From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find road events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Welcome to the fifth anniversary edition of the Springbank Sprint!
As in years past, we are tremendously excited to welcome you to Springbank Park for a 5 km (New Era Grafix 5k) or 10 km (BackRoads Brews + Shoes 10k) race. In addition, we will be hosting some shorter runs for the kids (Little Vikings Sports Camp Kids' Runs).
Like always, we're also hosting some walking only events, 5k and 10k.
As with all of our events, a portion of each 5 and 10k registration will be donated to the Children's Health Foundation in support of children and their families in our community.
The Venue
Springbank Park is the crown jewel of the Thames Valley Parkway. Come and enjoy the fast multi-use paved pathways as you run alongside the Thames River. The route is closed to vehicular traffic. The 5km, 10 km, and 1 km kids' run, are out and back routes. The 50 metre and 100 metre kids' runs are short point to point runs.
The races will begin and end near 1205 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario.
Race Sanctioning, Course Measurement, and Certification
As always, the Springbank Sprint is proudly sanctioned by Athletics Ontario.
We've just confirmed (February 11th) with the city that we will be using the same route as 2024 and 2025 which avoids the dam area and any possible construction closures. You can view the routes at the following links:
5k course
10k course
The kids' runs will all be run along the route near the main start/finish line. The 50 metre and 100 metre runs will start that distance from the finish line and run back to the line (we'll have signs in place where your little ones will start along with volunteers). The 1k run will go from the main start/finish area out 500 metres, and then back to the finish.
Race Schedule
Packet Pickup
All local runners are encouraged to pick up their race kits prior to race day in order to avoid congestion and line-ups on race morning.
Tentative early pickups:
BackRoads Brews + Shoes
1295 Riverbend Road, London, ON
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
On race morning, race kits will be available at the start/finish area beginning at 8:30 a.m. If you are picking up your race kit on race morning, please give yourself ample time to do so.
April 4th, 2026 Race Day!
9:30 5 km start
9:35 10 km start
11:00 kids' runs (50 metre, 100 metre, 1 km)
50 and 100 metre kids' runs are for ages 0 - 10. 1k is for ages 7-15.
Timing
The 5km and 10 km events will be chip-timed events. The kids' events will not be chip-timed and are fun runs. Chip timing is being provided by Chiptime Results.
Aid Stations and Washrooms
Aid stations will be serving water and will be located at approximately the 2.5 km mark, and the 5 km and 7.5 km mark for the 10 km runners.
Portable toilets will be available at the start/finish area. Public washrooms are also available near the start/finish area. There is a public washroom on the 10 k course as well (runners will pass it twice).
Shirts, Medals, Prizes, and More!
Each participant in the adult races will receive an awesome event shirt and our special 5th Anniversary custom race medal. The kids will also receive a finisher's medal and race bib.
There will be some post-race snacks available as well.
Our race photographer will be on hand to capture all of your awkward running facial expressions. Your photos are yours to download, FOR FREE.
Additional prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the 5 km and 10 km runs (female, male, and non-binary categories). There must be a minimum of five particpants in the running events in order for awards to be given. Results for prizes will be based on gun-time. Prizes will be awarded to the top overall finisher in the walking events.
If you're looking for some post-race recovery, check out our partners at Frigid Recovery. Tell them that you ran the race, and you'll receive 20% off of your cold immersion therapy.
Refund Policy:
There are no refunds for this event. However, life happens. Work trouble, running injuries, a bad paper cut, we get it. If you have to withdraw from the event by March 4th, we will give you a 100% race credit for a future Persistence race (minus CHF donation, taxes, and fees).
If you need to withdraw after March 4th, you will receive a 50% race credit. Sorry, but by then we will have already paid for your stuff, and the resale market for unclaimed race shirts and medals is unfavourable.
There are no bib transfers available for this event.
5k and 10k walkers and runners may change distances prior to the race. Please email us at [email protected] for any distance change requests.
Thanks for taking part in the event, we can't wait to cheer you on!
Event Records
5k Run
Jacob Lasci 17:04 (2022)
Kaitlyn Palmateer 17:29 (2025)
10k Run
Matt King 34:56 (2025)
Jackie Stanton 44:01 (2025)
5k Walk
Janice Strickland 36:41 (2023)
10k Walk
Lisa Taylor 1:16:21 (2024)
National Records
Joanne Miklos den Iseger 5 mile Canadian Masters W75 (2022)
Canio Polosa 5 mile, 8k, 10 k Canadian Master M90 (2022)
Additional Information
We'll have some Persistence Racing gear available for purchase on race day, such as tees, hats, hoodies, etc.
Purchases will be cash only.
Other Races
Be sure to check out all of our Persistence Races here.
🏃♀️ SPIKE NITE 🏃♂️
Calling all London Western Track Club, Varsity, and High School track athletes!
Join us for a special evening at BackRoads London:
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 8th
⏰ Time: Anytime between 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Come try on the latest track spikes from New Balance including their offerings of carbon plated and non-plated spikes and get ready to dominate this outdoor track season! We'll have our shoe experts on-site and we’re here to support you with selecting the right spike based on your track discipline.
New Balance will also be letting you take the all new Ellipse v1 for a spin, if you're curious about their newest daily trainer.
Bonus Perks: 🎁 Complimentary New Balance x BackRoads hat
🎉 All registered attendees to receive special in-store pricing
🎉 All registered attendees will be entered into a draw to win a pair of the New Balance Ellipse (one male and one female winner)!
🎉 All registered attendees will receive a discount code for the registration launch night of our 3rd Annual BackRoads TrackFest, happening this summer in partnership with NB!
Be there for your chance to elevate your training and gear up for success this racing season!
This package is designed to offer runners access to all the SoleScience Race Series events for the year. For one low price you will be entered into all 5 of the series races.
Springbank Relays. May 30
Summer Night 5k. July 17
Springbank Road Races. Sept 27
Turkey Trot. Oct 12
Halloween Haunting. Oct 25
Runners will still be eligible for any event prizing, finishers medals as well as series points and prizing.
Silver package excludes any event merchandise
44th Annual Canada Life Forest City Road Races!
Claim your spot and participate in this amazing community event, all while supporting the Thames Valley Children's Centre! Your registration helps provide resources & services offered by the TVCC for over 11,000 kids.
Keep scrolling to learn more about our event and our 2026 registration fees.
2026 Springbank Road Races
London Road Races Race Series
We are proud to continue the tradition of Springbank Road Races in London. Springbank Races have a rich history over the 59 years they have been run, seeing numerous National and International athletes compete during the 1970's, With changes in distance from a 3 mile to 12mile loop course in the park to a 10 and 20km event in the early 90's to the current half marathon and 5k format. The course follows the beautiful paved pathway system along theThames River.
2026 Charity Partner
Based in London (ON), Operation Walk Canada provides hip and knee replacement surgery to people in developing countries who have no access to care. Since 2006, Operation Walk has performed 27 missions to Guatemala and Ecuador giving over 1200 people the opportunity to live a full life. The annual missions are entirely volunteer-driven and rely on the generous support of individual and corporate donors. You can find out more here: www.operationwalk.ca.
Showing 5 of 18 organizations. View all organizations