The 2026 Callous Crow

The 2026 Callous Crow is a premier technical trail racing event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM ADT. Located at the Crowbar Lake Trail in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia, this 4th edition is recognized as one of the most challenging half-marathon distance races in the region. The course covers approximately 21 km of rugged terrain within the Waverley - Salmon River Long Lake Wilderness Area, featuring old-growth forests, granite boulders, and steep ascents.

Course Logistics and Safety

To ensure runner safety on narrow trails, the race utilizes two start waves spaced five minutes apart. A strict time limit is enforced: runners must reach the 7.6 km mark within 2 hours to continue the full loop; otherwise, they are diverted to a 13 km route. The event is "cup-less" and heavily emphasizes trail preservation, donating $3 from every entry to the Crowbar Lake Wilderness Association. While dogs are not permitted on the course, they are welcome at the start and finish lines. In the event of extreme weather or wet trails, a rain date is set for May 2, 2026.

Prizes and Partnerships

The podium finishers for both male and female categories will receive specialized prizes from major outdoor brands including Salomon, Smartwool, and Eastwood Pottery. The event is managed by Jason White and Peter Smith of All Out Trail Racing, with a focus on highlighting the natural granite outcrops and expansive views of the Porters Lake wilderness.

Regional and Demographic Context

Porters Lake (B3E) is a rural community in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) with a population of approximately 3,200 residents. The area is characterized by a high rate of homeownership and an active lifestyle demographic. The broader Halifax region is experiencing steady growth, with a population exceeding 480,000 in 2026. The median household income in this specific suburban-rural corridor is approximately CA$98,000, reflecting a professional workforce that often commutes to Halifax or Dartmouth.