Cape Sable Island marathoner running Nova Scotia from tip to tip in support of Autism N.S.

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNova ScotiaSouth ShoreTri-County Cape Sable Island marathoner running Nova Scotia from tip to tip in support of Autism N.S. Author of the article: By Kathy Johnson Published Sep 09, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Cape Sable Island distance running enthusiast Landon Smith is planning to run from The Hawk on Cape Sable Island, the most southerly point in Nova Scotia, to Meat Cove, Cape Breton, the most northerly point, a distance of 784 kilometres this fall in support of Autism Nova Scotia. PHOTO BY KATHY JOHNSON /Tri-County Vanguard Article content Landon Smith likes running. If there is a running event happening in the region, chances are Smith will be at the start line. Article content Come Oct. 3, Smith has set his own start line to run from The Hawk on Cape Sable Island, the most southerly point in Nova Scotia, to Meat Cove in Cape Breton, the most northerly point, a distance of 784 kilometres. He plans to start at 7 a.m. Article content Article content “I’m hoping to do it in 12 days. I’m aiming to run 70 to 80 kilometres a day,” about the equivalent of two marathons, said Smith. Article content Article content Smith is undertaking the run to raise money for Autism Nova Scotia. Article content Inspired by his nephew, who is autistic, Smith recalled babysitting him and thinking how hard it must be for parents of autistic children. Article content “They don’t know what they need or want if they don’t speak. I thought I really should do something to help or support autistic children,” he said. Article content Smith’s mother Sandi Haughey and brother Robin Smith will be following him in a camper so he has somewhere to sleep, shower, and cook food along the route. His friend Keithyon Shirley will be his nutrition coach. “It’s mostly nutrition anyway,” said Smith. Article content Smith plans to follow the same coastal route his running friend Allison McFadden ran in 2024 to raise money for the IWK, which avoids the major highways. Article content Article content “She holds the record, 11 days, six hours, and so many minutes,” he said. Article content Read More American runners top Nova Scotia Marathon leaderboard in Barrington 'Watching precious time slip away': Halifax mother fighting for critical autism services for three-year-old daughter Advertisement 1 Article content Born and raised on Cape…