The Runners Shop Longest Day Ekiden Relay Race

The longest day of the year. A team relay. A Tasuki sash. The Runners Shop Longest Day Ekiden Relay Race takes place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto. 6 runners per team — 2 run 10 km, 3 run 5 km, 1 runs 7.2 km — collectively covering a full marathon distance. Teams receive a Tasuki sash (traditional Japanese relay sash) with a decorating station to personalize it. SOLD OUT. Benefits Hopes Rise, a running, reading, and leadership program for kids founded by Canadian Olympian Silvia Ruegger.

How It Works:

• 7:00 PM — The two 10 km runners start together
• 7:05 PM — The three 5 km runners start
• The first 5 km runner to finish tags the 7.2 km runner (who wears the Tasuki sash as the grand finale finisher)
• Tasuki sash provided by the organizer, plus a decorating station for team branding (markers, patches, glitter — bring your creativity)
• All team members must be registered on the team portal before June 11

Location & Venue:

• Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit), Toronto — a man‑made peninsula extending 5 km into Lake Ontario
• Scenic course: flat, paved, car‑free, with views of the Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario, and bird sanctuaries
• Start/finish near the park entrance (parking available — limited)
• ⚠️ Tommy Thompson Park is dog‑free — no dogs allowed even for spectators

What's Included:

• Tasuki sash for the final runner
• Chip timing for each leg (split times and team total)
• Post‑race Summer Solstice Party at The Runners Shop (details on event website)
• Awards / special surprises from sponsors Asics and Vuori
• Finisher recognition — team medal? check event page
• Photos from past editions available online (links on event page)

Registration (SOLD OUT):

• Registration opened May 4 at 10:00 AM and sold out quickly
• Cost: $180 per team (+ HST and fees)
• Team captain registers first and pays the team fee; other members join the team portal at any time until June 11
• Captain can edit team category and leg assignments until race day
• Due to participant limits set by the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority, demand exceeds available spots — no waitlist mentioned

Charity Partner — Hopes Rise:

• Founded by Canadian Olympian and former Canadian women's marathon record holder Silvia Ruegger (1961‑2019)
• A running, reading, and leadership program for kids
• Goal: Audacious hope — equipping Canadian children with skills to flourish as leaders in their communities
• The Runners Shop is committed to keeping Silvia's dream alive
• Fundraising goal: CA$2,000 — currently 18% raised (CA$350). Donations accepted during registration or via team fundraising pages.
• Top fundraiser not listed — check event page

Event Schedule:

• 7:00 PM — 10 km runners start
• 7:05 PM — 5 km runners start
• After the race — Summer Solstice Party at The Runners Shop (Toronto location)

Logistics:

• Parking available at Tommy Thompson Park (limited spaces — carpool recommended)
• Public transport: TTC bus to Leslie Street and Lakeshore Blvd, then walk or bike to park entrance (approx 15‑20 min walk)
• Bib pickup: race day at the park (starting at 5:00 PM — check event page)
• No dogs allowed in the park (enforced by Toronto Regional Conservation Authority)
• Strollers? Not recommended for this relay (narrow paths, competitive field)
• Wheelchair accessibility: park paths are paved and flat — contact organizer for specific accommodations
• No refunds or transfers? Check event policy — likely no refunds due to capacity limits

Sponsors: Presenting sponsor — The Runners Shop. Also supported by Vuori (apparel) and Asics (footwear).

Contact: Lynn Bourque — [email protected], phone 416‑923‑9702.