The Not Since Moses Race at Five Islands, NS

Walking and Running at Low Tide in the Minas Basin

May 10, 2009

The Not Since Moses race is an exciting event, a run that encircles the islands at Five Islands Provincial Park each year, when conditions are just right.

Participants in the Not Since Moses run may feel they have something in common with Moses of the Old Testament. Imagine walking out over the ocean floor!

The Not Since Moses annual race, held at scenic Five Islands Provincial Park, offers runners the experience of a lifetime, a chance to explore exposed sea bottom normally covered by water.

Each year, when natural factors converge and conditions are just right, the tidal waters recede and racers actually venture far out on the tidal and mud flats in the Minas Basin in Eastern Canada's Bay of Fundy.

The Minas Basin experiences the largest tidal ranges in the world and resultant horizontal tidal effects are significant. These tidal effects open a course that allows participants to actually walk and run around islands that at high tide are encircled by water that can rise to 15 meters.

Not Since Moses Race at Five Islands, NS

Dick Lemon, owner of Long Island (one of the five islands), decided to organize the Not Since Moses race, an event that gives locals and visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the islands from an previously unheard of vantage point.

The Five Islands area has been inhabited for hundreds of years but no one thought it possible to view the back side of the islands, other than by boat.

Not Since Moses Course Routes

The course consists of two routes: one encompasses an easier 5km course, while the 10 km. run is considered by some to be one of the most arduous in the world. The ocean bottom consists of sand and gravel and in areas thick mud impedes runners' progress.

A special treat awaits race participants when they reach Long Island. They can explore and climb through the natural arch. The Long Island arch can be seen from shore and is even more impressive for those fortunate enough to experience it close up.

The Five Islands

Enthusiastic volunteers join in the Not Since Moses event, marking and flagging the route for safety, while cheering on adventurous participants.

Runners in the Not Since Moses race come from all over the world. T he event has gained increased attention and is one of the most talked about events in Canada.

Exploring the ocean floor is truly a unique experience. Those who have participated in the Not Since Moses race come away with renewed appreciation for this special corner of Canada, where islands are sprinkled like jewels in an area considered to be one of the most scenic in Nova Scotia.

Not Since Moses Race Info:

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