Monster of Mazinaw Trail Race 2026

Monster of Mazinaw Trail Race returns to Bon Echo Provincial Park on September 19, 2026, in Cloyne, Ontario. Happy Trails Racing organizes the one-day festival-style event that funnels runners into some of the park’s most rugged back-country singletrack and shoreline views.

The weekend offers three distances: a 43K ultramarathon (billed as Canada’s "shortest ultramarathon"), a 30K and a 10K. The 43K and 30K start together at 9:00 AM EDT and the 10K follows at 10:00 AM EDT. The field is intentionally small — entries cap at 250 — so racers get a quieter, more remote trail experience than larger destination events.

What sets Monster of Mazinaw apart is the terrain and setting. Courses mix short stretches of wide groomed trail with long sections of very technical rocky, rooty singletrack and true back-country access; runners should expect steep climbs and descents and be prepared for extended unsupported stretches. The race finishes with dramatic views toward Mazinaw Rock and the park’s pictographs, and the event partners with Friends of Bon Echo for fundraising (current campaign goal CA$2,000). La Sportiva brings an on-site demo fleet and giveaways — including shoe prizes — which adds a tangible gear perk for trail lovers.

Registration is limited and organizers publish pricing windows and entry details on the official event site; park admission is not included in the race fee and most competitors camp in the park. Runners should plan for an 8-hour course cutoff or take an early start option if they expect a longer time on course.

• Start/finish inside Bon Echo Provincial Park (Cloyne, ON) with course maps and GPX available from the organizer
• Terrain mixes short sections of wide groomed trail with predominantly technical rocky and rooty singletrack
• Key landmark: repeated views of Mazinaw Rock and access to park shoreline and pictographs
• Aid stations supply water, electrolyte drink and snacks (PB&J, sweet & salty items); event is cup-less — bring a collapsible cup or bottle
• Expect long unsupported back-country stretches (plan for 12–14 km without aid; some stretches may approach ~17 km) and an 8-hour course cutoff with an early-start option after 7:00 AM

• Canada's 'shortest ultramarathon': The 43K is billed as a compact but very challenging ultramarathon that packs technical terrain and big scenery into a single day.
• Technical singletrack: Predominantly rocky and rooty singletrack with steep ascents and descents — suitable for experienced trail runners.
• Iconic park views: Course runs inside Bon Echo Provincial Park with repeated sightlines to Mazinaw Rock and access to the park’s pictographs and shoreline.
• On-site gear perks: La Sportiva brings a demo fleet and runs giveaways, including prize shoes on race day.
• Cup-less, low-waste event: Aid stations are cup-less — runners must bring a collapsible cup or bottle for water and electrolyte stops.
• Small field, intimate feel: Entry capped at 250 participants for a quieter back-country experience and easier trail traffic management.