Uniformed Services Run

The Uniformed Services Run (USR) is the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Marathon and, dating to 1950, the oldest marathon in Canada. Organized by the Athletics NorthEAST Running Club in St. John's, the event now runs as a two-day weekend: kids' and family fun runs on Saturday, then the marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K, and 5K on Sunday. For 2026 the course was redesigned to center more of the route inside Bowring Park, cutting elevation gain, adding roughly 50% more park mileage, and giving spectators better vantage points along the way. Runners start and finish near the park's Caribou Memorial, looping out along Waterfordbridge Road, Blackhead Road, Southside Road, and Bay Bulls Road before returning through the park's gates -- four loops for the marathon, two for the half. Both the marathon and half marathon are Boston Qualifier certified. The event is built around the Battle of the Badges, a friendly rivalry among the region's uniformed services; proceeds go to a charity chosen by the previous year's winner, with 2026 donations split between the Royal Canadian Legion's Poppy Fund and Nevaeh's Angel Foundation. All participants need an NL Athletics membership or a $5 day permit in addition to the race entry fee.