10 running, walking, cycling, and other events in Sarnia, Ontario

The 10th annual Bluewater International Granfondo plans to celebrate a decade of welcoming cylists to Lambton County's Bluewaterland.

Starting and finishing in the City of Sarnia’s beautiful Mike Weir Park, there are four routes to choose from, all of which have some outstanding views of Lambton County; including, finishing along the stunning shores of Lake Huron. There is no start to finish time as in traditional racing formats but rather timed sections that count toward the riders competition time. This means you can take your time between race sections, stop at the Fuel Stations and regroup to enjoy the ride with your friends and teammates. At the finish, a hot meal and beverage awaits you, where you can sit with fellow riders while listening to a live band . This event is a must do for both cycling enthusiasts and first timers.

Whether you are looking to experience the enjoyment of riding on quiet country roads and thriving fruit orchards or challenge yourself on the rolling hills of Arkona, you will find it all in this area of outstanding natural beauty.

Trail & Ale 2026

5/10/15K Run/Walk for Rayjon

Join us live* or participate in the virtual event.

7TH ANNIVERSARY

The live event will take place on Saturday, September 19th 2026:

Walkers: 9:00 AM Runners: 8:30-9:30 AM

The race will head north on the Howard Watson Trail from Michigan Ave., dipping into Blackwell Trails.

5K route map 10K route map

15K route map

This is a timed event! Chip timing ankle strap and bib will be provided for LIVE event.

1 can of local craft beer/mug with each 19+ registration!**

Kids 14 and under can do the 5K Walk or 5K Run for FREE, with a registered adult.

The virtual run/walk can be completed anytime between September 1st - September 18th, 2026. The official event route is on the Howard Watson Trail in Sarnia, but feel free to find or create an exciting route in your own neighbourhood.

Prizes will be awarded for:

• Most amount fund-raised

• Best finish times (Men, Women, Kids - Runners/Walkers)CHECK OUT OUR NEW INSTAGRAM PAGE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION! #RunforRayjon #TrailandAle

Funds raised will help communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic meet their goals in Education, Health Care & the Empowerment of Women.

Get ready to celebrate finishing the event with a cold one from the Refined Fool craft brewery or a delicious meal from Burger Rebellion. (And rest assured- there will be lots of non-alcoholic food & drink, too - Family-friendly location). After-party is at SPORTS, behind the Refined Fool, starting at 11:30 AM.

Race kit & beer pickup: PICKUP is Friday, September 18th from 3-7PM at Refined Fool, 1326 London Rd. in Sarnia. For out-of-towners and anyone unable to make the pickup on Friday evening, you can pickup the morning of the race. However, please arrive 30 mins early so that we aren't causing congestion in the corrals. Registered runners/walkers will receive an email with instructions about pickup and everything else you need to know to participate. (Check your spam folder! Follow the event on Instagram to make sure you don't miss any updates).

Virtual: If you wish to participate in the competitive aspect of the virtual event, you can submit your finish times. Chip timing bibs will provided for the live event only. Virtual Out-of-towners: Sorry, but we are unable to get your beer/kit to you. If you have friends or family in Sarnia, they may be very happy to pick up your kit and enjoy your beer!

On Race Day:

• Arrive on time:

• Walkers, please arrive at 8:30AM. You will be starting at 9:00 am

• Runners, please arrive 30 mins before your designated start time.

• Start times for runners are: 15 km - 8:30 am. 10 km - 9:00 am. 5 km 9:30 am.

• CHECK-IN LOCATION & Parking:

• PARKING: The kind folks at Huron Baptist Church (1285 Michigan Ave) have agreed to let us use their parking lot. Do NOT park on the grass. There is also additional space available in the Goodwill parking lot and attached businesses. Please be respectful of the space, no littering or loitering!

• Cross the street to find us on the North side of Michigan Ave., at the entrance to the Howard Watson Trail, across from the Goodwill Store. You'll see our tent!

LET'S MAKE IT COUNT! Please visit the "Fundraising" tab in RaceRoster to get started raising extra funds for Rayjon. If you prefer to collect pledges offline, you can bring it in-person to our event. Address it to : "Rayjon Share Care" please. Remember there are prizes for our top fundraisers!

Visit www.rayjon.org to learn more about how your donation will make a difference.

*Please note: If the live event cannot proceed due to any unforeseen circumstances, all participants will be transferred to the virtual option. Refunds will not be issued. Please note that event registration fees are not eligible for a tax receipt.

**Runners (19+) will receive one surprise can of craft beer from one of our local brew partners (pick-up only).

*** First 200 registered participants (19+) will receive a custom BEER MUG with their registration!

****Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Live event will proceed rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, etc.) no refunds will be given, but participants will be given the opportunity to complete the event virtually.

Join us for Light Up the Night for Noelle, a magical evening run through Canatara Park and Waterfront Park where the community comes together to honour Noelle Paquette’s legacy and support local students. This annual 10K, 5K and 1K event lights up the park with glowing runners, positive energy, and a shared mission to make a difference.

All proceeds go to Noelle’s Gift, helping students in the Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent areas reach their full potential. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be part of something truly special.

What to Expect:

• Scenic 10K and 5K night course through Canatara Park and Waterfront Park

• 1KM Kids Race - Chip-timed

• Chip-timed races and glowing race swag

• Family-friendly atmosphere and community spirit

• 100% of proceeds benefiting local kids

• Automatic 10% discount if you register 3 or more people

• FREE T-Shirt!!!

Light up the night with us — run for fun, run for community, run for Noelle.

