Discover Ontario with these awesome autumn running events
Ontario offers an abundance of autumn running events and races that offer exceptional organization, scenic courses and unforgettable experiences.
Sunday September 11th – B&O Yorkville Run/Canadian 5K Championships, Toronto, Ont.
The boutique B&O Yorkville Run takes participants through Toronto’s upscale shopping neighbourhood and generally sells out. The event also hosts the Canadian 5K Championships and sees a wave of elite runners take on the fast but fair course followed by a mass participation race. Participants enjoy premium race swag as well as popular post-race refreshments courtesy of local eateries.
In 2015 we hit our fundraising goal, raising over $250,000 for our local charities. Let’s do the same this year! #YorkvilleRun16
— B&O Yorkville Run (@YorkvilleRun) August 26, 2016
Sunday September 18th – Canada Army Run, Ottawa, Ont.
One of Canada’s fastest growing events is the Army Run, which offers equally popular half marathon and 5K races, both known to sell out. The course features a scenic tour of the nation’s capital and takes place at a most beautiful time of year. Participants pass several historic and iconic national sites including Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum, Rideau Hall and other notable landmarks. From the pre-race pasta dinner served military field-kitchen style, a cannon to kick off the race and dog-tag finishers’ medals, participants can expect a unique experience that celebrates and supports our Canadian Armed Forces.
Saturday September 24th – Oasis Zoo Run, Toronto, Ont.
Less than a month left until #ZooRunTO 5K, 10K and Cub Run! Register here: https://t.co/Jkij5fa114 ? pic.twitter.com/Y52ECJ41le
— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) August 30, 2016
The Zoo Run is a popular and family-friendly event and part of the acclaimed Canada Running Series. The 10K and 5K courses provide a winding and rolling tour of the Toronto Zoo including near constant views of the park’s wildlife. Participants enjoy exceptional event organization, race amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere as well as on-course support and entertainment.
Sunday September 25th – Nutrience Oakville Half Marathon
Can’t wait to cross this finish line for the third year in a row. Just registered for @OakvilleHalf !! Great race ?? pic.twitter.com/UC0iIAO81L
— Rachel Schoutsen (@RachelSchoutsen) August 4, 2016
This autumn half-marathon event takes place on a flat and fast course that features a scenic tour of Oakville’s charming downtown and waterfront. A 10K race, student relay and new 5K run/walk are also offered. Race day conditions are often favourable and the date make it ideal as a fall marathon tune-up. Post-race awards, refreshments and entertainment all take place in Coronation Park.
Sunday October 2nd – The County Marathon, Wellington, Ont.
The County Marathon takes place in Ontario’s beautiful Prince Edward County. The marathon course begins in the charming town of Wellington and proceeds along the Loyalist Parkway to neighbouring Bloomfield. There it heads south, past West Lake, through Sandbanks Provincial Park and continuing past East Lake. Then, it’s straight to the finish in Picton in front of the Crystal Palace. Participants should expect a number of gentle rolling hills on this otherwise flat and certainly scenic course.
A photo posted by Zest Kitchen Shop (@zestkitchenshop) on
Sunday October 16th – Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Toronto’s signature running event, also its largest, is the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Offered as part of the Canada Running Series, #STWM was the first Canadian marathon to be awarded the prestigious IAAF gold label status. All races–there is also a popular half- and 5K–are flat, fast and festive attracting elite, recreational and first-time runners alike. The revamped marathon and half courses start and finish near City Hall and take participants on a tour of some of Toronto’s most iconic attractions, notable landmarks and unique neighbourhoods before finishing near Nathan Phillips Square. Participants enjoy the benefits of supportive crowds, on-course entertainment and excellent aid-stations and volunteers along the way. Post-race festivities are enjoyed by participants, friends and family alike making this a complete and memorable running experience.
Sunday October 30th – Niagara Falls International Marathon
As one of only a few events to start in one country and finish in another, NFIM is truly an international experience. The point-to-point marathon course begins in Buffalo, N.Y. before participants cross the Peace Bridge into neighbouring Fort Erie, Ont. After completing a loop of the historic city, participants follow the scenic Niagara Parkway along the mighty Niagara River toward the world famous finish at the majestic Horseshoe Falls. Participants can expect an exceptional level of organization, generous amenities and a truly unforgettable experience.
Sunday November 6th – Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon
Road2Hope is well known for its fast course that includes a generous downhill portion that can help any runner set a new personal best. It is Canada’s fastest Boston qualifier, featuring a point-to-point course that tours rolling rural countryside before heading down the Red Hill Valley Parkway and local trails followed by a lengthy out-and-back with scenic lakeshore views. The marathon and half–also known to be fast–take place Sunday while 10K and 5K races are run on Saturday. The finish area, weekend race expo and post-race reception all take place from Hamilton’s Confederation Park.
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