Showing 170 events within 150 km in the next 90 days. Page 5 of 9.
Sun, Jul 26, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Join us on July 26 at Willow Cove Pavilion, Confederation Beach Park in Hamilton for Jonny’s Gold Ribbon Run - a 5km run/walk in support of Sarcoma Research. Bring a team, challenge your friends, or
come on your own - everyone has a place at the start line.
Run for those who fought.
Run for those fighting.
Run for those yet to be diagnosed.
Run for the answers.
Proceeds from the event will directly support Sarcoma Research at McMaster University - helping move critical discoveries forward and improve care for patients and families.
Event Times:
8:30 AM - Participant check-in and bib number pick-up
9:45 AM - Welcome remarks, Sponsor recognition, Ambassador recognition
9:55 AM - Warm-up led by Dr. Michelle Ghert
10:00 AM - Run/Walk begins
10:30 - 11:00 AM - Participants return, snacks and refreshments available
11:00 AM - Awards, prize giveaways and closing remarks
Grab Your Event T-Shirt:
Online price: $20 (plus processing fee)
On-site price: $25
Supporting sarcoma research with every purchase
KIDS 12 AND UNDER - FREE (with adult registration)
5k Run Walk
Wed, Jul 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Wednesday July 29, 2026 First wave at 6:00 p.m. Victoria Park, Kitchener, ON
Run Pure + Simple is our no-bells series of races. These events offer great atmospheres with nothing extra, and are FREE
to Run Waterloo members.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or you've never toed the start line of a race, this event is for you! This is the sixth running of this great 1,609 metre event. Most people can walk a mile in 15-20 minutes.
No swag, no food, no awards, just a certified and chiptimed summertime 1 Mile to add to your running schedule.
Run
Thu, Jul 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM
19.9 km from North DumfriesCycling Road
Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 9:00 AM
124.7 km from North DumfriesCycling
Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Welcome to the backyard!
We are so incredibly excited and honoured to welcome you to our signature event, the Persistence Backyard Ultra, Ontario's original affiliated backyard ultra.
Do you have
enough persistence to push yourself further than you think is possible? Do you have enough persistence to be the Last One Standing? Find out during the 5th edition of the Persistence Backyard Ultra, beginning on August 1st, 2026.
As a bonus for any Ontario runners, the backyard will be taking place on the August long weekend, giving you an extra day to run, or recover. That will lead to less of those "why are you walking like that?" conversations when you go back to work.
The Backyard is for all runners. Past years have seen a number of runners reach new personal bests, completing their first marathon, ultramarathon, or going further than they ever had. How far can you go?
This year's event is once again a Silver Ticket event. This means that our winner receives an automatic entry to compete in the World Team Championship!
We are very proud that the 2022, and 2024 events sent two runners, our winners, Amanda Nelson and Justin Wright, and our assists, Brian Bondy and Francois Decelles, to the World Team Championship.
The Persistence Backyard Ultra is an official affiliated race of Lazarus Lake's Big Dog's Backyard Ultra.
As with all of our events, a portion of each registration will be donated to the Children's Health Foundation in support of children and their families in our community.
Please note, that we will not be maintaining a waitlist this year. The race is capped at 67 participants, if you see the participant number is less than 67, there is a spot for you, grab it before it's gone.
Race Sanctioning
The Persistence Backyard Ultra has always been proudly sanctioned by Athletics Ontario.
The Venue/Course
The backyard will take place at the Eco Park located just outside of the northeast corner of London at 15889 Medway Road in Arva. If you enter Eco Park London into Google Maps, you'll find it (we'll have more specific instructions closer to race day).
Our course will be made up of a smaller circuit, of approximately 3.36 kilometres which you must complete two times consecutively within the hour to make up the required 6.7056 kilometre loop.
You will never be far from Race HQ, so this makes it a great race for those of you who might be unsure of tackling a new distance.
The course is very runnable, consisting of a crushed stone trail, some grass, and a dirtroad.
Please note that the Eco Park is a private facility. Runners are unable access the park to run the course prior to the event (also, the course won't be set up until race day).
