Middle Path Trail Race 2026

Middle Path Trail Race returns to Kawartha Nordic in Peterborough County, with distances that range from a 2 km junior race to a 52 km ultra. The event is run by Kawartha Lakes Lightning with race director Darl Sutherland and sits on the Outrace Series and Athletics Ontario Trillium Running series.

The race is built around trail running that is meant to stay low-impact and community-minded. Middle Path also leans into its green approach, with cupless race operations, on-course water stops, and a post-race setup that asks runners to bring their own bowl or utensils.

For runners looking for a local trail day with options for solos, teams, juniors, and ultra distance, it offers a compact but varied lineup in a familiar Nordic trail setting. It also connects to the broader trail races scene in the region.

The course is based at the Kawartha Nordic cabin and uses the club’s trail network through Canadian Shield woodland. Route descriptions include singletrack, doubletrack, and ski-trail corridors.

The longer races are loop-based: the 13 km event is one loop, the 26 km is two laps, and the 52 km ultra is four laps of the 13 km circuit. Aid is available at each loop and at mid-loop points, with a medical tent on site and ATV access for athlete support. Camping is available for entrants with a $10 donation.

• 52 km ultra, 26 km, 13 km individual, 13 km team event, and 2 km junior division
• 13 km Team Event starts together and uses combined finish times, not relay scoring
• 52 km ultra is four laps of the 13 km loop
• 26 km race is two laps of the 13 km loop
• Water stations are placed at each loop and mid-way points
• Cupless format: runners bring their own cup or bottle; bowls and utensils are needed for post-race food
• Camping is offered to entrants for a $10 donation supporting the Compassion Project