Kendra Benedict, Runner and Volunteer, Bay of Fundy Intl’ Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K
The Bay of Fundy International Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K has been in my sights since I read a highlight about the race in July 2013, on runningmagazine.ca. I was in my final year at the University of Toronto, and little did I know I would pin it to the back of my mind for 11 years.
After moving west for six years and making my way back home to Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), I caught (metaphorical) wind that the race was making a comeback after it had been on hiatus since 2019. While visiting the island of Campobello last August, I asked around about the international marathon. It turns out I was speaking to a volunteer coordinator, and she put me in contact with one of the soon-to-be co-race directors, and we’ve been meeting weekly almost since then! The effort of the volunteer committee, made of mostly locals to Campobello and Lubec, has made our 90 minute meetings a genuine joy. I have the pleasure of steering the social media, marketing, and promotions this year, yet not without the tremendous support of almost 30 core volunteers.
My connection to running was set from years of playing soccer, and after ending my time as a varsity player, I started running marathons. Over the years, as my connection to team sports faded and I dedicated myself to the solitude of running, I have been so surprised to find an incredible community there. After races, I’d make new friends in the nutrition tent or even be invited to a post-race, home-cooked dinner when my plans were noodles before crashing into my tent. One of my fondest memories was meeting a large group of locals on Campobello a few nights before a race and being surprised to see two of my newest friends at the start line to cheer me on. That experience included a gift bag and card delivery the next day to celebrate “the run being done.” The warmth of the people of the east is truly unmet and something I hope people will come to experience for themselves.
Speaking about the landscape of the Bay of Fundy International Marathon can’t be done without acknowledging the Wabanaki Confederacy. I believe their care and stewardship contribute largely to the feeling of home many experience when visiting or living “down east.” It is the land that the sun sees first, yes, and truly a beautiful place, with individuals and people who have strong connections to their cultures, but what ties all of it together is the connections between the people and the ocean. Living by the sea, the tides, the wind, and being a runner embedded that nature into me, and while I can only speak for myself, I think it shapes all of us who live by it. Our connection to the earth is one that the effort and sport of running have helped me restore and nourish within myself. Having lived-experience of PTSD and the dysregulation that comes with it, running and its wider community have helped me learn healthy ways of coping and living while figuring out how to run ultramarathons!
In addition to volunteering with the race, I work in community, youth and peer support, have been a yoga teacher for 11 years, and have been a low-pressure fitness (hypopressives) instructor for 3. Outside of all these things, if not running, I am reading, surfing, or planning a road trip to do any of the above! My hope with all of this work and by sharing my story is for people to be inspired to move, stay connected with the nature around them, and also learn to be still, practice undivided attention, whether it be walking, running or fishing. Be present; we live in a beautiful world.
You’ve invited to learn more about the Bay of Fundy International Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k, whether your interest is in running, volunteering or simply cheering from the sidelines. Hope to see you June 22nd at this international race!
Please feel free to visit Kendra’s nonprofit organization, Preserve Wellness (via Instagram @preservewellness) or by visiting Kendra Benedict on Facebook. Preserve Wellness services are for anyone who needs resources as well as their pay-what-you-like movement and decompression practices both in person and virtually.
