Run for the Toad 50K

Pinehurst Lake is a nine-hectare (23-acre) kettle lake formed by a single piece of ice. The Run for the Toad 50K is the largest trail race in Canada is held at the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area just north of Paris, Ontario, it features a challenging course through a Carolinian forest. This well directed race is a "must-do" event for trail runners.Run for the Toad is one of the country’s fastest growing trail races with about 1,200 runners gathering at the start line of  it’s 50K each year. Taking place in southwestern Ontario’s quaint town of Paris, runners get to enjoy the beauty of the 12.5K trail that takes them through forested area and along the edge of Pinehurst Lake. Those who train for this goal race have to be prepared for the trail’s twists and turns.Every race has it’s claim to fame. For those who organize Run for the Toad, one of the points that gives them bragging rights is the excellent post-race meal. This is no pizza-slice-at-the-finish kind of race. This year, runners got to fill their plates with their choice of lemon chicken breast, fresh salads, pasta, roasted butternut squash couscous salad and pie. That’s a buffet that hungry trail runners look forward to and can thank St. Jacobs’ Stone Crock restaurant for supplying. The restaurant is a favorite among tourists and those who live in the town of St. Jacobs.

The race course traces four loops for the 50K race, starting and ending at Tent City, within The Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. Tent City is the core site for the event.

Pinehurst Lake Grand RiverPinehurst Lake Conservation Area

Parking marshals will meet you on your arrival and direct you to the assigned parking areas.

Drop Bag available at: Aid Station #1 (Sunset Pavilion.) and Post Aid Recovery Area.

There are four (4) aid stations positioned throughout the race course. The aid stations will be stocked with cookies, gummies, pretzels, potato chips, bananas, M&M’s Coke, Gatorade and water provided by Savarin Springs. Ice will be added, if necessary, to the water and Gatorade containers maintaining the recommended temperature. Other necessities like simple first aid and Vaseline will be available.

Post race party. The dinner is professionally prepared and catered by St. Jacobs Catering. All spectators are welcome to join in for the post race dinner. Additional meal tickets can be purchased for guests with advance notice before August 31, 2016 - $23.00/Adults $12.00/Children (under 12.) The Canadian College of Massage Hydrotherapy will be providing a 12 person staff on-site for pre-race and post-race therapy.

Lodging available at the Official Race Hotel, The Best Western PLUS Cambridge Hotel. inehurst Park Conservation area has excellent facilities for campers at all levels. There is a washrooms and change facilities, showers, and lots of parking.

Each race finisher will receive a commemorative "Run for the Toad Finishing Medal."

Chip Timing

The Best Western PLUS Cambridge Hotel will be serving a hot buffet breakfast for the runners/walkers and their families who are registered at the Hotel. For those runners, walkers, guests, and volunteers coming directly to the race site, we will be serving complimentary Tim Hortons coffee and treats. Electrolytes will also be available. Savarin Springs Water and Gatorade will be available to all race participants and spectators at the start/finish line Pre-Race Hydration Station.