Sticks n' Stones Trail Race 2026

Sticks N' Stones Trail Race takes place on October 10, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario at Christie Lake Conservation Area and is organized by Happy Trails Racing. The one-day fall fixture centres on a single 5.3 km loop around Christie Lake and attracts both local trail runners and destination athletes looking for a compact, repeatable trail challenge.

All distances use the same 5.3 km loop: a 5 km (one loop), 10 km (two loops), 26.5 km (five loops), a solo 53 km (ten loops) and a 53 km relay that allows teams of up to five runners to share the ten-loop total. Start times and wave details are set annually by the organizer; race kit pick-up happens on race day at the Beach Pavilion on site.

What sets Sticks N' Stones apart is its simple, community-minded format and attention to race-day basics. The loop is rolling and runnable on primarily dirt trails, with two aid stations per loop — one at the start/finish and one roughly halfway — stocked with water, electrolyte drink, soda, fruit, PB&J and a mix of sweet and salty snacks. The event runs a cupless policy, so runners must bring a collapsible cup or bottle. Registration includes parking; spectators pay park entry. Finishers receive a medal, most distances include a toque, and solo 53 km finishers receive a hoodie (hoodies are also available for purchase for other categories). The race donates proceeds to Oceana Canada and is organised in memory of a relative of the race director.

Registration opens through the organizer’s registration partner; entries include on-site parking. Check registration availability with the race organiser to secure a spot before entries close.

• Start/finish at the Beach Pavilion in Christie Lake Conservation Area, Hamilton, ON
• Single 5.3 km loop around Christie Lake — distances run as 1, 2, 5 or 10 loops depending on event
• Rolling, non-technical dirt trails that are generally runnable
• Two aid stations per loop: at the start/finish and roughly halfway, offering water, electrolyte drink, soda, fruit, PB&J and sweet and salty snacks
• Cupless policy: participants must bring a collapsible cup or personal bottle

• Loop-based course: All distances use a single 5.3 km loop around Christie Lake, making it easy to pace and crew on repeated laps.
• Cupless event: Two aid stations per loop but runners must bring a collapsible cup or personal bottle to access drinks.
• Charity beneficiary: A portion of proceeds supports Oceana Canada, linking the race to marine conservation work.
• Finishers' apparel: Solo 53 km finishers receive a hoodie; participants in other categories receive a toque and hoodies are available for purchase.
• Relay-friendly format: 53 km relay allows teams up to five runners to share the ten-loop course, ideal for clubs and groups.