The County Marathon
The PEC County Marathon
Event Details
As Canada’s largest small county marathon, with more than 1,600 runners, it’s no secret that the Prince Edward County region offers an unparalleled running experience for all, no matter the distance you choose.
2025 was a banner year for The County Marathon as we set a new participation record with over 1,600 runners. Heading into 2026, the marathon committee is more determined than ever to ensure that every participant has the best experience possible along the 42.2-kilometre route winding through the scenic Prince Edward County region.
All runners will capture the true essence of a countryside marathon, enjoying the thrill of the run paired with the charm of local wineries, stunning lake views, and the warm hospitality for which “The County” is renowned. Whether you’re tackling the full marathon, teaming up for the relay, or sprinting the popular 5K, there’s something for everyone.
As well, the County Marathon is a partner and first of three running events which make up the Autumn Series. Run this event, the 9runrun Kingston (5K or 10K), and the Round the Airport / Anniversary 10K to receive a very cool and exclusive custom medal. Here is last year’s medal:
Location & Schedule
Saturday Oct. 3rd.
10am: Expo opens, bib pickups all day
12pm: Keynote speakers
3pm: Kids 1K Race start
Sunday Oct. 4th
7am: Buses begin loading for full marathon from fairgrounds
7:30am: Early start for slower +4hr marathoners (option) start in Wellington
8am: Full Marathon start in Wellington
8am: Buses begin loading for half marathon from Fairgounds
8:30am: 5K Race start
10am: Half Marathon start
1pm: 5K, Relay, Half, & Full Marathon finisher awards
Registration
Prices vary between distances, and the Relay.
Prices also increase on certain dates as the event approaches. To get the best price, it’s always recommended to register earliest.
2026 Registration:
Awards & Prizes
Kids 1K
All 1K finishers recieve a custom designed medal.
5K Race
Awards for Top 3 Female and Top 3 Male athletes. Top 3 Age Category prizes for 10-and-under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
Half Marathon Race
Awards for Top 3 Female and Top 3 Male athletes.
Top finisher cash prize awards for both Male & Female:
1st place $300. 2nd place $200. 3rd place $100.
Top 3 Age Category prizes for U20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
Full Marathon Race
Awards for Top 3 Female and Top 3 Male athletes.
Top finisher cash prize awards for both Male & Female:
1st place $600. 2nd place $400. 3rd place $200.
Top 3 Age Category prizes for U20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
Course Description
The County Marathon, and Half Marathon, course routes is uninterrupted after years of construction. All races will continue to finish in Picton at the Fair Grounds, with the full marathon (6:30AM bus departure for Wellington), and Half Marathon (8:00AM bus departure for East Lake) starting at their established locations.
Relay runners will be bussed to their start location. Adequate parking is available at the Picton Fairgrounds. No parking is available at the start of the half or relay transitions. All transportation busses depart from the Picton Fairgrounds.
Water 💦, first aid ✚, and port-o-potties are located every three kilometres for the first 21K. Water 💦, first aid ✚, and port-o-potties are located every two kilometres from the Half Marathon start to the finish line.
Click here or the map below to view a much larger version. For detailed viewing, zoom in and scroll around with the larger version.
5K Run
Starts and finish at the Picton Fairgrounds. This is simple out-n-back for the runners and walkers. Runners and walkers proceed along Main Street in Picton and run/walk to the corner of Lake Street or County Road #10, then turn-around and head back to the Finish Line. Right on the West South corner is the LCBO store. Details on their website…
Kids 1K Race
This new addition to the weekend happens on Saturday afternoon. It begins and finishes at the Crystal Palace, after a loop of the park.
Course Map
Registration closes October 3rd, 2026.
Event Schedule
Saturday Oct. 3rd.
10am: Expo opens, bib pickups all day
12pm: Keynote speakers
3pm: Kids 1K Race start
Sunday Oct. 4th
7am: Buses begin loading for full marathon from fairgrounds
7:30am: Early start for slower +4hr marathoners (option) start in Wellington
8am: Full Marathon start in Wellington
8am: Buses begin loading for half marathon from Fairgounds
8:30am: 5K Race start
10am: Half Marathon start
1pm: 5K, Relay, Half, & Full Marathon finisher awards
Contact
For more information visit the website Contact page, here.
Past Event Photography
Visit the County Marathon’s website as the portal for viewing photos from this year’s and past events. Click here.