The First Blaze Trail Race 2026
A point-to-point race on the Bruce Trail, offering a unique trail running adventure.
Distances Offered:
- 50km Race: Approximately 51.8km, a point-to-point course running the entirety of the Toronto Bruce Trail section. Features groomed trails, technical sections, rocks, roots, and short, punchy hills. Cut-off time: 10 hours. Recommended for experienced trail runners who have completed a 50km race.
- 25km Race: Approximately 27.5km, a point-to-point course with an incredible experience along the Toronto Bruce Trail. Features the unique "Hole in the Wall" section with a ladder climb. Cut-off time: 8.5 hours. Recommended for runners with some trail running experience.
- 10km Race: An out-and-back course starting and ending at Kelso Conservation Area, covering 5km out and 5km back. Features hilly and technical sections.
Event Features:
- The entire course is run on the permanently marked Bruce Trail (white blazes). Only the final 5km of the course will be additionally flagged.
- Small, grassroots, community event with a maximum of 200 participants.
- Partnership with La Sportiva, offering demo shoes and giveaways.
- Sanctioned by Athletics Ontario.
- Donation of $20 from each registration to the Toronto Bruce Trail Club for trail maintenance.
- Finisher's medal for all distances; 50km finishers also receive a Toronto Bruce Trail Club End-to-End patch.
- Race swag includes a soft-spun t-shirt.
- Parking at Kelso Conservation Area included.
- Shuttle bus from Kelso Conservation Area to the start line for 25km and 50km participants.
Aid Stations:
Aid stations will be approximately 8-12km apart, stocked with water, electrolyte drink, and various snacks. All Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less; participants need to bring their own collapsible cup or bottle.
Schedule:
- 8:00 AM: 50km race bus departs Kelso Conservation Area.
- 9:00 AM: 50km race starts from Cheltenham Badlands.
- 9:45 AM: 10km race starts from Kelso Conservation Area.
- 9:50 AM: 25km race bus departs Kelso Conservation Area.
- 10:30 AM: 25km race starts from Sixth Line.
- Estimated first finisher times: 12:20 PM (25km), 1:40 PM (50km).
- 7:00 PM: Race Cut-off.
Refund Policy:
100% race credit up to 30 days before the race. Bib transfers allowed up to 5 days before the race.
