Pick Your Poison Trail Run 2023

From jars of honey to the technical finisher socks, PYP is one sweet race! A challenging 12.5 km loop with 340 m of climb through the Heights of Horseshoe in Craighurst, Ontario awaits you, but what poison will you pick? One loop will challenge even the experienced trail runner with epic climbs, single track switchbacks, and variant weather conditions on race day. Proceeds from the race go to local social service organizations, and the Copeland Forest Friends. Come for the day or stay in the local area for the weekend and enjoy the many scenic vistas that Simcoe County has to offer.

Course Description

This course is not for the faint of heart, but will end up capturing your heart. Participants can pick their poison from 1, 2, or 4 loops of this course made up of 98% off road terrain in 12.5 km, 25 km, or 50 km distances. The front end of the looped course has 2 serious climbs and includes the ski hills of Horseshoe, along with the technical terrain of the Copeland Forest. Not to be outdone, the back half of the loop takes trail runners on 2 more significant climbs, then some serious switchbacks that will have you blazing up the terrain and heading towards our spectacular finishing stretch down the ski hill, and in front of the lodge. Finishers will receive a pair of our PYP socks, a brag worthy swag piece.

Aid Stations

Each loop will be stocked with 3 aid stations. The usual fare will be present: pop, water, electrolytes, various candy assortments, chips, and pickles. Additional foods may be present such as PB & J sandwiches, and hot soup.

Registration, Waitlist & Refund policy

Registration: First come, first served basis

Capacity: 350 runners across 3 distances

Waitlist: We maintain a wait list through Race Roster. As runners withdraw from the race, people on the waitlist will be given an opportunity to register for the race based on the order they registered. Selected participants will be notified via email once selected and have one week to register once the email is sent. The odds of getting into the race depend primarily on the amount of turnover from the registered runners list. Since we don’t have any control over this, your guess is as good as ours. When registering on the waitlist, you will be charged only if you are selected from the waitlist and you accept the invitation to become a registered runner.

Refunds: We do not currently offer refunds. Runners can defer to the following year.

Distance transfers: Runners can transfer distances leading up to the race, and on race day. If transferring to a longer distance, runners must pay the difference in current registration values. There is no refund for runners transferring to shorter distances.

Runners can transfer distances and request deferrals up to midnight EST April 15th.

PYP Swag

All participants will receive a jar of local honey, and an epic shirt with their race entry. Finishers in all distances will receive a super sporty pair of PYP run socks.

Pick Your Poison is proudly sanctioned by Athletics Ontario