Welcome to The Talon Trail Races Presented by BackRoads Brews + Shoes!
Race Day: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Discover one of Southwestern Ontario's hidden trail systems as you wind through mature forests, river valleys, technical singletrack and scenic countryside along the Ausable River. Whether you're chasing a new challenge, racing for a podium, or enjoying a walk through nature with friends and family, Talon Trail Races is designed to be an unforgettable fall trail running experience.
Why You'll Love Talon Trail Races
Beautiful singletrack through Joany's Woods and Mystery Falls
Technical trails balanced with runnable sections
Post Race beverage garden
Race shirt included
Local food vendors
Family-friendly atmosphere
Supporting conservation efforts
Create by the team at BackRoads Brews + Shoes
Participants can choose from four unique distances designed to suit a range of abilities and goals. The signature 26 km point-to-point course will offer a rewarding journey through diverse and scenic terrain taking runners from Mystery Falls to Joany’s Woods. For those looking for shorter distances, Joany’s Woods will host three looped options: a 3.3 km walk, a 7.7 km walk/run, and a 11 km run combining both loops. These routes all begin and end at the same main gathering area, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
More than just a race, this event is rooted in purpose. Every registration helps support the Thames Talbot Land Trust and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, organizations working to protect the natural landscapes you'll experience on race day.
It also wouldn't be a BackRoads event if there wasn't a fun party at the end to celebrate a great day of running or walking. After finishing your race, be sure to check out the beverage garden where we'll be serving beer and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be food from local vendors available for purchase.
Included in each registration is:
Event Race T-shirt.
Aid Stations with water and snacks.
Finish Time for 7.7km, 11km and 26k participants.
1 post race beverage from the BackRoads beer garden.
Shuttle Transportation
Event Information:
Parking will be at the West Williams Community Centre (32217 Kerwood Rd. Parkhill, ON, N0M 2K0).
To ensure participant safety and protect the trail system, all participants, volunteers and spectators must park at the West Williams Community Centre. Complimentary shuttle buses will transport everyone to and from the trails throughout the morning.
Bus Shuttle Schedule:
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Shuttle buses will leave at 8am to bring runners to Mystery Falls.
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Shuttle Buses will leave at 9am to bring participants to Joany's Woods.
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Shuttle busses will leave at 9:30am to bring family, friends and spectators to Joany's Woods.
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Shuttle buses back to West Williams from Joany's Woods will leave at 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, and 1pm