SECC Ride and Stride

UPDATE

With just over a week away, we wanted to release this year's race route. The start and finish line will be in the same area as last year located on the ERCA trail off Thomas St. Participants will take off from this location and run/walk along the path that runs along Sadler's Pond before returning to the ERCA trail system where they will continue down the trail toward South Talbot. At South Talbot, participants will cross over to the other side of the trail that runs along Highway 3. They will proceed down this trail under the overpass with a turnaround point just shy of pollution plant. We will have volunteers guiding the participants as they move along. The below map represents this year's race route. We can't wait to see you there as we remember and carry on the legacy of our Jaida while raising much needed funds for childhood cancer research.

The Grey 5K is back for another year but with a slight twist - we are excited to announce the 2026 version will be "The Grey 5K - First Responders' Edition" powered by Empire Roofing Corporation and Essex County K9 Services. We are inviting local first responders to register and join us this year for some friendly competition amongst agencies. During Jaida's battle, Essex County first response agencies stepped up and were there to support our Jaida and our family. Your support has not been forgotten and we are excited to host local first responders at this year's event!

Join us a single participant or as a team! Let see some friendly competition amongst services - Fire, EMS, Police - who will be the winner? Not a First Responder? No problem, all are welcome to take part in this event!

This year's event will be held on May 30, 2026 in the Town of Essex at Sadler's Nature Park and Trail (same venue as last year). We will be making a slight change to this year's race route as well. Stay tuned!

Jaida Chartier was a 12-year old Essex resident who bravely fought Diffuse Midline Glioma with H3K27 mutation Brain Cancer for 14-months before peacefully passing away July 31, 2024.

In keeping with a promise made to Jaida by Jaida's parents to pay it forward while continuing Jaida's fight against Childhood Cancer, this 5K Run/Walk will raise money to fund Childhood Cancer research, specifically, Pediatric Brain Cancer. Last year's event raised $15,000 - we are looking to surpass this amount this year!

The month of May is significant, as it commemorates Brain Tumour/Cancer month which is symbolized with the Grey Cancer Ribbon. Further, on May 31st, 2023, Jaida's battle began when she was airlifted from Windsor Regional Hospital -Ouellette Campus to London Children's Hospital.

Let's come together once again to show our continued support of our Hero Jaida. Let's show her that she will never be forgotten and we will continue her battle to find a cure for our littlest heroes!

Registrations prior to May 7th includes custom event T-shirt! You can register to walk or run the 5K! Again, you don't have to be a First Responder to register for this event.

Registration will begin at 8am with run/walk starting at 10am!

Welcome to the 3rd annual Essex Fun Fest 5k Walk, Run, and Wheel presented by BrokerLink Insurance. This non-for-profit event directs all proceeds to the Essex Area Food Bank. Bring out the whole family to enjoy music (presented by DJ Tony), lawn games, and activities! Join us on race day to win exclusive prizes and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sadler’s Nature Park and Trail. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Follow us on Instagram for up to date event information! @essexfunfest5kwalkrunwheel

Send us an email for more information! [email protected]

All participants will receive:

• Pre race warm up

• Finisher medal for both 5k run and walk

• Branded t-shirt

• Branded tote bag

• Branded reusable water bottle

• Entry into raffle prize draws

• Post race refreshments

• Chip timing provided by WRACE

• Awards for winning participants

Online registration is open until Friday, July 3, 2026. Last minute entries on race day can take place up to the start of the race. Please note: race day registrations must be paid in cash or by cheque, and the fee is increased to $50.00. Additionally, the registration fee is increased to $45.00 during the last week before the race (Sunday, June 28, 2026 - Friday, July 3, 2026).

All racers who register before June 5, 2026 will be guaranteed a branded t-shirt. Registrations after that date may not be entitled to a shirt or the racer's desired size.

All racers can pick up their race kit at Essex District High School on July 3rd or 4th (12 pm to 4 pm), or on race day at Sadlers Pond. Pick up at the high school will occur outside the front lobby on the Talbot St side of the building.

