Pick & Shovel Showdown
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2026 Pick & Shovel Showdown
The Pick & Shovel Showdown is the fourth edition of an all-out trail racing event held on January 24, 2026, at McDonald Sports Park in Waverley, Nova Scotia. The start/finish and warmup area is at the Cheema Canoe Club on Cobequid Road. The 8-hour endurance category is listed as sold out and online registration is closed.
Format and course
The event uses a continuous-lap format that allows competitors to run as long as they choose, up to eight hours. All 8-hour entrants begin with a 10 km (two-lap) segment and then complete repeated laps of roughly 6 km at their own pace until the event’s lap-start cutoff; the final lap must be completed before the event end to count toward totals. In the case of a tie for most laps, the faster 10 km time determines the winner. The course is described as very runnable with good footing when not buried in snow; winter conditions and packed snow are possible.
Distances:
- 10 km initial segment (2 laps)
- ~6 km subsequent laps
- 82.4 km current divisional record (14 laps)
- 88.4 km minimum for new divisional record (15 laps)
Prizes include podium awards, prizes for fastest over-50 competitors (male and female), door prizes, and a $500 gift card for new divisional course records. Hot and cold food and beverages will be available. The event proceeds in rain, sleet, or snow except in the case of a city-wide shutdown. Transfers to another person are allowed up to January 16 for a fee; there are no refunds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
