The Don McMaster Memorial 12 Mile Creek Trail Half Marathon & 7k 2026

The Don McMaster Memorial 12 Mile Creek Trail Half Marathon & 7k takes place each June in St. Catharines and is organized by the St. Catharines Roadrunners and Walkers (SCRRW). The race runs as an annual club event rooted in the local trail community and attracts both local club members and visitors who want a scenic, mid-distance trail challenge in Niagara.

The event offers a half marathon and an approximately 7-kilometre race. Race day starts at the end of Lockhart Drive, near Brock University: half-marathon runners begin at 9:00 a.m., 7k runners start at 9:30 a.m., and half-marathon walkers have an earlier 7:30 a.m. start. Routes for both distances are available on the RunGo app so competitors can preview the course beforehand.

What sets this race apart is its classic Twelve Mile Creek setting — often called the historic Merritt Trail — and the climb up Hydro Hill on the Niagara Escarpment. The course is roughly 80% hard-packed gravel, with rolling hills and wooded meanders that make for consistent footing and memorable views. The club supports a local charity: proceeds benefit the Niagara Rankin Cancer Run, and recent editions have produced significant donations. The event also uses chip timing and provides six electrolyte and water stations along the route.

Registration for the 2026 edition is handled through Race Roster (a registration link is published by the club). Pre-registration perks include a guaranteed long-sleeve race shirt for those who register by the club’s stated cutoff date.

• Start/finish at the end of Lockhart Drive in St. Catharines, near Brock University
• Terrain is mostly hard-packed gravel — about 80% of the route — with some packed dirt and trail surfaces
• Course follows the Twelve Mile Creek Trail (also known as the historic Merritt Trail) through wooded, creekside sections
• Route features rolling hills and a notable climb up Hydro Hill on the Niagara Escarpment
• Six electrolyte and water stations are provided along the half-marathon course
• Event uses chip timing for official results

• Guaranteed long-sleeve shirt: Long-sleeve tee guaranteed to all runners who pre-register by May 24 at midnight.
• Chip-timed results: The race uses chip timing for accurate finish times and official results.
• Scenic creekside trail: Approximately 80% hard-packed gravel on the Twelve Mile Creek (Merritt) Trail with wooded, meandering sections.
• Hydro Hill challenge: Course includes a climb up Hydro Hill on the Niagara Escarpment — a defining, recurring feature of the route.
• On-course fuel: Six electrolyte and water stations spaced along the course for the half marathon.
• Charity impact: Proceeds support the Niagara Rankin Cancer Run; recent events have raised significant donations (over $8,000 in 2025).