BackRoads Track Fest

Lakeside

Triathlon - Duathlon - Kids of Steel

Come and Discover Lakeside!

One of our most longstanding events in a place that you've probably never heard of! Nestled in rural Oxford County just south of St. Mary's and surrounding Lake Sunova, Lakeside is truly a gem.

The water in Lake Sunova stays clean and clear all year rounds being a spring-feed lake.

Other Details

A Treed Transition Area that right next to the Swim and Bike

Parking is available just 200m from the Venue

Registration, Food, Awards, and Finish Line all close by each other

Great view opportunities for spectators

Pure Country Runnin'

We're cutting hay and making way on the farm for this 5th annual cross-country running style race through the pasture! Enjoy the farm's sights and sounds as you make your way around the 2.5km looped course for either the 5km or 10km races. Once finished, stick around for some food, drink, and cheer!

What You'll Receive

All racers will receive a curated collection of goods including a specially brewed beer made just for this race (must be 19 years of age).

Our favourite timing company Enfield Timing will be on hand to calculate times and provide results. Prizes will go to the fastest three in each field, and we may just have a few other treats to hand out as well.

The venerable Andre Morgan will again be on hand to capture your strides and smiles. Check out last year's gallery here.

Charity Partner

Proceeds generated from this year's race will be donated to the rare Charitable Research Reserve. The rare Charitable Research Reserve is a community-based urban land trust and environmental institute that protects over 1,200 acres of highly sensitive lands across eight properties in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

Donations made along with your registration will be directed through Run for Life to rare along with other race proceeds.

Your Hosts

This race is a collaborative effort between fine folk at Run for Life and Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery. We are grateful for the support from local businesses including Runners' Choice Waterloo and Hustle & Flow Coaching.

Pre-Race Message

Please visit this Hustle & Flow Coaching web page for race day details and keep your eye out for a pre-race email message closer to the event. PLEASE NOTE: Website information will be updated soon for the 2026 event, though currently available details will give you a good sense of what to expect.

Race Directors Christopher, Cam, & Jay

Transfers can be made via Race Roster up to September 6.

No deferral or refund requests will be accepted.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sunday October 4th, 2026

Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area

Trail Races: 12.5K, 25K, 50K,

• 50K Team Relay (2-4 runners)

Presented by New Balance Canada

Directed by the Team at

The Hustle at Pinehurst brings a legendary course back to life.

Set in the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area just north of Paris, Ontario, this race revives the iconic Run for the Toad course, once the largest trail race in Canada, and reimagines it with a fresh experience that keeps everything we loved about the trails themselves.

Runners will take on a 12.5 km loop that winds through forested singletrack, traces the edge of Pinehurst Lake, and rolls through open meadows. The trail keeps things interesting with twists, turns, and a few honest climbs that get the heart pumping and signal you’re close to the end of the loop.

Whether you’re lining up for one loop or settling in for a longer day, The Hustle is designed to be a must-do event for trail runners in southwestern Ontario and is built for all runners, as an approachable, challenging in the right ways race-course, that is rooted in history.

This race is for runners who love good trails and a little effort. Whether it’s your first trail race, a chance to settle into a familiar loop, or a tune-up for longer goals. The Hustle offers honest, runnable trails with just enough twists and climbs to keep things interesting.

Come for one loop.

Stay for a few.

Find your hustle.