Sticks n' Stones Trail Race 2026

Welcome to the Christie Lake Conservation Area Trail Race, an exhilarating event sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. This year, we are thrilled to partner with La Sportiva for all of our races, offering exclusive shoe demos and giving away two pairs of shoes! For more details on this exciting opportunity, visit our website.
This race supports Oceana Canada, a vital organization dedicated to ocean conservation. The course is set within the picturesque Christie Lake Conservation Area, featuring a 5.3-kilometer loop that winds around the lake’s serene waters. Runners can explore rolling terrain and enjoy fast, runnable trails with surfaces primarily made of dirt.
The race distances are as follows:
- 5k runners will complete one full loop (5.3km)
- 10k racers will run two loops (10.6km)
- Participants in the 25k distance will tackle five loops (26.5km)
- Solo 50k racers will traverse ten loops, covering a total of 53 kilometers
- Relay teams for the 50k event can also choose to run ten loops
The race has an 8-hour cutoff time for solo 50k participants; early starters are welcome from 8:00 AM. Kit pick-up and registration will take place at the Beach Pavilion on-site, starting October 10th from 7:30 AM until just before the start of the event.
Runners in the 5k, 10k, and 25k categories will receive a Stick n' Stones Trail Race toque. Solo participants in the 50k race will be awarded a Sticks n' Stones Trail Race Hoodie; these can also be purchased for $35 during registration, with size options available.
Parking is included with your registration fee, but spectators must pay an entry fee to access the park. The race starts at different times:
- For 25k and 50k solo runners: 9:00 AM
- For 5k and 10k participants: 10:00 AM
Aid stations will be strategically placed every 3 kilometers, featuring water, electrolyte drinks, pop, fruit, and a variety of sweet and salty snacks. Runners can expect to find these at the start/finish area and around the 2.5-kilometer mark.
Pacers are not permitted in any event due to safety reasons; however, participants over 65 years old may request one if needed by contacting the Race Director before registration.
Upon completion of your race, you will receive a finisher medal. Top three solo racers and top teams (male, female, mixed) in the relay category will also be awarded prizes. Professional timing ensures accurate results, which are posted immediately after the event.
Post-race food is not included but available for purchase at various vendors around the area. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, there’s no one-size-fits-all meal provided to ensure everyone can enjoy their post-race experience.
Our refund policy offers flexibility: early bird pricing and a 100% race credit towards any future Happy Trails event if you need to cancel at least 30 days before the race. Participants are also allowed to transfer their bibs without penalty, though orders for supplies must be placed 30 days in advance.
Proceeds from this event will support Oceana Canada in memory of Michael Bennardo, a promising medical student and ocean lover who passed away at age 38 on September 20, 2018. Any donations to this cause are greatly appreciated.