The Run to Port is a community-focused group running event scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, traveling from St. Thomas to Port Stanley, Ontario. This event is designed to be highly accessible, offering five different starting points to accommodate various fitness levels, ranging from a full 21km half-marathon distance down to an 8km run. Organized as a "no-fee" social event, it emphasizes camaraderie over competition, concluding with a group brunch at The Buccaneer in Port Stanley. To assist participants with the point-to-point logistics, the organizers provide a support vehicle for gear and nutrition, as well as a carpool service for the return trip to St. Thomas.
| Distance | Starting Location | Start Time | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 km | Brenda's House | 9:00 AM | Free |
| 17 km | Lockes Public School | 9:20 AM | Free |
| 15 km | Van Pelt's (Talbot St.) | 9:35 AM | Free |
| 12 km | Parkside Collegiate Institute | 10:00 AM | Free |
| 8 km | Shaw's Ice Cream | 10:25 AM | Free |
St. Thomas is a city in southwestern Ontario with a population of approximately 43,000 residents. The community's demographic profile is approximately 91.2% White, 1.8% Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), 1.2% Black, and 1.1% South Asian. The median annual household income in the city is approximately $78,000 CAD. Geographically, the route follows the gradual descent toward Lake Erie, moving through the agricultural landscapes of Elgin County. Port Stanley, the finish destination, is a historic harbor village known for its sandy beaches and the Kettle Creek outlet. In mid-April, this region of Ontario experiences average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 13°C (55°F). Runners often face brisk winds coming off Lake Erie as they approach the shoreline, and spring conditions may include damp roads and high humidity levels.
The event is coordinated by Jamie Edwards and utilizes the Race Roster platform for registration, which is open from April 5 to April 16. A dedicated volunteer operates the support vehicle, ensuring that participants have access to water, snacks, and their personal belongings at each designated stopping point. This setup allows runners to shed layers of clothing or access specific nutrition as the morning progresses. Beyond the active participants, the "Breakfast Only" registration option encourages friends, family, and injured runners to participate in the social aspect of the morning. The route is integrated with Strava, allowing participants to review the course map and elevation profile in advance to prepare for the rural road terrain between St. Thomas and the port.
Apr 19, 2026
Distance — 12km
Type — Running
09:00
Free
Apr 19, 2026
Distance — 15km
Type — Running
09:00
Free
Apr 19, 2026
Distance — 17km
Type — Running
09:00
Free
Apr 19, 2026
Distance — 21km
Type — Running
09:00
Free
Apr 19, 2026
Distance — 8km
Type — Running
09:00
Free
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in St Thomas.
Learn more about the host city, St Thomas.
St. Thomas is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It gained its city charter on March 4, 1881. The city is also the seat for Elgin County, although it is independent of the county.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on West Lorne, Ontario, CA
calendar_today May 10, 2026
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