3 running events in Chatham-Kent, Ontario

Welcome to the Final Trot to the Beach

Hello everyone,

This year’s Trot to the Beach will be unlike any other, because it will be the final time we gather at the starting line together.

Over 22 years ago, John and Annie TeSligte started something special. Twelve years ago, my family had the honour of carrying it forward. But the truth is, this event has never belonged to one person or one family. It belongs to this community, to every runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who has shown up year after year.

Together, we’ve done something incredible. Over the life of this event, you have helped raise roughly $250,000 for local charities, families in need, and community programs. A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS! That’s real impact. Real help. Real change.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Trot to the Beach has been about friendships formed on the road, teams running in honour of loved ones, kids and adults crossing their first finish line, costumes, laughter, hugs at the beach, and that shared feeling that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.

So this year, let’s celebrate it properly.

Join us on Sunday, June 14th for the half marathon, 5K, and Tot Trot.

Bring a team. Run for someone you love. Stay for the memories. Jump in the lake. Take it all in.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the years of support, the stories, the energy, and the difference you’ve helped make in our community.

It was never just a race. It was our community in motion so let’s finish it together and make this final Trot one we’ll never forget.

JP Huggins

Race Director, Trot to the Beach

Run For the Kids 2026

Join the Children's Treatment Centre (CTC) Foundation of Chatham-Kent for the fourth annual Run for the Kids run/walk/move in Rondeau Provincial Park! Get active, move your body and enjoy the beauty of nature while raising important funds for the CTC Foundation!

10:00am: 200m Kids Fun Race followed by 5km Race

Run for the Kids is a family friendly event, with a paved 200m and 5km route accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and wagons. This event is open to participants of all ages and abilities - join us to walk, run or move through Rondeau Provincial Park.

Note: While this event is family friendly, only those registered will receive the full "race" experience (free park entrance, race bib, timed race result, participant buff, finisher medal, complimentary snacks). Spectators are welcome, park entrance fees will apply.

Join us!

Step 1: Register as an individual or a team.

Step 2: Set a fundraising goal and share it with your friends.

Step 3: Get training! Visit one of Chatham-Kent's many beautiful trails (or your own street!) and start moving to get read for race day.

Step 4: Join us on Sunday, June 14, 2026 in Rondeau Provincial Park to pick up your race kit and run/walk/move your race.

Step 5: Tag us on social media as you train and on race day, tagging @ctcfoundationck and #CTCRunForTheKids.

Fundraising

When you fundraise for the CTC-CK, you help us directly support therapy and services that our local children and youth need. That's why we encourage everyone to set a fundraising goal of $100 or even $1,000 if you can! Whatever number comes to mind is a good place to start—and every dollar counts.

Send the link from your personal fundraising page to your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to raise money online for you and your team. All donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt (email directly).

Awards will be given to the top three individual fundraisers!

Fundraising Toolkit

Visit the CTC-CK Foundation website for graphics to download and use on your social media! Everything you need to let your friends, family and colleagues know about the Run for the Kids!

Funds raised by the CTC Foundation directly supports therapy and services.

All funds raised through CTC Foundation events in 2026 will be directed to Centre programs such as specialized equipment, mental health services, therapeutic recreation, music therapy, pool programs and other critical services not funded by the government.