One of the world's most unique running races turns 10 this year, and is still running strong. The annual "Not Since Moses" run across the ocean floor takes place on Sunday, July 15. The run consists of three events all held the same morning: a 10k run, a 5 k run/walk and children's mud runs, known as the Basket Runs. 

The run continues to be a challenging one to organize with over 55 volunteers from the local area now assisting with run registration and race day delivery. "Unlike 'normal runs' our location on a tidal coast makes our run logistics especially challenging, " said Joyce Eagles, Run Director, "For example, we organize route markers, sweepers, first aid and rescue options all out on the ocean floor to ensure that our runners can enjoy the event safely."

Approximately 600 to 700 runners attend the annual "Not Since Moses". Eagles says attendance varies each year due to the run date having to change each year to 'follow the tides'. Tide times and heights vary every year and run organizers need a ".5 low tide" in the morning in July or August in order to safely schedule the runs. All runners and spectators are bused from the Five Islands Ball Field to the two start locations at Sand Point and Soley Cove. 

The run was founded 10 years ago by then new, resident from California, Dick Lemon, who had purchased one of the Five Islands and built a summer home there. Dick, a long-time marathoner, had begun exploring the intertidal zone near the islands at low tide and wanted to open up the experience to others. The tidal phenomenon in the area reminded him of Moses' parting of the Red Sea, hence the run's catchy name. While some locals initially thought the run's concept was a bit bizarre, it didn't take long for folks along the shore to become involved and see the run as a way to share their special coast with visitors from around the world.

"This year, we have runners from all over Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, France and many other countries this coming year," said Joyce, "It's really quite astonishing to learn that people plan their entire holiday around our run. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to run the ocean floor. It's very satisfying to the volunteers to be involved in something that so deeply moves and inspires these visitors to our shore."

At the core of the "Not Since Moses" planning team are non-profit's board members:  Joyce Eagles, Executive Director; Debbie Eagles, Volunteer Coordinator; Joachim Stroink, Coordinator of Logistics; and Terri McCulloch, Coordinator of Public Relations and Marketing. Dick Lemon is still involved as the run's inspiration and he attends annually. 

For the past five years the organization has been supported corporately by Vasque footwear. Masstown Market, the County of Cumberland, Sobeys, Wilson’s Fuels and several local businesses have also been longtime supporters. The owners of Sand Point campground have also been a great supporter for many years and using the campground as base camp lead stability in annual planning. "This is a community run, not a corporate or franchise run with a big budget," said Eagles, "The support we receive in kind, or financially, from all parties ensures that we can offer the run each season."