Races in Funny Places: When the Sea Gives Way to Running Shoes

Welcome back to Races in Funny Places, the series that takes you to some of the oddest racecourses on the planet. This time, we’re heading to the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia, Canada, where the racecourse is anything but conventional. Get ready for the Not Since Moses race, an event where runners race on the ocean floor, battling mud, rocks, and tides as they dash across the Bay of Fundy’s exposed seafloor. It’s a race unlike any other, offering a mix of challenge, stunning scenery, and a truly unique experience for those brave enough to take it on.

The Not Since Moses race takes place along the shores of Five Islands, Nova Scotia, at a time when the tides of the Bay of Fundy are at their lowest, exposing the ocean floor. Named after the biblical parting of the Red Sea, the event offers a quirky 5km and 10km race where participants must sprint across knee-deep mud and rocks—while keeping a watchful eye on the returning tide. Runners have to keep up the pace, as the race must be completed within 90 minutes, before the high tide rolls back in and sweeps across the course.

A Race Unlike Any Other

The idea behind Not Since Moses is simple: run along the ocean floor before the tide returns to cover it once again. The racecourse is set at low tide, when the sea is pulled back far enough to reveal the rocky, muddy ocean floor, offering a unique challenge and spectacular views. With the tide returning within 90 minutes, the clock is ticking for runners to complete the course before the waters close in. It's a race where runners must navigate through deep mud, fist-sized rocks, tidal rivers, and sandstone outcroppings, all while embracing the raw beauty of the coastline.

The Course

The 5km course is a loop that begins and ends at the Five Islands Lighthouse Park. Participants run 2.5km out from the park, encountering some of the muddiest areas of the Basin before turning back for the return stretch. This course is suitable for most abilities and offers a fun yet challenging experience for everyone. It’s a great event for families, as youth under 12 can participate if accompanied by a registered adult. However, the course's terrain means participants should be prepared to get very muddy, and runners should bring shoes they don’t mind getting stuck in the thick, wet earth.

The 10km course starts at the east side of Economy Mountain in Soley Cove, and also ends at the Five Islands Lighthouse Park. Like the 5km route, the 10km features plenty of mud, as well as beautiful, tidal landscapes that shift as the race progresses. As with the 5km, the 10km race has a strict 90-minute time limit, as the tide will return to reclaim the ocean floor once more.

Both courses have buses available at Five Islands Baseball Field to transport participants to their starting locations. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, with the race starting at 8:30 AM sharp.

A Sea of Fun and Mud

The Not Since Moses race is more than just a running challenge, it’s an unforgettable experience. From the moment the starting gun fires, runners are treated to one of the most unique race environments in the world. Picture running along a vast, exposed ocean floor, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Bay of Fundy cliffs. Along the way, participants will have the opportunity to spot some of the area’s natural wonders, from weathered cliff faces to the sea creatures that inhabit the waters.

But make no mistake, this race is as much about the mud as it is about the scenery. The ocean floor, though beautiful, is a challenging mix of deep, sticky muck and rocks that can easily trap a runner’s foot or shoe. Runners often find themselves sliding through the mud, jokingly referring to parts of the course as “the Passchendaele Centennial Memorial Family Fun Run” due to the thick and stubborn mud that’s part of the fun.

Participants are also treated to a quirky, sea-themed atmosphere. Volunteers often dress up as crustaceous creatures, and there’s even a Moses figure who offers humorous commandments, such as “Thou shalt get wet!” and “Thou shalt fall on thine knees!”

A Community Event

While the race attracts runners from around the world, it is also a chance for the local community to come together. The event includes live music and local fare, with oatcakes, blueberries, and dulse available at the finish line for those looking to refuel.

Post-race celebrations are held at the lighthouse, where participants can share their stories, laugh about the mud they’ve encountered, and take in the incredible coastal views. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a new challenge, the Not Since Moses race offers a memorable adventure in the heart of Nova Scotia’s beautiful Bay of Fundy.

Final Thoughts

If you're up for an adventure, then the Not Since Moses race offers one of the most unusual and exciting running experiences you’ll ever encounter. With the clock ticking down as the tides come in, this race offers a mixture of challenge, beauty, and fun that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. So, dig out your old running shoes and get ready to get stuck in the mud, because this is one race that will stay with you long after the tide has come in.

For more information, visit the Not Since Moses Race website

Image: notsincemoses.ca