2026 5 Peaks Trail Running Series: Kelso

This page is kept as a past race archive for the May 2, 2026 edition in Milton, ON. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category.

The 2026 5 Peaks Trail Running Series: Kelso takes place on May 2 in Milton, Ontario and is organized by 5 Peaks. It joins the national 5 Peaks circuit that stages trail races across Canada and brings a one-day festival of trail running to the Kelso Conservation Area.

The event offers a range of distances to suit families and experienced trail runners alike: Kid's 1 km and 3 km races, a Sport run of 6.9 km, an Enduro of 13.8 km and a Grit of 20.6 km. Onsite packet pickup opens at 8:15 a.m.; the Grit field starts at 9:00 a.m., hikers and power pacers at 9:10 a.m., the kids’ races at 9:15 and 9:35 a.m., the Enduro at 10:00 a.m. and the Sport at 10:30 a.m.

Kelso stands out for its conservation-area setting and community-oriented format. Runners can pre-purchase sustainably sourced wooden finisher medals made in Canada, and additional swag is available through Race Roster or on race day while supplies last. The event is cup-free — water and electrolyte drink are provided at the start/finish and at one or more aid stations, so participants should bring a bottle or hydration system for longer efforts. Awards go to top finishers by gender and age category, and all awards must be picked up at the race.

Sign up early to secure entry, choose your swag items and reserve optional finisher medals. For questions about volunteering, start lists or course specifics, 5 Peaks provides regional community channels and race-day contact information.

• Start/finish at Kelso Conservation Area (event staging and best spectator viewing at the main start/finish area)
• Race surface is natural trail singletrack with technical sections; organizers advise against poles and headphones for safety
• Distances: Kid's 1 km and 3 km; Sport 6.9 km; Enduro 13.8 km; Grit 20.6 km
• Water and electrolyte drink available at start/finish and at one or more aid stations on course (cup-free — bring a personal receptacle)
• Washroom facilities available at the start/finish area; parking at Kelso is limited so carpooling is recommended

• Wooden finisher medals: Optional sustainably sourced wooden medals made in Canada are available for pre-purchase through Race Roster.
• Cup-free event policy: Water and electrolyte drink are provided at start/finish and at one or more aid stations — runners should bring their own bottle or hydration system for longer races.
• Kid and adult-friendly options: Two kids’ races (1 km and 3 km) plus three adult distances (6.9 km Sport, 13.8 km Enduro, 20.6 km Grit) on the same day.
• Technical trail sections: Organizers note course technicality and restrict poles, dogs and headphones to preserve safety and flow on singletrack.
• Onsite packet pick-up and swag sales: Packet pickup opens at 8:15 a.m. and additional swag can be purchased on race day while supplies last.