The Foxtail Rail Trail Race (Paul Turkstra Memorial)

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

We are very excited to announce that we have changed the date of this event. It will no longer be on the hottest day of the year!

The new date is April 20th. Shake off that rust and enjoy the only trail in the area that won't be covered in mud!

We are excited to be partnering with Merrell.

We share common values and a belief that everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors!

We are also proud to announce that this event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR THE 2024 EVENT

This is definitely our fastest trail race and probably the fastest 50k trail race course in Canada. The course is as close to flat as you will find and the trail is wide, groomed, and accessible. All distances are run on an out-and-back course with plenty of aid stations along the way. The scenery is quite nice and runs alongside conservation land, lush forests, ponds, creeks, and more. For much of the race, there will be kilometre markers on the route.

This is a great opportunity to run a personal best or to try a new distance.

-10k, 25k, and 50k finishers will all earn a really nice custom made finisher's medal (below is from a previous year).

Runners in the ultra-marathon distance events can carry a cell phone during the race. You will likely have cell service for the entire event- make sure your battery is fully charged.

Race Swag:

Runners will receive a t-shirt as well as other race goodies.

Location:

The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is the perfect starting point for an event like this. They offer some great services and the spectators will have plenty to do while they wait for friends/family to finish. Have a look around inside the Trail Centre, which is where the race starts and finishes. Spectators are also welcome to enjoy the trails by going on a hike. This will be a real community event and will be fun for the entire family!

The Race Registration Fee includes entrance into the Conservation Area for the participants. All crew and spectators will be asked to pay a reasonable entrance fee at the park entrance gate.

Course Description:

All of the events will start and end at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area Trail Centre.

10k: Start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and head East on the Hamilton-to-Brantford Rail Trail to the 'Hammer View Aid Station', which is on the Main St West bridge, and then return to the trail centre. Please note, this course is actually 10.3km

25k: Start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and head East on the Hamilton-to-Brantford Rail Trail to the 'Hammer View Aid Station', which is on the Main St West bridge, and then return to the trail centre, where the 'Headquarters Aid Station' is located. Participants will continue West on the Rail Trail to the 'Opossum's Landing Aid Station', which is just before Hwy 52. They will then return to the Trail Centre where they will cross the finish line.

50k: Repeat the 25 km course twice

Map/Elevation:

The elevation profile resembles a pancake at first glance. With that being said, there is definitely a slight grade and, even though it is only about 1%, you can certainly feel it after a while. The last 7.5km of the race will be ever so slightly downhill so you can finish with a smile.

The course will be well marked and there is NO WAY you can get lost on this course.

Aid Stations:

There will be an aid station or water drop every 5-8km along the course. The aid stations will offer your typical ultra-running aid station goods. Sweet and salty snacks, water, Skratch Labs electrolyte drink, Pb and J, and more. If you have run a Happy Trails Racing event in the past, expect the same. We like to overdo it a bit at our aid stations and try to have something for even the pickiest of eaters!

Drop Bags:

Participants can have a drop bag at the start/finish area of each loop.

Pacers:

Nope

If you are over the age of 60 and would like a pacer for safety reasons, or if you have a medical condition in which you would benefit from having a pacer, we will allow it but please let us know. If this is the case, the pacer can join for the 2nd half of the race.

All vehicles must be parked in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area parking lot.

Poles:

You are welcome to use them but, other than using them to trip runners ahead of you, they likely won't be of any help on this course.

Post Race Food:

We understand that people have different dietary restrictions, needs, and preferences. Because of this, rather than include the cost of a post-race meal that you may or may not enjoy/ be able to eat, we do not include meals in our race registration fees.

Refund Policy:

Happy Trails Racing has a policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty up to 5 days before the race. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out.

Fundraising:

The Foxtail Rail Trail Race is being held in memory of the Race Director's cousin, Paul Turkstra, who passed away after a brief battle with melanoma cancer in October 2021. Paul was a dedicated father, coach, and friend known for his positive attitude and was ALWAYS in a good mood. He was a great human and was gracious and thoughtful right to the very end. We miss Paul dearly.

Race Reports: