North Bay Road Race 2026

North Bay Road Race 2026 returns to North Bay, Ontario on Saturday, September 12th, 2026. The event offers a fast and challenging course through the scenic Memorial Drive in downtown North Bay.
Starting at the Heritage Carousels by the carousel near the Marina, runners will enjoy the closed-to-traffic route along Memorial Drive, passing Lee Park and Veteran's Field before heading out onto Booth Road for those running the half marathon. The race atmosphere is set to be lively with families and spectators lining the streets, cheering on young racers in the 1 Mile Kid’s Race.
Since its inception, North Bay Road Race has grown steadily, attracting participants from across Northern Ontario each year. Organizers are proud of their partnership with local charities like YMCA Northeastern Ontario, ensuring that every registration includes a donation to support community initiatives such as sending kids to camp through "Let's Fill the Bus" campaigns.
Course and conditions for this 2026 edition include a fast and flat terrain along Memorial Drive, with notable features including Lee Park and Veteran’s Field. The race will start at 7:45 AM, with the 5K run beginning at 8:30 AM followed by the half marathon starting an hour later. Aid stations are planned to ensure hydration stops for all participants.
Weather on September 12th is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C to a maximum of 21°C, feeling comfortable and conducive to running in North Bay's typical fall weather conditions. Average winds at 10 km/h will not significantly impact the race pace for most participants.
The race offers distances including the 5K run, 10K distance, and half marathon route (21.1km). There is also a special Kid’s Race with a one-mile course available free of charge to families and young runners.
How to register: Visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114242/north-bay-road-race-2026 for registration. Early bird pricing until August 8th is $56.71, while late registrations may not be guaranteed a shirt and will incur additional costs.
Bib pickup: Available on Friday at an undisclosed location (TBD). Bring photo ID to pick up your bib number.
Start/Finish Location: The event begins and ends at the Heritage Carousels located at 230 Memorial Drive, across from the Marina. Overflow parking is available at municipal lots near Rona or in large parking lots on Oak Street via pedestrian tunnel access.
Logistics for first-timers include ensuring you are registered early to secure a free race shirt before August 8th and be prepared with photo ID and appropriate gear for your age category, which includes children running the Kid’s Race. The race supports community growth through charity partnerships; your participation helps fund local initiatives like sending kids to camp.
North Bay Road Race 2026 is an event worth attending because it not only offers a beautiful route through North Bay but also contributes significantly to the local community and youth programs, making every run count towards something meaningful.