You can view the course here (please note, this is an approximation of the course, and there may be slight variations):
https://onthegomap.com/s/au541jhc
The course will start at the green dot on the map. Runners will head west, before going around the pond. They will continue past the start corral, and then complete the rest of the 3.36 km course. After rounding the pond again, they will reenter the start corral and complete the 3.36 km course another time to make up the required distance within the hour.
You can check out some photos of the course on our website:
https://www.persistenceracing.com/persistence-backyard-ultra
Two time winner, Amanda Nelson, stated after her second win that "a national record could be set on this course."
Race Schedule
Runners and crew may set up canopies and other race items the evening prior to the race from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The gates will not open until 5 p.m., so please don't arrive early. You must leave the park by 7 p.m. No exceptions. There is no camping option the night prior to the race.
Each runner is able to bring a 10 x 10 canopy. Please be mindful of your fellow competitors, and stick to this.
You are also encouraged to pick up your race kits if setting up on Friday evening.
The race will begin at 7 a.m. on August 1st, 2026 and continue until one runner completes one loop more than all other runners (or until no runners can complete one more loop...)
At 5:30 a.m. runners and crew will have access to the park. The gate to the park will not be open until 5:30 a.m. Please do not arrive early, as you will be blocking traffic on Medway Road.
5:30 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. Race day kit pickup.
6:40 a.m. Mandatory race meeting for all runners and crew.
7 a.m. The first loop!
The Rules
By entering this race you are agreeing to all of the official rules of affiliated backyard races as stated in the picture below. It is your responsibility to ensure that your crew is also aware of these rules.
These rules are black and white (as you can see above), there is no grey area open for interpretation. To maintain our affiliation, and allow our runners the chance to qualify, we must adhere strictly to these rules.
In addition to the above rules, we will be limiting each runner to 2 crew members to start the event. As runners are eliminated, they and/or their crew members, may assist other runners between loops. You may switch out crew members during daylight hours.
Due to spacing and safety considerations (the course runs along the only road into and out of the park), spectators are not allowed.
Your race bib must be worn on the front of your body, and remain visible at all times while on the course.
If you are dropping from the event, please inform a race official.
Runners and their crew will be responsible for ensuring they dispose of any garbage/recycling in the provided bins (previous year's participants have set a very high standard in this regard, they were awesome!)
Safety/Gear
Headlamps (or equivalent) will be required after dark for those runners who make it that far. Reflective gear is encouraged.
It will likely be hot during the event, please ensure that you have adequate warm-weather gear and are prepared for any other possible elements, such as, but not limited to, cooler temps, rain, etc.
We will have medical support on site. Medical personnel along with race staff will have the authority to withdraw runners from the event in the event that it is determined that it is unsafe for them to continue.
Please inform race officials before departing the site. If you are driving, please allow adequate rest and recovery before doing so.
Food/Hydration
You are required to bring all of your own food and drinks for the event. There is no potable water on site (the race will provide some hydration options). Crew members must also provide their own hydration and food. There is limited access to electricity onsite if you'd like to boil water. In addition there will be access to a bbq for food preparation.
Due to park regulations, there is no alcohol permitted onsite.
Camping/Shelters etc.
You are allowed to bring your own shelters. In addition, there is a covered pavilion (concrete pad) near the start/finish area which may be utilized.
Spots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. As the race progresses, and runners are eliminated, we ask that eliminated runners move their camps further back from the start corral to allow remaining runners to have those spots. Eliminated runners/crew are welcome, and encouraged to stay to cheer on/support remaining competitors (within the stated rules of course!), and to have fun.
Timing
There will be no timing. That's what you have that fancy watch for! You are either back at race HQ before the hour expires or you're not. Simple. Whether you get there in 39 minutes, or 59 minutes, is irrelevant.
Swag/Prizes
Each runner will receive an awesome commemorative hoodie so you can brag to all of your friends about that time you ran a backyard ultra! We can confidently state that this may be the most comfortable race hoodie you will ever own. You can also use it as a pillow when you curl up in the fetal position after your 17th loop!
The winner will receive some prizes courtesy of Persistence Racing and our sponsors. Most importantly, the winner will receive the coveted Laz Jacket (think the Masters green jacket only way cooler and far more prestigious) and the silver coin.
In addition, the winner will receive a free entry to next year's Persistence Backyard. We will also provide the winner with $250 to assist with their trip to represent Canada***
To be paid once the winner provides proof of booked travel. If the winner does not go to the event, this money will not be awarded
Photos
If you're running for that long, we can probably get some pictures of you. Eventually, you will be moving pretty slowly, so it should be easy. We will give them to you for free, because, even though you might not like us when you are on your 27th loop, we will still like you.
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 June 17th, 2026 we will give you a 100% race credit for a future Persistence race.***
There are no bib transfers.
If you need to withdraw after June 17th 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 hoodies is unfavourable.
race credits will be minus taxes, fees, and donations
Past Results
2022
Last One Standing: Amanda Nelson 33 loops (silver ticket)
Assist: Brian Bondy
2023
Last One Standing: Amanda Nelson 32 loops
Assist: Jean-Gabriel Gagnon
2024
Last One Standing: Justin Wright 47 loops (silver ticket)
Assist: Francois Decelles
2025
Last One Standing: Michael Rouleau 43 loops
Assist: Amanda Nelson
Other
If you're on Facebook, be sure to join the Persistence Backyard Ultra Facebook group (there is a tab at the top of this page).
This race is shaping up to be one incredible adventure. Whether you are trying to reach a new distance goal, or trying to win the event, we are going to support you, you are going to crush it, and we are all going to have one awesome weekend (and beyond???)!
We will have more information for you closer to race day in our detailed race guide. Thanks for being a part of the backyard!
"Welcome to the backyard family."
-Laz
please note that the above information is subject to change(we will advise of any notable changes)
Other Races
Be sure to check out all of our Persistence races here.
Backyard Ultra Run Trail Ultra
Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 7:30 AM
PI TRI will take place exclusively on Presque Isle State Park. All segments of the triathlon - the swim, the bike and the run - will start, transition and finish at BEACH 10. The triathlon course
design features a nearly complete and scenic tour of beautiful, historic Presque Isle State Park, one of 121 state parks within the state of Pennsylvania and is a National Natural Landmark for about four million visitors each year.
The sprint triathlon will consist of a swim in beautiful Lake Erie, a bike ride around the full peninsula, and a run along a portion of the paved trail.
AGENDA
Friday, July 31
5 – 7 p.m. Packet Pick-up at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA
Photo ID is required to pick up your packet; each athlete must pick up their own packet
Saturday, August 1 Race Day
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Check-in, chip pick-up, and race day packet pick-up at BEACH 10. Please note it is about a 15-17 minute drive from the park entrance to Beach 10!
All athletes must check in on race day. No day-of registrations will be accepted.
7:15 a.m. Mandatory pre-race meeting for all triathlon entrants
7:30 a.m. Race begins
9:30ish a.m. Awards presentation
TIMING. RESULTS. AWARDS. PRIZES. PREMIUM
Timing services will be provided. Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places will be given in all individual categories and 1st and 2nd places in relay team categories. The awards presentation will be held immediately following the race at the race site. All PI Tri entrants will receive a custom-designed long-sleeve T-shirt, swim cap, and generous post-race food and beverages. (Note: Entrants after 7/12 are not guaranteed a T-shirt.) Finish times will be posted near the timing area as results become available. Complete race results can be accessed by the next day.
ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE & NON-TRANSFERABLE
17 Miles Run Sprint Swim Trail Triathlon
Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 8:30 AM
5k Race for Plates (StockTheSummer.ca)
Step by step, we fill the plates
About the race:
A scenic 5k race along the Whitby Heydenshore waterfront trail
Fast and flat course
Free race photos
included
Beautiful finisher medal
Professionally timed by Speed River Timing
Donations:
Our 2025 food collection totaled the equivalent of 567 meals.
Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items to support local food banks!
Your donation helps us keep the event affordable and accessible to everyone: Click here to donate!
Prizes:
Thanks to a partnership with Sunset Grill (185 Consumers Dr, Whitby), we are proud to announce $100, $50, & $25 gift cards for our male and female podium finishers!
For the first time ever, we are debuting a children's category! Based on previous demand and wanting to encourage more families to participate together, children 12 and under will compete in their own boys and girls categories, complete with a prize for the winners!
From our sponsors:
free pancake from Sunset Grill (185 Consumers Dr, Whitby)
energy gels from Sun River Honey
kombucha drinks from Gutsy Drinks
sugar-free sports drinks from BioSteel
Age discount: We are offering a 30% discount for children 12 and under.
Race Start Time: 8:30 AM
Event Address: Kiwanis Heydenshore Park, 589 Water St, Whitby, ON
Weather:
The race will happen rain or shine, we only cancel in the event of extreme conditions. Please plan according to the weather on race day.
Race Kit Pickup:
Race kits and bibs must be picked up before lining up at the starting line.
Parking:
Free parking available.
Strava:
Click here to Join our Strava Community and connect with local runners.
More details:
For past years' results and photos, please visit our website: www.stockthesummer.ca
Saturday August 1, 2026 / 8:30 A.M. / Whitby ON
5k Run Trail
Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 8:30 AM
The fastest 5K through the streets of Girard Borough.
3.1 Miles 5k Run
Sun, Aug 02, 2026 at 5:30 AM
44.5 km from North DumfriesCycling Kids Triathlon
Sun, Aug 02, 2026 at 7:16 AM
Run 716
Buffalo's 15k Race & Relay
Sunday, August 2nd @ 7:16am
Join us for a weekend of good friends, good times, and good brews!
Hosted by Resurgence Brewing Company.
New Certified Run Course!
New Post Race Party!
New Team Categories and Rules!
The event ends with live music and a post event party at our host sponsor, Resurgence Brewing Company
9.3 Miles Run
Sun, Aug 02, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Come one come all
to the 4th annual
CANAQUA SPORTS MID-SUMMER CLASSIC
Date - August 2, 2026
NEW Location
Welland Community Boathouse
Come and enjoy the unique aspects of this northern section of the
Welland Recreational Canal...The same location as our June event, with some exciting changes
Also new this year, we have brought back the
Mudskipper SwimRun - Welland
and have added the first ever
Midsummer Trailrun
a 5K and 10K event along the shores of the Welland Canal
At Canaqua Sports, our goal has always been to host great events in exceptional locations. The Welland Community Boathouse is a unique location that brings the country into the city. This beautiful section of the Welland Recreational Canal is the perfect place for our Mid-Summer Classic Event
Midsummer Open Water Swim
Come and join us in the beautiful Welland Recreational Canal and pick your distance. Choose from our 2.0K, 4K and 10K distances
Course: The course will be a 2.0 km loop. All swimmers will do 1, 2, or 5 loops depending on their chosen distance.
The Mid-Summer Open Water Swim is open to swimmers of all ages 12 and up. We invite all those interested to join us and enjoy a great swim at this fantastic venue.
Mudskipper Midsummer SwimRun Challenge
Yes, its Back for 2026. We are very excited to bring back Mudskipper SwimRun Welland as part of our Mid-Summer Classic. Similar to the swimrun we do in June, this race includes 3K of swimming and 8K of running over 5 stages. A great distance for those looking to give swimrun a try for the first time, and for those who prefer a shorter, faster race!
NEW FOR 2026 is our Midsummer SwimRun Relay.
One person runs, and one person swims—a new type of swimrun. Grab a partner and give it a try.
Midsummer Trailrun
New to the Midsummer Classic, Run 1 or 2 laps of our 5k course along the beautiful Welland Recreational Canal.
NEW FROM CANAQUA SPORTS
Save on Travel
Hotel bookings, Flights, and Car Rentals
Canaqua Sports announces a partnership with Sportsmasters Travel.
Save money when you book for your events, or even a non-sport trip.
Booking is Easy - Enjoy the Savings!
1k 2k 5k 10k 11k Open Water Relay Run Swim SwimRun Trail
Sun, Aug 02, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Stephen's Run is a 6k cross country race in memory of Stephen Pangborn, a Maple Grove cross country runner who passed away in 2000 at the age of 16 after a courageous battle with cancer. Proceeds go
towards the Stephen Pangborn Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The race is held on the beautiful trails of Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake. Come enjoy a great trail race for a great cause!
Part of the Chautauqua Striders 2026 Runner of the Year Series!
Shirts available for all runners registered by July 19.
Overall and age group prizes will be awarded.
Light post-run refreshments will be provided.
Packet pick-up and day-of registration will open at 8:00AM. $30 cash, check (made out to Bemus Point Track Club) and Venmo will be accepted.
Please note that there will be a $7 gate charge to enter the state park on the day of the race. If you park at the end of the Lakeside Drive, you can walk, run, or bike down to the marina where the race will be starting.
Hope to see you there!
6k Run Trail Walk
Wed, Aug 05, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Welcome to the beautiful lakeside community of Cassadaga, NY. Just off of I-90, one hour south of Buffalo, NY and 1 hour north of Erie, PA. Join us for a triathlon we think you will find challenging
and a whole lot of fun! Great for individuals and relay teams of all levels.
Southern Tier Triathlon Club (STTC) Summer Tri Series
Super Sprint: 400m swim, 13 mile bike and 2 mile run.
Paratriathletes are welcome! AquaBike option offered to individuals only, not relay teams.
This is registration for Race #3 ONLY. If you are interested in signing up for all three races of the series, or Race #1 and/or Race #2, please click here
If you are registering for a Relay Team, please click HERE
Race just one of this three-race series or all three. Points are earned at every race and the Champion down to place #5, male/female, are honored at the end of the season.
Extremely beginner friendly. NO CUT-OFF TIMES. You will never be the only "first-timer" at the race.
Great sharpener for experienced racers.
13 Miles 15 Miles Aquabike Cycling Run Swim Triathlon
Thu, Aug 06, 2026 at 7:00 PM
THE RUNNERS SHOP
SUNSET SHUFFLE
5K AND 1 MILE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 06, 2026
TORONTO WARDS ISLAND
Register Now
About the Race
A unique, unforgettable evening run on Toronto Island with golden-hour
vibes and big-city views.
🔥Fast, scenic course on the Island . The race starts at Wards Island. So be sure to take the ferry to Wards.
🏃♂️ Choose your race: 1 Mile, 5K, or both!
The course is an out and back. Beginning at Wards Island Ferry Dock and heading to Centre Island for 2.5 Km then turning around. https://www.strava.com/routes/3496222638066207750
🍔 Post-race BBQ to celebrate- YES it is included in your race registration. If you would like to purchase additional BBQ tickets for family or friends you can do that as you go through the registration process
🌆 Stunning skyline views on the ferry ride there and back
Race Times
1 Mile: 6:50 PM - 10 minute time limit
5K: 7:05 PM
Race Highlights
Find the 2025 race results here, and the 2025 photos here
SPONSORED BY
A running, reading and leadership program for kids
The Hopes Rise "Champions Club" after school program is a combination of running, reading and leadership skill building, culminating with a 5k race. All of the children are given free running shoes and books. Your donations help us make that happen!
Founded by Canadian Olympian and long time Canadian women's marathon record holder Silvia Ruegger (February 23, 1961 – August 23, 2019). Silvia's vision for seeing transformational change led to her creating the charity Hopes Rise, before passing away from cancer in August. Audacious hope, which fuelled Silvia’s Olympic dream and the birth of the Running & Reading Club, fuels the dream to see all children in Canada hopeful about their future and equipped with the skills and qualities they need to flourish and be leaders in their community and nation. The Runners Shop is committed to playing an active role in keeping Silvia's dream of a bright future for all children alive.
5k Run
Fri, Aug 07, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Eden Corn Festival
Run for the Corn
Friday, August 1, 2025 (starting at 6:30pm)
N. Main Street, Eden NY immediately south of the Eden Corn Festival Grounds
RUNS:
Short Course – approx. 2.2 miles.
Long Course – approx. 3.8 miles
Both races to start together. After about 3/4 mile, courses will divide.
Both Runners and Walkers are welcome.
A fast, mostly flat and non-technical course, involving several woods trails and much of the Eden HS Cross Country course. Parts of the woods trails may be wet.
2.2 Miles 3.8 Miles Run Trail Walk
Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Summer Sizzler Triathlon
Beaver Island State park is the perfect venue for a Formula 1 Triathlon.
Swim-Bike-Run then Swim-Bike-Run all over again!
This event also features a super sprint, duathon, and aquabike.
Aquabike Cycling Duathlon Run Swim Triathlon
Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 9:00 AM
All women's event based out of Grimsby, featuring both Try-A-Tri and Sprint distances. The point to point swim courses are parallel to the shore and are perfect for beginners! The Try-A-Tri raises funds for the Grimsby McNally House Hospice and Sprint race supports the Canadian Cancer Society.
Triathlon
Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Date: August 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Format: 6-10 Waves (as needed). 60 Kids Max
Registration Fees: $54 before race day - $59 day of race
It’s as easy as 1, 2, Tri! The Kids Triathlon is our
newest, most heartwarming addition to the YMCA Race Series, giving young athletes a fun and supportive way to swim, bike, and run their way to the finish. Families can enjoy a BBQ lunch, free swim at Camp Robbins, and convenient bus service from Valley Central High School as they celebrate every child who “Gives it a Tri!”
Before and after the race, a free swim event is available for all kids until 6:00 PM!
Food After Event: BBQ
Winner Memorabilia: Medals
Run Swim Triathlon
Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 11:00 AM
5 Full Fun 1Km Loops at the 1KM marker there will be a fun game to play a shot to take or a snack to take along on the next km.
Sign up as an individual but run with a team or on your own.
Run
Sun, Aug 09, 2026 at 9:00 AM
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!
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:
Run the Full Marathon on the Saturday or the Half Marathon on the Sunday!!!
Or register for THE BRUCE DEUCE and run them both!!!
In addition to 2 medals, finishers of The Bruce Deuce will receive an additional race souvenir.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR THE 2026 EVENT
We are very excited to be able to offer a unique trail racing event on the Beaver Valley Section of the Bruce Trail. The race is named the Falling Water Marathon after the Falling Water section of the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail that participants will get to enjoy. It's not a fast course and it will almost certainly be the most challenging marathon you will ever run but the views will be spectacular!
This course is not meant for beginners. Although there are not any specific qualifying standards for this event, runners should definitely have experience running on trails. Every single year that we have hosted this event, we hear from A LOT of participants "that was harder than I expected!" The course is rocky, rooty, and very hilly. Aid stations will be further apart than many of our other events, due to the challenging terrain and limited access points. Although it is a "marathon", it is not a Boston Qualifier and if that irritates you, this probably isn't the race for you! Seriously, this race is tough. There will be waterfalls, steep climbs, and incredible views. The scenery will make the challenge worth it!
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.
Registration:
In order to maximize the runner's experience and protect the trails, we are limiting the race to only 100 participants in each distance - the trail marathon (approximately 42km) and the trail half marathon (approximately 21km). This race typically sells out fairly quickly. To be fair, we will not hold spots for anybody. Also, please note that we don't have waitlists. If spots open up they will be available on Race Roster so check back occasionally.
Note: The Marathon will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 9:00am and the Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 9:00am.
We will be donating $20 of every registration to the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club. Thank you for your support!
This donation will go directly to the Bruce Trail Club, without which, this event would not happen.
Race Details:
Marathon:
It's tough. Like, really tough.
This course has nearly 1600m of elevation gain and another 1600m of elevation loss. There are a few big climbs that will be difficult but it's the hundreds of little rollers that will break you down! Poles are permitted.
Click here for the Marathon Course GPX File.
Almost all of the race takes place on the Main Trail of the Bruce Trail (except for the trail crossovers and the newly added Kimberley Side Trail at the very end of the race). The course is permanently marked with blue blazes on the crossover trails and white blazes for the rest of the course (runners absolutely MUST have an understanding of how to follow blazes). We will further mark the course with orange flags and ribbons. Our markings will be done sparingly but we will do our very best to clearly mark all important turns. When in doubt, follow the white blazes!
The race will start and finish at the Beaver Valley Ski Club. Runners will make their first crossing through the valley (East bound). This section, which takes place on the crossover trail (blue blazes) will have participants tackling one of the most challenging climbs of the day right at the start of the race. Runners will then head South and cross back to the West side via Campbell's Hill and Graham's Hill. This will involve a run down (about 1k) to the low-point of the valley followed by a LONG climb back up the other side. This climb is approximately 1.5k long and is tough. Oh yeah, marathon runners are going to have to complete the climb again towards the end of the race! It is runnable, but only if you are a black-belt hill ninja- It is on road (quite rough and sketchy road, however) so that makes it a bit easier, right?
Runners will then head South all the way to the Southern-most point of the course, just beyond Hogg's Falls. Runners will then head North past the beautiful Eugenia Falls (bring a camera, if you can) all the way back to that dreaded Campbell's Hill/Graham's Hill crossing, which they will do again. Once runners are back on the West-side of the valley, they will venture back North to the Beaver Valley Ski Club. Once you make your way up, up, up, up to the very top, you will run along the top section of the ski hill and onto some rolling single-track trail. You will run all the way to a road, where you will turn around. From this point, the final 4-5km are MOSTLY flat/downhill. Easy peasy.
Half Marathon:
The Half Marathon course is much more than HALF of the marathon! It contains the 2 most challenging sections from the full marathon and has close to 1000m of elevation gain.
The race will start and finish at the Beaver Valley Ski Club. Runners will make their first crossing through the valley (East bound). This section, which takes place on the crossover trail (blue blazes) will have participants tackling one of the most challenging climbs of the day right at the start of the race. Runners will then head South and cross back to the West side via Campbell's Hill and Graham's Hill. This will involve a run down (about 1k) to the low-point of the valley followed by a LONG climb back up the other side. This climb is approximately 1.5k long and is tough.
Once runners are back on the West-side of the valley, they will venture back North to the Beaver Valley Ski Club. Once you make your way up, up, up, up to the very top, you will run along the top section of the ski hill and onto some rolling single-track trail. You will run all the way to a road, where you will turn around. From this point, the final 4-5km are MOSTLY flat/downhill. Easy peasy.
Please note that the 1/2 marathon contains almost all of the big climbs from the full marathon and, therefore, is far more than "half as challenging". It's a beast.
Make a Weekend of it!
Although the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail section is a great reason to visit the area, the surrounding towns are what initially drew us to the area. There are a lot of Airbnb options in the area and cottages that can be rented as well. There is a 'tiny house' that we often rent that has the most unbelievable view and the owner (Brenda) is an incredibly gracious host. There are other great places as well. In fact, last year we were able to rent a cottage at the Beaver Valley Ski Club and spend the weekend just steps from the starting line. Make sure you stop by the Kimberley General Store for some pastries, coffee, and really cool souvenirs. Top of the Rock is a great place to grab groceries (LCBO inside as well), baked goods, produce, and hot food. Our favourite place to eat is definitely Justin's Oven. Amazing!
Race Cut-off:
Because of the difficulty of this course, the cut-off time for the marathon will be 11 hours. There will be a rolling cutoff in effect as follows:
Aid Station #1 (approximately 8.5 km): 2hrs 15mins (11:15am). This section is amongst the most challenging.
Aid Station #2 (approximately 15 km): 4hrs 15mins (1:15pm)
Aid Station #3 (approximately 25 km): 6hrs (3:00pm)
Aid Station #4 (approximately 31 km): 8hrs (5:00pm)
Aid Station #5 (approximately 39 km): 9hrs 45 mins (6:45)
Finish (approximately 42.2km): 11hrs (8:00pm)
The cutoff for the half marathon is 5.5 hours (2:30pm).
Race Swag:
This year, we are switching it up a bit. In the past years, we have given out backpacks and duffel bags. However, this race tends to bring back A LOT of repeat runners (many of whom now have a collection of Falling Water bags). For that reason, this year, for the first time, we will be providing a race shirt.
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 suggest checking out one of the great eateries in the area or bringing your own stuff. We will have snacks available at the finish line, just not an actual meal.
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.
21k 42k 63k Half Marathon Run Trail