Ancaster Mill Race

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT AND THE WAITLIST IS NOW FULL! This event is Sanctioned by Athletics Ontario --- We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with La Sportiva for all of our events this year. Not only will La Sportiva be at our races with their demo fleet of shoes to try but they will also be giving away 2 pairs of shoes at every event! --- We are also now working with a new, LOCAL, nutrition company called THN Labs. They are generously providing each runner with gels in their race kit as well as gels available at our aid stations. The gels contain only 4 ingredients: maple syrup, tahini, sea salt, and rowanberry extract. For more information on the product, click on their logo below: --- The new date is April 18th, 2026. Shake off that rust and enjoy the only trail in the area that won't be covered in mud! --- last year's race shirt: This is definitely our fastest trail race and probably the fastest 50k trail race course in Canada. The course is as close to flat as you will

find and the trail is wide, groomed, and accessible. All distances are run on an out-and-back course with plenty of aid stations along the way. The scenery is quite nice and runs alongside conservation land, lush forests, ponds, creeks, and more. For much of the race, there will be kilometer markers on the route. This is a great opportunity to run a personal best or to try a new distance. -5k, 10k, 25k, and 50k finishers will all earn a really nice custom made finisher's medal (below is from a previous year). Runners can carry a cell phone during the race. You will likely have cell service for the entire event- make sure your battery is fully charged. Race Swag: Runners will receive a t-shirt, a teeny tiny race bib that you don't have to cut or fold, some other race goodies, chip timing from Chip Time Results, race photos from Sue Sitki, and a very cool race medal. Runners will have the option to choose either a Unisex Shirt or a Women's Cut Shirt during the registration process. The title

"Women's Cut" is the actual name of the cut. Any person is welcome to choose whichever option they wish. Please note, the women's cut shirts do tend to fit a bit small so you may want to size up. Location: The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is the perfect starting point for an event like this. They offer some great services and the spectators will have plenty to do while they wait for friends/family to finish. Have a look around inside the Trail Centre, which is where the race starts and finishes. Spectators are also welcome to enjoy the trails by going on a hike. This will be a real community event and will be fun for the entire family! The Race Registration Fee includes entrance into the Conservation Area for the participants. All crew and spectators will be asked to pay a reasonable entrance fee at the park entrance gate. Course Description: All of the events will start and end at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area Trail Centre. 5k: Start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and head East

on the Hamilton-to-Brantford Rail Trail to Sanctuary Park, which is 2.5km. This will be the turnaround point. Runners will then run back to the Trail Centre and will finish where they started. Click here for the 5km GPX File. 10k: Start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and head East on the Hamilton-to-Brantford Rail Trail to the 'Hammer View Aid Station', which is just past the Main St. West bridge, and then return to the Trail Centre. Please note, this course is approximately 10.4km. Click here for the 10km GPX File. 25k: Start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and head East on the Hamilton-to-Brantford Rail Trail to the 'Hammer View Aid Station', which is just past the Main St. West bridge, and then return to the Trail Centre, where the 'Headquarters Aid Station' is located. Participants will continue West on the Rail Trail to the 'Opossum's Landing Aid Station', which is just before Hwy 52. They will then return to the Trail Centre where they will cross the finish line. Click here for

the 25km GPX File. 50k: Repeat the 25 km course twice! Map/Elevation: The elevation profile resembles a pancake at first glance. With that being said, there is definitely a slight grade and, even though it is only about 1%, you can certainly feel it after a while. The last 7.5km of the 25km and 50km races will be ever so slightly downhill so you can finish with a smile. The course will be well marked and there is NO WAY you can get lost on this course. Aid Stations: There will be an aid station or water drop every 5-8km along the course. The aid stations will offer your typical ultra-running aid station goods. Sweet and salty snacks, water, electrolyte drink, PB and J, and more. If you have run a Happy Trails Racing event in the past, expect the same. We like to overdo it a bit at our aid stations and try to have something for even the pickiest of eaters! Please note that all Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less so you will need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid

stations. Drop Bags: Participants can have a drop bag at the start/finish area of each loop. Pacers: Nope! If you are over the age of 60 and would like a pacer for safety reasons, or if you have a medical condition in which you would benefit from having a pacer, we will allow it but please let us know. If this is the case, the pacer can join for the 2nd half of the race. All vehicles must be parked in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area parking lot. Poles: You are welcome to use them but, other than using them to trip runners ahead of you, they likely won't be of any help on this course. Post Race Food: We understand that people have different dietary restrictions, needs, and preferences. Because of this, rather than include the cost of a post-race meal that you may or may not enjoy/ be able to eat, we do not include meals in our race registration fees. Refund Policy: Happy Trails Racing has a great policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take

advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out. Also, please note that we don't have waitlists. If spots open up they will be available on Race Roster so check back occasionally. Fundraising: The Foxtail Rail Trail Race is being held in memory of the Race Director's cousin, Paul Turkstra, who passed away after a brief battle with melanoma cancer in October 2021. Paul was a dedicated father, coach, and friend known for his positive attitude and was ALWAYS in a good mood. He was a great human and was gracious and thoughtful right to the very end. We miss Paul

dearly. Race Reports:

We are proud to announce that this event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. --- We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with La Sportiva for our events this year. Not only will La Sportiva be at our races with their demo fleet of shoes to try but they will also be giving away 2 pairs of shoes! --- We are also now working with a new, LOCAL, nutrition company called THN Labs. They are generously providing each runner with gels in their race kit as well as gels available at our aid stations. The gels contain only 4 ingredients: maple syrup, tahini, sea salt, and rowanberry extract. For more information on the product, click on their logo below: --- PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR THE 2026 EVENT! THIS YEAR THE COURSE WILL BE RUN IN A COUNTER-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION. We switch directions every year. That means that we will be running "downhill" on the rail trail this year. Personally, I find this direction more difficult but I seem to be in the minority as most people say that this direction is

easier. Come and join us at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area for Tally in the Valley, a race unlike any other in the area. --- Race Information: Participants will run a 7km loop through the unique Carolinian forest in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. The loop is primarily made up of groomed double track trails with rolling hills and approximately 130m of elevation gain per loop. Although there aren't any major climbs on this course, the constant rolling hills will wear you down in the later stages of the race. Check out the following video for a look at the course: Choose between running a single loop (7k), 3 loops (21k), 23 loops (100 miles), or run for 6/12/24 hours and see how many loops you can complete in the time provided. Runners who complete 23 loops (100 miles/161km) will earn themselves a custom belt buckle while all other participants will also be recognized for their hard work with a custom finishers medal. Looking for something a little different? Try "The Gong Show"!

This is an elimination style event, inspired by the Big's Backyard Ultra, that we are super stoked about. Participants will be given 1 hr to complete the 7km loop. Runners who successfully complete the loop within 1 hr (which may seem easy at first but will eventually become very challenging), will wait at the start line until the gong is hit, marking the time cut-off for the loop AND the start of the next loop. Please note: regardless of how fast participants complete their loop, they can't start their next loop until the gong is struck, which will be every hour on the hour. Participants remain in the event until they can no longer finish a loop within 1 hour OR until the race reaches 24 hours. If there is more than 1 runner to start the final loop after 23 hours, the first runner to complete the final loop will be the winner. However, ALL runners that make it to the 23 hour mark will receive a custom belt buckle since they will have run 100 miles. This race is awesome to watch as there is

quite a bit of strategy involved. Ideally, runners will want to run a comfortable pace and conserve energy but will also want to leave themselves some time to fuel-up at the aid station and have a short break before heading out for another loop. If you are planning on running the Gong Show Event, you might want to watch the following video for some tips: In the 6/12/24 hour races there are no DNF's (Did Not Finish). Each runner that starts the race will be recognized for the distance that they complete, regardless of when they stop. In the last 30 minutes before the completion of each timed event, we will have race volunteers stationed at different points on the course to mark how many kms into the loop the participants are when the time is up. --- Course Description: To view a course map, click here, but I wouldn't trust the elevation gain listed. Our watches consistently show 130-140m of gain per loop, not 59m as indicated on the map. Either way, it's runnable! Counter-Clockwise Loop

(THIS YEAR): There is a big change that will be happening this year (and likely from this point on). Every year, the race headquarters has been placed in the overflow parking field off of sawmill trail. However, the Conservation Area would like to regenerate this area and let the field grow naturally, which we think is great! This year, the race will start at the Trail Centre (right by the tap that our participants love). There are some real benefits to this change including the fact that we will have more space to set up and the area is flat, which will give our participants and their crews a level area for set-up. The biggest downside is that this area has always worked as an unofficial aid station where runners can fill up their bottles and cool off. BUT DON'T WORRY, we will set up an additional water station along the course. The loop will remain exactly the same, we will just be starting at a different point on the loop. Overall, we believe that it will make for a better experience for

