Why you should consider running a summer half-marathon
What could be better than a late-June race in Ontario's cottage country?
For runners of all levels, a summer half-marathon offers a perfect mix of challenge, motivation and opportunity to soak in the best of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner looking to tick off your first big event, here’s why you should seriously consider lacing up for a summer race.
Perfect running weather, breathtaking scenery
Late June offers ideal running conditions almost anywhere in Canada where people habitually run. Temperatures in regions like Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes are warm but manageable, particularly with early-morning race starts. The longer daylight hours also make training through the spring more accessible and enjoyable. And few things can inspire and motivate like a scenic course.
On June 22, 2025, the brand-new Kawartha Sun Run will kick off in beautiful Fenelon Falls, Ont., and it checks every box. Organized by Endurance Event Productions—the team behind the Georgina Spring Fling, Georgina Marathon & Half-Marathon and the Nutrience Oakville 21.1 Half-Marathon—this event guarantees professional course management, gorgeous scenery and a lot of fun.
Crush your summer fitness goals
Setting a goal such as a half-marathon in June is a fantastic way to keep your fitness on track as the summer kicks off. It’s a manageable, yet rewarding distance, offering the perfect balance of challenge and achievement. Plus, the timing allows runners to train during the spring and build momentum for a fall marathon.
Community and camaraderie
Running a summer race means joining a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. The energy and camaraderie on race day are unmatched, and post-race celebrations often include fun perks like food trucks, music or local attractions—perfect for making new friends or enjoying time with family.
The race starts at Garnet Graham Beach Park in beautiful Fenelon Falls and follows the scenic Victoria Rail Trail along the shores of Cameron Lake. The fast, flat and family-friendly out-and-back course is perfect for personal bests and includes distances for everyone: half-marathon, 10K and 5K.
With aid stations approximately every 2.5 km serving water and electrolyte drinks, runners are well-supported throughout the event, which raises funds for Kawartha Lakes Food Source, a non-profit supporting local food banks—making every step you run even more meaningful.
So, why not make this the summer you take on 21.1 kilometres? Whether it’s for the scenery, the sense of accomplishment or the joy of running, the Kawartha Sun Run could be the perfect summer race for you.
To register, click here.
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