Pick Your Poison Trail Run

The Pick Your Poison Trail Race (PYP) 2026 marks the 16th year of this challenging endurance event, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. Hosted at the Heights of Horseshoe in Craighurst, Ontario, the race takes runners through the rugged and scenic Copeland Forest. Operating as a not-for-profit, the event focuses on mental health awareness, with all proceeds supporting local social service organizations and the Copeland Forest Friends. The race is known for its technical terrain and the unpredictable nature of Canadian spring weather, which can vary from sun to snow.

Race Logistics and Runner Support

The 2026 event is currently sold out, with a total capacity of 450 runners across all distances. A waitlist is managed via Race Roster to fill spots as withdrawals occur. Kit pickup is available on-site starting at 7:00 AM on race day. To support endurance success, each 12.5K loop features three aid stations stocked with water, electrolytes, Hammer Gels, and various snacks like pickles and hot soup. All participants are subject to a strict 5:00 PM cutoff time, and 50K runners must begin their final lap by 2:30 PM. Post-race, participants receive a boxed lunch and unique hand-crafted wooden awards or artisanal soaps.

Course and Weather Variability

The course is designed to test the heart rate of even the most experienced trail runners, featuring significant climbs and technical single-track paths. Because the race takes place in late April, conditions are notoriously variable; past editions have seen everything from mud and snow to mild t-shirt weather. In addition to the physical challenge, the event is praised for its "thoughtful" swag, including high-quality technical finisher socks and jars of local honey, emphasizing the community-first approach of the organizers.

Regional and Community Context

Craighurst/Oro-Medonte (L4M) is a rural-suburban township located just north of Barrie in Simcoe County, with a population of approximately 23,000 residents. The area is a hub for outdoor recreation, anchored by the Horseshoe Valley Resort and the 4,400-acre Copeland Forest. The local economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and its growing status as a bedroom community for professionals working in Barrie and the Greater Toronto Area. The median household income in Oro-Medonte is roughly $110,000 CAD.

The demographic profile of the region is approximately 91% White, 3% Indigenous, and 2% Black, with an increasing percentage of multi-ethnic families moving from urban centers. The median age is 46.8 years, reflecting a community that values a slower pace of life and active conservation. The Pick Your Poison race is a vital part of the local social fabric, not only for its tourism draw but for its commitment to funding regional mental health programs, bridging the gap between high-performance sport and social responsibility.