everyone and we are excited about the change. The first 2km of the loop will be on the rail trail and will be slighlty downhill the entire way. This is a great spot to recover from the hills of the previous loop. If it is a sunny day, this section will be hot since there isn't a lot of shade. After exiting the rail trail, runners will run down a short but steep hill and will be at the lowest point of the course. The next 2.5km is mostly small rolling hills. Although it is entirely runnable, there is definitely more uphill than downhill in this section. The next 2-2.5km are the most challenging on the loop. This section is made up of rolling hills - no big hills but you will feel them! This will bring participants back to the Trail Centre, which is the where our Race HQ will be. --- Aid Stations: There will be one aid station on the course, which will be located at the start/finish area. Stock up in between loops. There will be water, an electrolyte drink, and all of your typical ultra

running fare including sweet and salty snacks, PB and J sandwiches, pickles, and chips. The menu will change as the day goes on. Last year there was grilled cheese, quesadillas and perogies. There will also be portable toilets located at the aid station. For those of you interested in running in the "Gong Show" elimination event, you can hang out at the aid station (start/finish area) after finishing the loop until the gong is hit, at which point you need to get moving if you want to make the next cut-off! The faster you finish your loop, the more time you have to rest and fuel-up. This year, we will be setting up a self-serve water station at approximately the halfway point of the loop. Please note that all Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less so you will need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid stations. --- Pacers: Gong Show: No pacers in the Gong Show elimination event. 6 Hour: No pacers in the 6 hour. 12 Hour: Pacers are strongly discouraged in the 12 hour day

race, but allowed in the 12hr night race. Since the course is 7km, there will be a lot of participants out on the course. However, we don't ever want our participants to be in any danger so if you feel like you need one for safety reasons, by all means, go for it but only in the last 4 hours of the 12hr day event. If you feel like you will need a pacer for safety reasons before this, please message the race director before registering. Participants over the age 65 are welcome to have a pacer at any time. Pacers will have to pay the park admission fee at the gatehouse when they arrive on site. 24 Hour and 100 Miles: Pacers will be permitted, if necessary, at 9pm. Pacers can only join their runner at the start/finish area. Pacers cannot mule (carry anything for their runner). --- Race Swag: All participants will receive a really cool and buttery-soft t-shirt that you can wear around town to show everybody that you're a bad-ass. (Please note: t-shirt design is subject to change depending on

supplier availability). Runners will have the option to choose either a Unisex Shirt or a Women's Cut Shirt during the registration process. The title "Women's Cut" is the actual name of the cut. Any person is welcome to choose whichever option they wish. Please note, the women's cut shirts do tend to fit a bit small so you may want to size up. The following shirt was last year's design: The race shirt cut-off date is July 1. If you register after July 1, you probably will NOT receive a t-shirt. Participants in the 7k, 21k, 6hr, 12hr, and 24hr events will all receive a rad race medal (the 2023 medal, bib, and sticker are posted below), unless you run 100 miles, in which case, you will earn yourself a SWEET belt buckle! Participant in the Gong Show get NUTHIN' unless they run 100 miles or win the event. That's part of the fun! --- Post Race Food: We understand that people have different dietary restrictions, needs, and preferences. Because of this, rather than include the cost of a post-race

meal that you may or may not enjoy/ be able to eat, we do not include meals in our race registration fees. We do this to give you the biggest bang for your buck and to try to enhance your experience the best that we can. --- Refund Policy: Happy Trails Racing has a great policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out. Also, please note that we don't have waitlists. If spots open up they will be available on Race Roster so check back occasionally. --- Race Reports: Check

out the following Race Recaps:

We are proud to announce that this event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. --- We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with La Sportiva for all of our events this year. Not only will La Sportiva be at our races with their demo fleet of shoes to try but they will also be giving away 2 pairs of shoes! --- We are also now working with a new, LOCAL, nutrition company called THN Labs. They are generously providing each runner with gels in their race kit as well as gels available at our aid stations. The gels contain only 4 ingredients: maple syrup, tahini, sea salt, and rowanberry extract. For more information on the product, click on their logo below: --- PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR THE 2026 EVENT. This race is in support of "Oceana Canada". --- COURSE DESCRIPTION: All race distances will run a beautiful 5.3k looped course around the lake at Christie Lake Conservation Area. To view a map of the course, click here. The route is rolling, fast, and runnable. The trail surface