Click map to expand

KIDS MARATHON RETURNS FOR A 3RD YEAR!

The Kids Marathon is an empowering fitness initiative designed to get children moving while supporting a great cause. This program challenges kids to complete the distance of a full marathon—42.2 kilometers—in a way that is achievable, healthy, and incredibly rewarding.

Expert Coaching & Support

Your child won't be running this journey alone! Participants will be coached and cheered on by a team of dedicated experts, including:

Bryan Cowden: Race Director and Boston Marathoner.

Becky Abrametz: Experienced long-distance runner, and teacher of primary-aged students.

Community Volunteers: A passionate team of local runners and supporters.

How It Works

The journey begins over the summer months. Participants track their progress as they walk or run 41.2 kilometers at their own pace in their own neighborhoods or on local tracks. By staying active and consistent, they build endurance and confidence one kilometer at a time under the guidance of our experienced team.

The Big Finale

The final 1 kilometer take place on race night under the lights! Surrounded by a high-energy atmosphere of neon and community spirit, the kids cross the official finish line alongside their coaches and peers to complete their full marathon distance.

5K Run, Walk, Roll, or Pole on the Runway

Friday, October 2, 2026, 5:00PM

RAIN OR SHINE EVENT

Join us for Jordan's Run the Runway: 5K Series in London, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, and St. Thomas-Elgin!

Jordan’s Run the Runway, presented by Siskinds LLP, is a one-of-a-kind 5K run, walk, roll, or pole. This event celebrates the life and legacy of Jordan Strickland, whose passion for the Y and fostering community inspired this incredible fundraiser!

This event is open to participants of all ages and abilities, offering an unforgettable evening of fun and celebration. Can’t make it in person? Virtual participation options are available so you can support the event from anywhere.

Interested in other 5K series events? Join us for one, two, three, or ALL four events! Earn your wings and register for multiple races!

• St. Thomas-Elgin: Jordan's Run the Runway event (St. Thomas Municipal Airport): June 5, 2026 – Register here

• Chatham-Kent: Jordan's Run the Runway event (Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport): September 11, 2026 – Register here

• London: Jordan's Run the Runway event (London International Airport): September 25, 2026 – Register here

Learn more about the full 5K series here!

This is a timed 5KM/10KM run to honour and support First Responders and Frontline Workers in our community (meaning anyone who supports/helps others such as but not limited to; police, fire, paramedics, corrections, CBSA, dispatch/telecommunications, military/veterans, social workers, CYCPs, nurses, doctors, tow truck drivers, child protection workers, PSWs and many many more. If you are not a first responder or frontline worker, this event is still for you! This is an opportunity to come out and connect with those in the community who spend their life helping others. This race will take place in Canatara Park (starting and ending at the Terry Fox loop) with a scenic run through.

Proceeds from this run will go back to Boots on the Ground for 2026! In 2024 proceeds went to Project Mental Wellness, and Three Oaks Cabin. In 2025 proceeds were donated to Boots on the Ground (Ontario).

There are two exciting additions for this year:

A 10KM distance for those who are looking to work towards a challenge. This route will still include the scenic route of the 5 KM.

GUARDIAN CUP - Team Challenge. This is for teams of 4 who would like their chance at the trophy for 2026. What does this encompass? Well you just need yourself and three others to sign up together, come up with a team name, and then show up on race day and participate. Your team members do not need to run together for the duration of the run, they just need to cross the finish line. All 4 times will be added together and the average time will be taken. Whatever team has the fastest average takes the cup (and bragging rights). Teams will have their names added to the trophy. You do not need to be a first responder/frontline worker in order to register a team. *Please note that this challenge is only available to the 5 KM distance.

There will also be:

5 KM distance - which includes a scenic run through and around Canatara Park.

1 KM FUN RUN FOR KIDS - this is a FREE (not timed) run that loops one time around the Terry Fox Loop. This is for kids 12 and under at the time of the event.

Don't want to run? That's no problem, you are more than welcome to walk. Service animals and dogs are more than welcome to join along! Strollers and wagons are welcome.

SCHEDULE:

Friday October 2, 2026

5-7pm: RACE KIT PICK UP

Race shirts and BIBS will be available for pick up. All participants will need to PICK UP their race chip on race morning.

*This will occur at 546 Christina Street N, unit 401A. Enter through the rear of the building, take elevator to the 4th floor.

Saturday October 3, 2026

9-11am: RACE KIT PICK UP

Race shirts and BIBS will be available for pick up. All participants will need to PICK UP their race chip on race morning.

*This will occur at 546 Christina Street N, unit 401A. Enter through the rear of the building, take elevator to the 4th floor.

Sunday October 4, 2026

8am: CHIP PICK UP/RACE KIT PICK UP

*All participants will need to pick up their race chip on the morning of the event. Race kits can also be picked up at this time. Please plan to come early as lines can be long.

1 KM race will start at 10:00 AM promptly - this is a free event for children ages 12 years and under (finishers challenge coin will be provided).

10 KM race will start at 10:15 AM promptly - any age and ability welcome! All participants in this race will receive a finishers challenge coin and limited edition t-shirt.

5 KM race will start at 10:25 AM promptly - any age and ability welcome! All participants in this race will receive a finishers challenge coin and limited edition t-shirt.

Prizes/Wrap Up will occur around 11:30 am. Please plan to hang around as there will be lots of different vendors, snacks, coffee, and fun things for the kiddos. We will be located right by the beach, so weather dependent stay for a cold plunge after!

Unfortunately no refunds can be offered at this time and no BIB transfers

Please contact Brittany at [email protected] with any questions about this run.