Pick & Shovel Showdown
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Event
The Pick & Shovel Showdown is a trail running event held in Waverley, Nova Scotia at the Cheema Aquatic Club / McDonald Sports Park. The 2026 edition is the fourth running of the event. Online registration is closed and the 8-hour endurance run entry is sold out. The event page lists about 150 participants.
Format and course
The event begins with a 10 km segment (two laps) followed by repeated laps of roughly 6 km for competitors who continue. Laps may be run at the participant’s own pace and there is an overall event cutoff after which additional laps do not count. The course is described as very runnable with good footing when not buried in snow; the area is often packed down in winter conditions. The Cheema Canoe Club is the start/finish and warmup area. Hot and cold food and beverages will be available to participants. The event proceeds in rain, sleet, or snow except in the case of a city-wide shutdown.
- 10 km (2 laps)
- ~6 km additional laps
- 82.4 km (current course record: 14 laps)
- 88.4 km (15 laps required for the divisional course-record prize)
Prizes and other details
Prizes include podium awards, awards for fastest Over-50 male and female competitors, and door prizes. There is a $500 gift card available for a new divisional course record; the prize requires at least 15 laps and the fastest 10 km time in the division. Transfers of registration to another person are permitted up to January 16. Merchandise orders have a cutoff on December 13. No refunds are offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