consists primarily of dirt and is non-technical. - 5k racers will complete the loop x1 (this course is actually 5.3km) - 10k racers will complete the loop x2 (this course is actually 10.6km) - 25k racers will complete the loop x5 (this course is actually 26.5km) - 50k SOLO racers will complete the loop x10 (this course is actually 53km) - 50k RELAY racers will complete the loop x10 (you may have up to 5 racers on your team) Note the cutoff for the 50k race is 8 hours. If you think you will need more time we will be offering an early start option at 8am. You do not need to register for the early start; just show up ready to run! For the 50k RELAY - the 5k loop exchange zones will be clearly marked and situated at the start/finish area. There will be 2 aid stations each loop - One at the start/finish and the other at the 2.5k mark. The aid stations will have water, electrolyte drinks, pop, fruit, and sweet & salty snacks. Please note all Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less so you will

need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid stations. Check out the following video: --- RACE REGISTRATION & KIT PICK-UP: Race kit pick-up will be held at the Beach Pavilion on-site at Christie Lake Conservation Area: October 10th from 7:30am - race start. Participants in the 5k, 10k, 25k and 50k RELAY will receive a Stick n' Stones Trail Race toque. SOLO participants in the 50k will receive a Sticks n' Stones Trail Race Hoodie. Hoodies are available for purchase for the 5k, 10k, 25k and 50k RELAY participants at the time of registration for $35. Please ensure you indicate your size if you are acquiring a hoodie. Please note: the hoodie and toque shown are from 2019. Our 2026 hoodie will be different. --- PARKING: Your registration fee includes the parking costs. Spectators will be required to pay to get into the park. --- RACE START TIMES: 25k, 50k, and 50k relay participants will start at 9:00am. 5k & 10k participants will start at 10:00am. --- Aid Stations: There will be

2 aid stations on the course; one at the 2km point in the loop and the other is 3km later at the start/finish of each loop. The aid station are cup-less, so please bring a cup or bottle to use during the race. Runners can expect the usual ultra staples- water, electrolyte drink, PB & J, sweet and salty snacks and some other yummy suprises. --- Pacers: Sorry, pacers are not permitted in any of the events. If you feel that you will need a pacer, for safety reasons, please contact the Race Director before registering. Participants over the age of 65 can have a pacer if they wish. --- AWARDS: Finishers of each race will receive a race medal upon completion. Top three awards will be given to solo finishers. First place awards will be given to the top Relay teams (All Male, All Female and Mixed). Professional timing will be there to time your race - all results will be posted after the race. We will have photographers taking great photos of the racers. --- Post Race Food: We understand that

people have different dietary restrictions, needs, and preferences. Because of this, rather than include the cost of a post-race meal that you may or may not enjoy/ be able to eat, we do not include meals in our race registration fees. We do this to give you the biggest bang for your buck and to try to enhance your experience the best that we can. --- Refund Policy: Happy Trails Racing has a great policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out. Also, please note that we

don't have waitlists. If spots open up they will be available on Race Roster so check back occasionally. --- Fundraising: This event is being held in memory of the Race Director's cousin, Michael Bennardo, who died at the age of 38 on September 20, 2018. Michael was just about to complete medical school and had a promising future ahead where he would work towards his goal of helping as many people as possible. Michael absolutely loved the ocean and was certainly drawn to it throughout his life. We are very happy to be supporting Oceana Canada in Michael's memory and would truly appreciate any funds that you could donate towards this great cause. ---

THIS IS FOR THE 2026 RACE!

We are proud to announce that this event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario.

We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with La Sportiva for all of our events this year. Not only will La Sportiva be at our races with their demo fleet of shoes to try but they will also be giving away 2 pairs of shoes at every event!

We are also now working with a new, LOCAL, nutrition company called THN Labs. They are generously providing each runner with gels in their race kit as well as gels available at our aid stations. The gels contain only 4 ingredients: maple syrup, tahini, sea salt, and rowanberry extract. For more information on the product, click on their logo below:

Lost Valley Trail Race: A point-to-point trail race that takes runners on an adventure from Burlington to Dundas along the Iroquoia Section of the iconic Bruce Trail.

There are two options to choose from: 10k and 25k. Both courses will be point-to-point events meaning that there are no loops and the starting point and ending points are in two different locations. Participants will board a bus that will take them from the finish line, where participants will park, to the starting line, or they can arrange to be dropped off at the race start.

Please park at Dundas Valley Conservation Area, which is where both races will finish.

Both events will be run along the Main Trail of the Bruce Trail, which is permanently marked with white blazes. Participants must be able to follow trail blazes.

The only sections that will have additional markings are the first 250m, the last 250m, and the 2.5km section that runs along the streets of Dundas.

