Run the wild edge of Cape Breton.
Run atop the spectacular Mabou Highlands and along the waters of the Atlantic on trails that will both inspire and challenge you. Beaches, streams, and spectacular vistas. The village of Mabou and the Capes 100 crew welcome all of yas to this magical place.
Three ways up the Capes
All events start at 220 Angus Archie Road, Mabou, NS, at 6:00 AM on Saturday, August 7.
46K 
86K 
162K Know the route
Distances are +/– 3km, so don't get flustered if your watch doesn't match. Aid-station locations and course revisions may happen up until race day. Stashing gear on the course is prohibited.
Good to know
- No crew access and no drop bags for the 46k.
- No pacers.
- Drop out? Get picked up by your friends at the Mabou Trailhead aid station (KM 11 / 35). Make your way there to be transported back.
Good to know
- 1 drop bag stays at the Broad Cove Banks aid station (KM 35) and 1 stays at the start/finish (KM 76) IF you don't have a crew.
- Pacers allowed for the final 10k (Fun House loop)! Misery loves company!
- Drop out? Get picked up at Mabou Trailhead (KM 11 & 65) or Broad Cove Banks (KM 35) by your crew.
Good to know
- 1 pacer per runner. May only start at KM 112 (Cape Mabou Trailhead / Cow Pasture).
- Crew access anywhere other than designated points is prohibited and will result in a DQ.
- Drop out? Get picked up at Mabou Trailhead (KM 11/65/97/151), Cape Mabou (KM 112) or Broad Cove Banks (KM 35/121).
- 1 drop bag stays at the Broad Cove Banks aid station (KM 35 & 121) and 1 stays at the start/finish (KM 76) IF you don't have a crew.
Gear & rules
It is mandatory for all runners carry the following items at all times. You'll be checked on course — DQ if you're missing any mandatory item.
Mandatory
Required at all times- Bottles / flasks / reservoir holding at least 1L
- Waterproof jacket (seam-sealed / taped / welded)
- Basic first-aid kit (2m duct/medical tape, tensor bandage, band-aids, emergency blanket)
- Charged cell phone with the RD's number
- Whistle
- Toque or buff
- Course map (on phone or printed)
- Lighter / matches
- Knife (pocket-knife style)
Recommended
Highly suggested- Garmin InReach or similar + GPX file
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Warm upper-body layer & rain pants
- Benadryl (hornets' nests happen!)
- Calories, sunscreen, bug repellent
- Compass, trekking poles, water filter
- Glitter — it gives you super powers!
Prohibited
Not allowed- Earbuds / bone-conduction headphones
- Music or podcasts on speakerphone
- Dogs or other pets on course
- Stashing gear on the course
- Pacers (except 162k — see below)
Pacers: New for 2027+: 86k runners may have a pacer for the last 10k (the Fun House loop). Pacers for the 162k runners may only join at KM 112 (Cape Mabou Trailhead / Cow Pasture). "Muling" is prohibited — your pacer can't carry gear for you, and you can't borrow gear from them.
Fuel & crewing
What's on the table
Liquids: water, Coke, ginger ale and Tailwind (orange).
Solids: candy, chips, bananas, cookies, pickles & watermelon plus the odd oddball item.
9 PM–6 AM: warm food through the night — broth & grilled cheese.
The schedule
Friday check-in is at the Mabou Gaelic College gymnasium
- 12–7 PM Check-in & swag pick-up at Mabou Gaelic College
- 7 PM Drop-bag drop off deadline (≤30L / 10kg)
- 6 AM All events start at 220 Angus Archie Road, off NE Mabou Road
- 12:30 PM Veggie burger BBQ
- 2 PM 46k awards
- 9 PM 86k drop bags arrive at start/finish
- 11:30 AM Veggie burger BBQ
- 12 PM 86k & 162k awards
- 12 PM 162k drop bags arrive
- 6 PM 162k course closes
Refunds, transfers & deferrals
Refund policy
Contact us by January 1, 2027 for a 75% refund, or between January 2 and June 10, 2027 for a 50% refund.
No refunds after June 10, 2027.
If the event is cancelled
In the event of cancellation (weather, forest fires, acts of nature, war, strikes or other circumstances), we'll provide three options:
- Deferral to the following year (you need to let me know before the deadline though)
- A partial refund of your entry fee, calculated by NSTR to account for incurred event expenses
- You can sell your spot
Volunteer deferral & transfers
Registered but can't run due to injury / illness / training / life? Volunteer for 8 hours on race weekend at Capes, or in the following year at Keji's Backyard and we'll defer your entry.
Volunteers that want to cash in their free entry for the following year don't need to register online. Same goes for those that volunteered to defer their entry.
Transfers / selling your spot are not allowed.
Distance changes & swag
Dropping down from the 162k or 86k to a shorter distance is no problem, but you won't get the fee difference back. Sorry.
Bumping up from the 46k to a longer distance? No problem up to August 6, 2027 — just e-transfer the difference.
Swag & prizing is only for runners on the start list and volunteers. We won't mail or deliver swag or drop bags; leftovers go to volunteers and community members. Easy peasy 🙂
See you at the capes
46k, 86k or the full 162k.
Register on RaceRoster
