2026 5 Peaks Trail Running Series: Crawford Lake

Milton, Ontario. Crawford Lake Conservation Area. The 5 Peaks Trail Running Series returns on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM EDT. Choose Grit (~18.5 km), Enduro (~12.3 km), or Sport (~6.1 km). Hike options available for Sport and Enduro distances. Plus a 3 km kids timed event and a free 1 km kids event. All ages, abilities, and ambitions welcome. Proceeds support Girls Forward and MitoCanada Foundation.

Location — Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Milton, Ontario:

• Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a 500‑acre park in the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
• Located about 30 minutes west of Mississauga, 1 hour west of Toronto
• Famous for its meromictic lake (Crawford Lake) — the bottom water never mixes with the surface, preserving layers of sediment for centuries
• Also home to a reconstructed 15th‑century Iroquoian village (Wendat/Huron)
• The trail network features forested singletrack, boardwalks, and rolling hills through Carolinian forest

Course Details — Grit, Enduro, Sport:

• All courses use the conservation area's trail system — a mix of singletrack, doubletrack, and boardwalks
• Grit (~18.5 km) — the longest and most challenging, with significant elevation gain (not specified — check event website)
• Enduro (~12.3 km) — intermediate, suitable for experienced trail runners
• Sport (~6.1 km) — shorter, good for beginners or those looking for a faster pace
• Hike options available for Sport and Enduro — untimed, perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery without racing
• Well‑marked courses with aid stations, marshals, and medical support

Kids Events — 3 km Timed and 1 km Free:

• 3 km kids timed event — chip timed, for children who want a competitive experience
• 1 km kids event — free, untimed, fun run. Open to all children (parental accompaniment recommended for younger kids)
• All kids finishers receive a medal? Not specified — check event website

What's Included:

• Chip timing (net time)
• Race bib
• Aid stations on course (water, electrolyte, basic snacks)
• Medical support on course
• Post‑race refreshments (likely)
• Finisher medal? Not specified — check event website (5 Peaks events often include a medal, but confirm)
• Event shirt? Not specified — check event website

Charity Partners — Girls Forward & MitoCanada Foundation:

• Girls Forward — raises funds for girls' education and empowerment programs (89% of goal raised — CA$397 of CA$446?)
• MitoCanada Foundation — raises awareness and funds for mitochondrial disease research and patient support
• Donations accepted during registration

Logistics — Registration Closes Soon:

• Online registration closes Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (last‑minute pricing)
• Race day registration available (cash only) — higher fees
• Parking at Crawford Lake Conservation Area (arrive early — limited spaces, park fees may apply)
• Public transport: not practical — drive or carpool
• Bib pickup: race morning at the conservation area (check event website for exact times)
• No refunds? Check 5 Peaks cancellation policy
• No dogs allowed on the trails (conservation area rules)
• Strollers not recommended on singletrack — but fine for the 1 km kids event

What to Bring:

• Trail running shoes (grippy soles recommended)
• Hydration pack or handheld bottle (aid stations are spaced out)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Bug spray (June in Ontario — mosquitoes and black flies can be fierce)
• Cash for race day registration (if needed)
• Change of clothes and towel

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it):

• Crawford Lake itself — walk the boardwalk, learn about the meromictic lake and the Iroquoian village
• Mountsberg Conservation Area (10 minutes east) — raptor center, sugar bush, and hiking trails
• Kelso Conservation Area (5 minutes north) — beach, mountain biking, and hiking up the Niagara Escarpment
• Milton town centre — restaurants, breweries, and shopping
• Niagara Escarpment — many hiking trails, waterfalls (Tiffany Falls, Dundas Peak), and the Bruce Trail
• Toronto (1 hour east) — big city attractions, museums, restaurants, and entertainment

Series Information — 5 Peaks Trail Running Series:

• 5 Peaks is a national trail running series with events in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario
• This is one of the Ontario events in the series
• Other Ontario events: check the 5 Peaks website
• Join the regional Facebook group for specific questions and updates

Contact: 5 Peaks Trail Running Series — website available.