3 running, walking, and wheelchair events in Town of Essex, Ontario

UPDATE

With just over a week away, we wanted to release this year's race route. The start and finish line will be in the same area as last year located on the ERCA trail off Thomas St. Participants will take off from this location and run/walk along the path that runs along Sadler's Pond before returning to the ERCA trail system where they will continue down the trail toward South Talbot. At South Talbot, participants will cross over to the other side of the trail that runs along Highway 3. They will proceed down this trail under the overpass with a turnaround point just shy of pollution plant. We will have volunteers guiding the participants as they move along. The below map represents this year's race route. We can't wait to see you there as we remember and carry on the legacy of our Jaida while raising much needed funds for childhood cancer research.

The Grey 5K is back for another year but with a slight twist - we are excited to announce the 2026 version will be "The Grey 5K - First Responders' Edition" powered by Empire Roofing Corporation and Essex County K9 Services. We are inviting local first responders to register and join us this year for some friendly competition amongst agencies. During Jaida's battle, Essex County first response agencies stepped up and were there to support our Jaida and our family. Your support has not been forgotten and we are excited to host local first responders at this year's event!

Join us a single participant or as a team! Let see some friendly competition amongst services - Fire, EMS, Police - who will be the winner? Not a First Responder? No problem, all are welcome to take part in this event!

This year's event will be held on May 30, 2026 in the Town of Essex at Sadler's Nature Park and Trail (same venue as last year). We will be making a slight change to this year's race route as well. Stay tuned!

Jaida Chartier was a 12-year old Essex resident who bravely fought Diffuse Midline Glioma with H3K27 mutation Brain Cancer for 14-months before peacefully passing away July 31, 2024.

In keeping with a promise made to Jaida by Jaida's parents to pay it forward while continuing Jaida's fight against Childhood Cancer, this 5K Run/Walk will raise money to fund Childhood Cancer research, specifically, Pediatric Brain Cancer. Last year's event raised $15,000 - we are looking to surpass this amount this year!

The month of May is significant, as it commemorates Brain Tumour/Cancer month which is symbolized with the Grey Cancer Ribbon. Further, on May 31st, 2023, Jaida's battle began when she was airlifted from Windsor Regional Hospital -Ouellette Campus to London Children's Hospital.

Let's come together once again to show our continued support of our Hero Jaida. Let's show her that she will never be forgotten and we will continue her battle to find a cure for our littlest heroes!

Registrations prior to May 7th includes custom event T-shirt! You can register to walk or run the 5K! Again, you don't have to be a First Responder to register for this event.

Registration will begin at 8am with run/walk starting at 10am!

Welcome to the 3rd annual Essex Fun Fest 5k Walk, Run, and Wheel presented by BrokerLink Insurance. This non-for-profit event directs all proceeds to the Essex Area Food Bank. Bring out the whole family to enjoy music (presented by DJ Tony), lawn games, and activities! Join us on race day to win exclusive prizes and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sadler’s Nature Park and Trail. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Follow us on Instagram for up to date event information! @essexfunfest5kwalkrunwheel

Send us an email for more information! [email protected]

All participants will receive:

• Pre race warm up

• Finisher medal for both 5k run and walk

• Branded t-shirt

• Branded tote bag

• Branded reusable water bottle

• Entry into raffle prize draws

• Post race refreshments

• Chip timing provided by WRACE

• Awards for winning participants

Online registration is open until Friday, July 3, 2026. Last minute entries on race day can take place up to the start of the race. Please note: race day registrations must be paid in cash or by cheque, and the fee is increased to $50.00. Additionally, the registration fee is increased to $45.00 during the last week before the race (Sunday, June 28, 2026 - Friday, July 3, 2026).

All racers who register before June 5, 2026 will be guaranteed a branded t-shirt. Registrations after that date may not be entitled to a shirt or the racer's desired size.

All racers can pick up their race kit at the Essex Youth Centre on July 3rd (12 pm to 4 pm), at Essex District High School on July 4th (12 pm to 4 pm), or on race day at Sadlers Pond. Pick up at the youth center will occur down the stairs of the west entrance of the Essex Recreation Complex. Pick up at the high school will occur outside the front lobby on the Talbot St side of the building.

Parking is available on the side streets around Sadlers Pond, at the fire hall, and the wellness plaza on Victoria St. Parking lots at the pond will fill up fast so it is recommended to utilize the locations listed above.

There are three entrances into the park and to the race hub: the pathway off of Victoria Ave, the parking lot off of Keown St, and the pathway off of Thomas St. The start line is located at the joining of the Victoria and Keown paths, or down the first left pathway when using the Thomas entrance.