From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find relay events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
THIS EVENT IS NOW COMPLETELY FULL! PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EVENTS AT : www.happytrailsracing.com 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: . --- The Summer Solstice represents the longest day of the year with 15hrs, 23minutes, 31 seconds of sun. That's certainly a long time for the sun to be gloriously sending light our way. Do you think that you can shine for that
long as well? How far do you think that you can run in 15:23? --- 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 so bring your sunscreen! 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. Last year, we were able to utilize a 3.7 km section of trail that was beautiful. Our intentions are to mostly use the same section of trail 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 it as a relay, which is SO MUCH FUN! Full Solstice: 15:23
(Starts at 5:39am - Ends at 9:03pm) Full Solstice Relay: 15:23 (Starts at 5:39am - Ends at 9:03pm)- 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 miles 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! This event is an absolute blast- last year each team set up a tent, table, and chairs and had so much fun hanging out and cheering on their teammates. 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 is magical with an outpouring of support from all of the runners just as the sun is setting. --- Are you a collector of race medals? All of the Happy Trail Racing events include a cool finisher's medal. Participants will also get a soft-spun t-shirt and some other race goodies. Check out the 2023 MEGA medal below: 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. These shirts are from a previous year and the design changes each year. --- 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 and even more excited to have the Marydale Park "One-to-One" camp program, which offers unbelievable opportunities for children with special needs, as our primary charity. Please consider making a donation or raising funds for this great cause. The impact we can make is substantial and close to home. --- Aid Stations: There will be one aid station with lots of goodies to keep you energized and you will pass it every few kilometers. 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 the C.Y.O. "One-to-One" camp program, which is an incredible cause. The money raised will go towards sending children with disabilities to Marydale Park, where they will get to experience an incredible week at camp with 1:1 support. The camp is fully accessible and offers campers an experience that they will forever cherish. --- 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. --- Race Reports: --- All photos below care of Sue Sitki Photography.
Help us commemorate 30 years with this Celebration Relay Event!
Did you know...The Runner's Den is celebrating a HUGE milestone this year:
30 years of serving and running alongside the Hamilton Community!
We are so excited to share this milestone with all of our valued customers that have supported us over the years. Whether you're a long time supporter or just discovering the sport, we want to thank you for your business.
Please join us for this very special 30km relay taking place at the Hamilton Waterfront. This will be a 6x 5km relay event designed to bring our community together in the spirit that has defined the Runner's Den for the past three decades.
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. ---
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EVENTS AT :
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.
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Free interval workout for all levels, led by three Olympians. Includes warm-up, drills, interval workout, and cool-down.