Parking is available on the side streets around Sadlers Pond, at the fire hall, and the wellness plaza on Victoria St. Parking lots at the pond will fill up fast so it is recommended to utilize the locations listed above.

There are three entrances into the park and to the race hub: the pathway off of Victoria Ave, the parking lot off of Keown St, and the pathway off of Thomas St. The start line is located at the joining of the Victoria and Keown paths, or down the first left pathway when using the Thomas entrance.

This event was created to bring people together around movement, personal goals, and community impact. Whether you’re running your first 5K, chasing a personal best, or showing up to support something meaningful, there’s a place for you here.

After the run there will be a fun, outdoor market style experience with local vendors and interactive experiences for runners and guests to enjoy while they celebrate and explore the area.

Along the Vines is built around giving back, with 50% of ticket sales donated to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, while also creating space for local health and wellness businesses to connect with the community. It’s about challenging yourself, supporting one another, and celebrating what makes our local community strong.

Food options are available for pre-purchase to be enjoyed with fellow runners and spectators following the race in the seating area of the community market. If you wish to dine with CREW, a reservation is required and can be made here:

https://colchesterridge.com/reservations/

Course Map Information

The Along the Vines 5K / 10K begins and ends at Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, guiding runners and walkers along the shoulder of County Road 50 East, the heart of Windsor-Essex County’s wine route.

Participants will run alongside the vines, passing North 42 Degrees Estate Winery and Viewpointe Estate Winery, surrounded by the natural beauty of wine country.

The 5K walk and run will turn around just before Ravine Cottages, while the 10K course continues past Oxley, heading down and right before Paglione Estate Winery runners will loop back to the finish line at Colchester Ridge Estate Winery.

This course offers a scenic, flat, and memorable route, a true run along the vines, through one of Windsor-Essex County’s most iconic landscapes. This course wheelchair accessible, with no off-road or trail sections. It’s designed to be inclusive and accessible for all participants.

A great way to enjoy the last of summer's warm weather!

The Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour returns to raise funds to help support trail development of the CASO Greenway Trail! Show your love by joining us on Saturday, September 26, 2026, to ride in support of conservation!

With new road routes designed by 'Share the Road' for maximum rider safety and comfort, the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour incorporates all the sights of summer, cycling facilities, quite neighbourhood streets and peaceful back roads!

Road cyclists will tour through picturesque county roads along the CWATS route through Colchester, Amherstburg, Essex and Leamington on your way to and from Kingsville!

Greenway riders will meander the safe, beautiful, off-road nature trails along the Chrysler Canada and Cypher Systems Group Greenways. Back by popular demand, all routes will begin and end at the lakeside Mettawas Park in Kingsville, and will include a delicious locally sourced lunch.

Resources:

• Explore & Download the 102km Road Route

• Explore & Download the 61km Road Route

• View & Download All Routes Map

• Learn More About the Team Challenge

• View & download our 2026 Fundraising Package.

• Sponsorship opportunities are available - contact Danielle Stuebing at [email protected]

Event Includes:

Routes and Pricing

• Adequate free parking

• Route signposted

• First aid

• Emergency contact number

• Route Marshals

• Mechanical support

• Prizes for top fundraisers

• Refreshments at rest stops

• Free post ride lunch from local vendors

• 15km Family Greenway Ride- $35 / $90 family

• 32km Intermediate Greenway Ride - $40 / $95 family

• 64km Advanced Greenway Ride - $45

• 60km Intermediate Road Ride - $45

• • 100km Advanced Road Ride - $49

• Lunch Only - $10

• Please note: for those registering for for the Advanced Road Route, you must be prepared to complete your route within a maximum of 6 hours.

Suggested Minimum Donation: Engage your friends in the fun! As this event raises funds, we respectfully request that you consider a minimum donation of $50 in support of conservation and trails in our region! View & download our 2026 Fundraising Package.

Fundraising Perks: Top individual fundraisers can look forward to great gifts for their efforts:

• $350+ Receives Free 2027 Registration & Cool Bike Tour Cap

• $250+ Receives Free 2027 Registration

Refund policy: Please note that our event offers no refunds or deferrals. Transfers would be the responsibility of the transferee. No exceptions.