Running for a great cause in the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy International Marathon (BFIM) has introduced their first charity bib program, a fundraising initiative that allows runners to take strides for a good cause. Registration for the charity bibs opens on March 7 at 7 a.m. Atlantic time.
Eric Mauricette, one of three race co-directors for the event, says they are building back the marathon for its second year.
“We wanted to find a way where we could increase our economic impact on our communities,” said Mauricette, “and we know there are many worthwhile charities and non-profit organizations both in New Brunswick and on the U.S. side, so we came up with a list.”
Participation in the charity bib program is optional, but those who sign up have the opportunity to raise money through a Race Roster page that will be created on each runner’s behalf. Charity bibs are in limited quantity for each organization to ensure the program supports multiple local causes.
The fundraising minimum for a charity bib is $250, which must be raised by 11:59 p.m. on June 18. If the minimum amount is not reached by the deadline, the runner either forfeits their bib or donates the remaining amount themselves.
“It gives runners an avenue to participate in the Bay of Fundy International Marathon and also contribute to a local nonprofit/charity organization that makes a difference in our communities,” said Mauricette.
The BFIM committee finalized their list of 11 beneficiaries that runners may select to raise funds for, which are:
In New Brunswick:
- Campobello Island Clothesline & Food Bank
- Campobello Public Library
- Campobello Island Consolidated School – Scholarship Fund
- Charlotte County Cancer Society
- Campobello Fire Department
In Maine, U.S.A:
- Lubec Community Outreach Center
- Lubec Memorial Library
- Lubec Elementary School – Playground Fund
- Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Centre
- Lubec Fire Department
- Cobscook Institute – Access Fund
- Wabanaki Reach
Mauricette says the event would not be possible without their community. “It’s really a community driven event. Without community members being engaged and involved over race weekend, the event wouldn’t be possible.”
The marathon has been around since 2013 and was held yearly until 2019. Due to the COVID pandemic, the event and its organizers became strained, resulting in the committee disbanding and the event not running from 2020 through 2024.
In late 2024, a group of community members came together and reinvigorated the marathon, with a show out of 500 participants for the 2025 Bay of Fundy International Marathon. Runners represented 33 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.
The Bay of Fundy International Marathon is to be held on June 21, 2026.
To find out more about the charity bib program and the marathon, refer to this link.