Get ready for an unforgettable trail running experience at STAC Hamilton’s The Golden Spike 5K/10K, happening at the stunning Crawford Lake Conservation Area on Saturday, December 7, 2024!
Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just love an outdoor adventure, this event promises a challenging, exhilarating course with breathtaking views that you won’t want to miss.
What’s in store?
Picture yourself racing across the rugged and scenic Bruce Trail, weaving through dense forests, rocky paths, and those picture-perfect boardwalks that circle the serene Crawford Lake. This is a true runner’s paradise! The 10K kicks off at 8:30 AM, followed by the 5K at 8:45 AM—each wave an opportunity to push your limits and soak in the beauty of this conservation gem.
But what’s the story behind The Golden Spike?
Crawford Lake might be small, but it’s packed with history. Its waters are so deep and unique that scientists have chosen its sediment to mark the beginning of a new geologic epoch—the Anthropocene. That’s right—this little lake has big significance, and now you get to race on the very land that’s been a scientific marker for change! You’ll also run through history, with reconstructed Wendat longhouses nearby, where you can learn more about Indigenous heritage and how it shaped this beautiful land.
Amazing Partnerships & Prizes
We’re thrilled to be supported by Merrell Canada, ensuring top-notch race organization and exciting prizes! Plus, XACT Nutrition will keep you fueled throughout your training and on race day, so you can hit your goals strong.
And we’re proud to partner with the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC)—race participants will have the opportunity to donate to this vital organization, helping them continue their impactful work with the Indigenous community.
MEC Burlington has also joined us for this event, offering even more support and ways to enhance your outdoor adventure!
Don’t Miss the Merch!
Stay stylish and grab your limited-edition STAC 2024 swag, including high-performance gear and the epic STAC Wolf “Heavy Metal” design.
Your race isn’t just about running—it’s about making a difference! All proceeds will support STAC Hamilton’s youth programs, empowering young people through sports and healthy living.
So, lace up those trail shoes, rally your crew, and mark your calendar for December 7th! Join us for a morning of fitness, fun, and giving back at STAC Trail Race 2024 at Crawford Lake Conservation Area.
Let’s hit the trails and make a difference together!
Our hashtag is #GoldenSpike2024
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Trail Race Closed
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! This 5K route at Crawford Lake Conservation Area will take you on a thrilling loop through some of the most breathtaking and technical trails around. You’ll weave through rugged sections of the Bruce Trail, power through the park’s main paths, and sprint along the iconic boardwalk that circles the lake. It’s a fast, challenging course that will test your skills, ignite your trail-running passion, and leave you craving more. If you’re looking for a 5K that delivers excitement and pushes your limits, this is the race for you!
-
$63.45Oct. 11 - Dec. 7
10K Trail Race Closed
Get ready to take your trail running to the next level with this thrilling 10K route at Crawford Lake Conservation Area! You’ll conquer not one, but two loops of this dynamic, action-packed course. We’re talking rugged sections of the Bruce Trail, fast-paced stretches through the park’s main trails, and a breathtaking run along the boardwalk circling the lake. It’s technical, it’s fast, and it’s guaranteed to test your endurance and leave you with an unforgettable sense of achievement. If you’re ready to push your limits and chase the thrill, this 10K is the race you’ve been dreaming of!
-
$74.58Oct. 11 - Dec. 7
1) Race Location and Start:
The race will take place at the Crawford Lake Conservation Area located at 3115 Conservation Road, Milton, ON L9T 2X3
Saturday, December 7, 2024:
7:00 AM - Registration & Race Kit Pickup
8:30 AM - 10K Start
8:45 AM - 5K Start
10:00 AM - 5K Awards Ceremony
10:30 AM - 10K Awards Ceremony
2) Race Kit Pick Up:
You can pick-up your race kit at the MEC Burlington store located at 1030 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 3S8 on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, race kits can also be picked up before your event starting at 7:00 AM on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
If you are able, we highly recommend stopping by the MEC Burlington Store! We can answer any questions that you may have and it certainly makes race morning a little less stressful for you.
If you are picking up your kit on race day, we recommend arriving 30-45 minutes early. The Conservation Area gate will open at 6:30 AM.
3) Race Course:
The race features a stunning 5km loop through Crawford Lake Conservation Area, showcasing the best of its natural beauty. The course includes wide-open sections of the main trail, a picturesque wooden boardwalk, and a technical stretch of the Bruce Trail along the canyon wall. Runners will encounter about 2km of rocky, and root-filled sections that require extra care, especially if conditions are wet. We strongly recommend wearing trail shoes to navigate these areas safely. The course will be clearly marked with flags, directional arrows, and marshals at key intersections to keep you on track.
4) Cupless:
ALL of our events are cupless. Please bring a collapsible cup, water bottle, or hydration pack. We will have Xact hydration and water tanks to dispense into your container.
5) Parking/Spectators:
Parking is available at this event. Entry to the conservation area is included with your race registration. We do encourage participants to carpool. If you have family members or friends that you can carpool with, PLEASE DO! We would really appreciate it.
Spectators are definitely allowed to cheer on the runners, however, they need to arrive in the same vehicle as the participant. Spectators will also have to pay to enter the park (we are covering the cost for the participants). We are happy to help direct spectators to the key attractions of the Crawford Lake area including long houses, wooden sculptures, as well as the lake itself. We ask spectators to stay off the wooden boardwalk during the race!
6) Merchandise:
Your race entry comes with a FREE Race Tee! We do have STAC Hamilton shirts, hoodies, and hats. First come, first served. Cash is the fastest but you can also E-transfer.
7) Facilities
We will have access to the conservation centre, and washrooms will be available for participants. However, There are no washroom facilities on the race course!
8) Aid Station
There will be only one main aid station at the start/finish. Participants running the 10km distance can refuel and hydrate before taking on loop number two.
9) Medals
We have medals for all participants!
10) Training Runs
Training runs around Crawford Lake will be available on weekends prior to the event. Mainly Saturday and Sunday mornings. For details regarding training runs and race course recon please contact Martin Szydlowski at coachmartin.ca
11) Race Photographs
STAC Hamilton is renowned for capturing the true atmosphere and energy of a trail race, and with photographers stationed throughout the course, make sure to bring your game face and cross that finish line to claim your medal!
12) Race Kit
With every race kit, participants will get a golden spike, race, shirt, Xact nutrition energy bar, and vouchers for local vendors for discounts and promotions.
13) Warming station
Will we have space blankets, can participant go inside of the building to warm up. All participants will have access to The Gathering Place building to stay warm if needed.
14) Chip Timing
Your race will be timed and results will be posted on our website which we will send out to participants and post on our social media for all to see.
15) Nutrition & Hydration from our Xact Nutrition
Every participant will get a Xact Energy Fruit Bar in their race kit and at our aid station there will be water and Xact Electrolytes in a water dispenser. Both options! We are a cupless race, so please bring your own water vessel or you can purchase a STAC collapsible cup at the merch table.
16) Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities at the race, please contact Martin at martin@stachamilton.ca
17) First Aid:
We will have medical on-site and on the course providing any first aid that is needed from St Johns Ambulance
Contact information
- Event contact
- Vincent Kuber
- vince@stachamilton.ca
- Phone
- 2892443519
