You will too.
Awesome Scenery, Awesome People
The towns are small towns but the people are extremely friendly and supportive. One bar owner told me this race is their biggest tourist event of the year. Finding a … MORE
The towns are small towns but the people are extremely friendly and supportive. One bar owner told me this race is their biggest tourist event of the year. Finding a room may be a problem if you don’t book one early. The pasta and lobster prerace meal was great and we had a great time talking to all the different runners from all the different states. The Bay of Fundy itself is awesome and there are a couple of really neat lighthouses nearby. You are within a few hours drive of Acadia National Park, Hopewell Rocks, Saint John, NB and more. Was a great choice for a vacation race. I was extremely glad I chose this for my Maine race even though almost the entire half is in Canada (the finish is in Lubec, ME right after you cross the border). You will need a passport or passport card for the race though. Border guards from both countries were nice and helpful.
Get ready for hills
This is a really good small race in Maine. The town is inviting and there are a couple days worth of stuff to do. If you do this race get … MORE
This is a really good small race in Maine. The town is inviting and there are a couple days worth of stuff to do. If you do this race get a hotel or house ASAP. The expo is very small. Be sure you don’t need to pick up and nutrition or anything else there because you likely won’t find it. You pick up your swag in Lubec and then the bib in Canada so you can get cleared by the border agents on both side. You could walk from the US to Canadian sites but a drive is much nicer. Take time to visit the Roosevelt Campobello Park when you are in Canada.
The race was easy to get from the school to marathon start and didn’t have any trouble finding a port-o-potty before. Walk down to the lighthouse and relax and warm up. Then get ready for hills. Lots and lots of them. Never really super long or super steep but every step was up or downhill it seemed.
The medal was unique as they are all hand made. Be sure you don’t hang it next to Little Rock though 😉
The swag was ok for what I normally keep from a race after throwing away all the paper ads. A poster (in a tube which was nice for traveling) a long sleeve tech shirt and a medal.
I would recommend this race if you don’t need a big crowd to get you going. And you can train for hills…
Beautiful, Hilly, and Canadian
- first quarter of the race is in maine, from the west quoddy head lighthouse, then most of the race is in campobello island, canada, and finishing back in lubec … MORE
– first quarter of the race is in maine, from the west quoddy head lighthouse, then most of the race is in campobello island, canada, and finishing back in lubec
– first quarter is flat, but campobello island is hilly
– beautiful scenery in maine and canada
– course almost has no shade at all
– didn’t need to have passport on me during the race (unlike detroit marathon), but you do need your passport to register with Canada before the race
– year that i did it (2016), the medal was starfish shaped. looked pretty cool, but it was flagged through security at the airport
– lubec was such a beautiful little town. made the drive across maine definitely worth it
The scenery is AMAZING!
This race is amazing. Just the scenery. Takes your breath away! I was suppose to do the marathon, but a stress fracture made me switch to the half... and I … MORE
This race is amazing. Just the scenery. Takes your breath away! I was suppose to do the marathon, but a stress fracture made me switch to the half… and I walked. Having done half the course, I was relieved I switched! This it the rocky New England coast. Beautiful, but steep and hilly. The people that work the race are so, so nice! It is like a family. Running over that bridge, back into Maine, seeing the light houses, the lupines in bloom, the fishing boats, tides, gulls, even whales in the distance. It should be a required race!
A great small town destination marathon
Lubec is a long drive to Eastern Maine. Register early for this race and immediately book a hotel or motel room. There just aren't that many lodging options Down East. … MORE
Lubec is a long drive to Eastern Maine. Register early for this race and immediately book a hotel or motel room. There just aren’t that many lodging options Down East.
Bring your passport because you will need it to register with Customs before the race.
The pre-race dinner is worth it. This is a small race so you will get to see most of the runners several times and dinner is a great way to get to know a few people.