Pick Your Poison Trail Run 2026
Do it for the socks! A challenging 12.5k loop through the Heights of Horseshoe in Craighurst, Ontario (Barrie area) awaits you. Runners can choose one of three distances: 12.5k, 25k, and 50k. Each loop presents challenging terrain and climbs that will elevate the heart rate of even the most experienced trail runner. The variability of Canadian spring weather means conditions can range from t-shirt weather to snow.
Proceeds from the race go to local social service organizations and the Copeland Forest Friends.
Course Description
The course starts with a quick 500m stretch of logging road leading to single track. It includes climbs up the ski hill, descents into the valley, and rolling single track MTB trails and cross country ski trails. Each loop has 3 aid stations stocked with pop, water, Hammer Nutrition Canada Heed (electrolytes), various candy assortments, chips, pickles, and Hammer Nutrition gels. Additional foods like fruit and hot soup may be available.
Each loop provides 343m of hills and is 98% trail-based. Finishers receive unique PYP run socks with a new design each year.
Lunch
Your race registration includes a boxed lunch from the Heights of Horseshoe. Lunch selections and dietary restrictions can be made during registration. The restaurant at The Heights is open for cheer squads.
Registration, Waitlist & Refund Policy
- Capacity: 150 runners per distance (450 total).
- Wait Lists open after all other race entries sell out.
- No refunds. Runners can defer to the following year (max 2 years carry-over) up to midnight EST on April 15, 2026.
- Distance transfers are allowed up to midnight EST on April 15, 2026. Price difference applies for transfers to longer distances.
The race is cupless in support of the environment, with no disposable drink cups at aid stations. Reusable containers are encouraged. A cup will be available for warm liquids like soup.
PYP Swag includes a jar of local honey and a shirt. Finishers receive unique PYP run socks.
Pick Your Poison (🅿️☠️🅿️) is a not-for-profit ultra trail race in support of mental health, held annually in April in the Copeland Forest, Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
Pricing
- 12.5k: Early Bird ($122.07 Dec 1 – Jan 27), Regular ($143.85 Jan 28 – Apr 14)
- 25k: Early Bird ($111.18 Dec 1 – Jan 27), Regular ($132.96 Jan 28 – Apr 14)
- 50k: Early Bird ($94.83 Dec 1 – Jan 27), Regular ($105.72 Jan 28 – Apr 14)
Event Schedule
- Fri, April 24, 2026: 10:00 a.m. - Early Packet Pick-up at Sojourn Outdoors, 31 Commerce Park Drive, Barrie
- Sat, April 25, 2026: 7:00 a.m. - Race day kit pick up
- Sat, April 25, 2026: 8:00 a.m. - 50K Start
- Sat, April 25, 2026: 8:30 a.m. - 25K Start
- Sat, April 25, 2026: 9:30 a.m. - 12.5K Start
