The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race 2026
- Date:
- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 at 7:48 AM
- Location:
-
Tyneside Trail
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- happytrailsracing.com Register at raceroster.com
- Tags:
- Indoor Run Trail Ultra
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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 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:
As you probably know, we have a Summer Solstice Race in which runners run the entire time that the sun is up on the longest day of the year. The summer race is always our fastest selling out race with great vibes. When we originally thought of the race, many years ago, it was our intention to also offer a Winter Solstice Race in which runners run the entire time that the sun is up on the SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR.
Finally, in 2026, we will be offering The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race
Instead of battling the sun, runners will have to layer up and try to stay warm!
The Winter Solstice represents the shortest day of the year with only 8hrs, 58 minutes, 29 seconds of sun (from 7:48am to 4:47pm).
Race Details:
The race will be run on an approximately 3.7 km trail loop. There are a couple of short rolling hills (that will feel as though they are growing with each loop). The course will be a mixture of tree covered trails and open field and the wind is typically blowing at this location. The exact course length won't be available until the race because we are going to design the course to be the best we possibly can, which means we are going to use the trails that are in the best condition and offer the most scenic options for race day. Our intentions are to mostly use the same section of trail that we do for our summer race but that will depend on the weather leading up to the race, since sections of the route are prone to becoming soggy if there is a lot of rain.
Don't feel like racing for the entire solstice? No problem, you can do a Half Solstice (4 hours and 29 minutes), a Quarter Solstice (2 hours and 15 minutes), or you can do it as a relay, which is SO MUCH FUN!
Full Solstice: 8 hours and 58 minutes (Starts at 7:48am - Ends at 4:47pm)
Full Solstice Relay: 8 hours and 58 minutes (Starts at 7:48am - Ends at 4:47pm)- For the Relay Race, teams can have up to 5 runners total per team. They can switch runners as frequently as they wish but each runner must run the full loop and all transitions must occur in the designated "relay transition area". If someone on your team needs to leave early you can NOT replace them with someone new. Each member of the team will receive a shirt and a finishing medal. Only the top team in each category (All Men, All Women, and Mixed Relay) will receive an award. It is entirely possible for a speedy team to collectively reach 100 kms or more in the time provided. Only the team captain needs to register, we will contact you closer to race day to get all of your deets! Teams will have the opportunity to set up tents if the weather is agreeable but we will also have an indoor space for teams and our volunteers.
Quarter Solstice: 2 hours, 15 minutes of blissful running. The race will start at 7:48am and end precisely at 10:03am.
Half Solstice: 4 hours, 29 minutes of joyous running. The race will start at 10:30am and will end at exactly 2:59pm.
Yeah, we know, this is a weird race time but it is based on the sun. Besides, why not do something a little different? Regardless of how far you get, it is likely to be a personal best for you since you probably haven't raced for this exact length of time before!
The vibe at the finish of the race will be magical with an outpouring of support from all of the runners just as the sun is setting.
All runners will receive a finisher's medal as well as some great gear! We will be serving up plenty of options at our aid station including hot drinks and soup.
All participants will also receive a crewneck sweatshirt. The following picture is the current concept plan for the crewneck sweatshirt but colour will strictly depend on availability and is subject to change.
Race Site:
The Sunburn Solstice Trail Run will take place at the AMAZING Marydale Park in Mount Hope, ON. The facility itself is beautiful and offers very close parking, scenic grounds, excellent washroom facilities, and an enormous pavilion to shelter spectators from the sun. We are very fortunate and excited to have the opportunity to host a race here.
Aid Stations:
There will be one aid station with lots of goodies to keep you energized and you will pass it every few kilometres. This is a very spectator friendly event as the runners can be viewed each loop. The location is absolutely ideal for an event like this as it offers amazing facilities, which both runners and spectators will appreciate.
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 more.
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.
Charity:
The charity that will benefit from this race is "Hamilton Out Of The Cold"
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.