PLEASE NOTE: In 2026 we will be limiting the registration to 180 participants. Our intention is keep this race as a community event with a grassroots vibe.

The 25km Race:

Participants will park at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (parking fees are included in the race registration fee) and board a bus that will take them to Cityview Park in Burlington (or arrange your own transportation).

Click on the following link to view the GPX file of the 25km course:

25km Course GPX File

The race will start at Cityview Park in Burlington. Participants will follow the rolling single track along the Niagara Escarpment and through the very popular Smokey Hollow area. Participants will run along Grindstone Creek and will encounter some steep climbs as they make there way over to the Black Woods area.

Runners will pass through a very rocky section before running through a tunnel under Hwy 6, followed by a short but steep climb up the escarpment. Runners will continue along the edge of the escarpment for a while and will be rewarded with some magnificent views. After passing Borer's Falls, runners will eventually start to make their way down the escarpment on a steep descent next to Sydenham Hill in Dundas.

At the base of Sydenham Hill, runners will have approximately 2.5km of road. Although this section is still part of the main trail of the Bruce Trail, we will have additional marking flags here.

Runners will jump back onto some absolutely glorious single-track next to the Dundas Golf Course and will emerge on the McCormack Trail. After a couple climbs and descents, they will then cross Governors Road, where they will have a couple of short but steep climbs as they approach the end. Runners will complete one lap around the Stacey Meadow Pond before ending their journey at the Stacey Meadow Pavilion.

Although there will be lots of climbing on the route, the race is definitely on a net downhill course. There is approximately 600m of elevation gain and 720m of elevation loss.

The 10km Race:

Participants will park at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (parking fees are included in the race registration fee) and board a bus that will take them to the Rock Chapel Conservation Area in Dundas (or arrange your own transportation)

Click on the following link to view the GPX file of the 10km course:

10km Course GPX File

The first 2km of the race are quite beautiful with some great views. This section is relatively flat and is one of the easiest section of the course (other than the road section, of course). It is a great opportunity to find your groove and chat with fellow participants before starting the descent down the escarpment.

At the base of Sydenham Hill, runners will have approximately 2.5km of road. Although this section is still part of the main trail of the Bruce Trail, we will have additional marking flags here.

Runners will jump back onto some absolutely glorious single-track next to the Dundas Golf Course and will emerge on the McCormack Trail. After a couple climbs and descents, they will then cross Governors Road, where they will have a couple of short but steep climbs as they approach the end. Runners will complete one lap around the Stacey Meadow Pond before ending their journey at the Stacey Meadow Pavilion.

This race is 75% trail and 25% road. Although there are some climbs along the way, this course is a net downhill course with approximately 185m of elevation gain and 265m of elevation loss. However, you should keep in mind that the biggest descent of the course also takes place on one of the most technical sections and it will NOT be a place to try to make up time. It will be a slow descent!

Race Swag:

Here are all of the things that are included in your race fee:

-Bus ride from the finish line at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area to the start line of each race distance.

-A pair of Happy Trails Racing Socks (perfect for after the race!)

-Neck Gator

-Sticker

-Parking at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area

-Teeny Tiny Custom Race Bib

-Aid Stations along the course

-A really cool finisher's medal

-$10 from each registration will go directly to the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club

Location:

The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is the perfect ending point for an event like this. They offer some great services and spectators will have plenty to do while they wait for friends/family to finish. Have a look around inside the Trail Centre or enjoy the trails by going on a hike. This will be a real community event and will be fun for the entire family!

The Race Registration Fee includes entrance into the Conservation Area for the participants. All crew and spectators will be asked to pay a reasonable entrance fee at the park entrance gate.

Aid Stations:

There will be 3 aid stations along the 25km course and 1 aid station on the 10km course. The aid stations will be at 7.5km, 15km, and 20km along the 25km course and around the 5km point on the 10km course. The aid stations will offer your typical ultra-running aid station goods. Sweet and salty snacks, water, electrolyte drink, PB and J, and more. If you have run a Happy Trails Racing event in the past, expect the same.

Please note all Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less so you will need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid stations.

Poles:

You are welcome to use poles for this race.

Post Race Food:

We understand that people have different dietary restrictions, needs, and preferences. Because of this, rather than include the cost of a post-race meal that you may or may not enjoy/ be able to eat, we do not include meals in our race registration fees.

There are a lot of really great places to eat in Dundas after the race.

Refund Policy:

Happy Trails Racing has a great policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out.