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Run The Caves

Ultra Trail Race in Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, Ontario

The Run The Caves Ultra and Trail race is hosting its 2nd Annual race event for Body and Mind Adventure. The goals of the Mind & Body (BAM) Organization committee are to provide a race that is accessible to all athletes & raises awareness for CMHA – Canadian Mental Health Association. A portion of all registration fees will be donated to CMHA.

Working with the Otonabee Conservation Areas staff, our volunteers, and all our sponsors, we promote the importance of maintaining the environment and being a responsible event organizer. We are a green organization that promotes green initiatives and being environmentally friendly. This is a cup-free event.

Terrain: Sweet single track, soft forest floor, rocks and tree roots (careful), some sandy beach, and just a handful of gravel roads to keep you focused!

Views: Some wide open for amazing views! Mostly covered under large, old forest growth trees. We call this “forest bathing”!

Why race Run The Caves? To feel deeply connected – to yourself, fellow runners, and the Earth.

And… no other trail races are offered here. Even stay and camp for the weekend if you can brave the cooler Fall temperatures!

Distances Offered: 1km Kids Run, 5km Walk/Run, 10km Walk/Run, 25km, 50km (plus a 15km Virtual Run). This is a bib & chip-timed event!

Run The Caves Trail Race & Ultra takes place in Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, which is nestled in the Indian River valley. This beautiful wooded setting is located just 25 minutes outside of Peterborough.

Warsaw Caves offers a range of recreational opportunities that the entire family can enjoy. Recreational facilities and services within the park include swimming, fishing, camping, day-use picnic sites, and of course, hiking trails. Twenty kilometers (20+ kms) of mostly single-track trails meander through forests and across open limestone plains. From any of the scenic lookouts, you can view the Indian River and valley. Along the Lookout Trail you’ll also see potholes, kettles, and hear the trickle of the disappearing river beneath the rocks.

Help BAM make this another year of Run The Caves a safe, fun and successful one. Prizes for top male and female in each distance category. Hand-made race medals for all participants! And a few other surprises!

New this year - look for merchandise on race day for purchase, to commemorate your Run The Caves participation. Head buffs, t-shirts and more.

Following each race distance, winners will be announced, as well, my Vegetarian Chili and buns will return for the 2nd year to warm everyone up at the Finish Line!


Registration fees

Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees

1 km Kids Run

Kids under 12 years.

  1. $13.04
    Nov 15 - Oct 5
    Register for 1 km Kids Run

5 km Walk/Run

Price changes in 12 days 22 hours

    1. $29.47

      Early Bird

      Nov 15 – Sept 6
    2. $34.93

      Phase 2

      Now registering Sept 6 – Sept 20
      Register for 5 km Walk/Run
    3. $40.37

      Final Phase

      Sept 20 – Oct 5

10 km Walk/Run

Price changes in 12 days 22 hours

  • 10 km Walk/Run

    1. $40.37

      Early Bird

      Nov 15 – Sept 6
    2. $45.82

      Phase 2

      Now registering Sept 6 – Sept 20
      Register for 10 km Walk/Run
    3. $51.26

      Final Phase

      Sept 20 – Oct 5

15 km Virtual Run

15 km Virtual Run - Run, walk or hike anytime between October 1-7 and send photo of App results ie. Garmin, Fitbit, Apple Watch etc.

  1. $40.37

    Includes Bib & Medal

    Nov 15 - Oct 5
    Register for 15 km Virtual Run

25 km Half-Ultra

Price changes in 13 days 22 hours

    1. $78.50

      Early Bird

      Nov 15 – Nov 14
    2. $89.39

      Phase 2

      Nov 15 – Jul 1
    3. $100.28

      Phase 3

      Now registering Jul 1 – Sept 21
      Register for 25 km Half-Ultra
    4. $111.18

      Final Phase

      Sept 21 – Oct 5

50 km Ultra

Price changes in 12 days 22 hours

    1. $100.28

      Early Bird

      Nov 15 – Sept 6
    2. $111.18

      Phase 2

      Now registering Sept 6 – Sept 20
      Register for 50 km Ultra
    3. $122.07

      Final Phase

      Sept 20 – Oct 5

​ *Subject: Important Race Info for Run The Caves - Sunday, October 5th*

Hello Run the Caves participants and running community!

This is the first of several emails you will receive over the next five days about the upcoming Run the Caves trail race, happening this Sunday, October 6th.

First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our registrants for choosing to spend your time at the beautiful Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. As a reminder, a portion of each registration fee will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

**Start Time Updates**
Body and Mind Adventures has made adjustments to the race start times to better accommodate runners in all distance categories. The updated start times are as follows:

**25K** 9:00 AM
**Kids** 9:15 AM
**10K** 9:30 AM
**5K** 9:45 AM

**Park Entry & Parking Information**
When you arrive at Warsaw Caves on Sunday morning, your park entry fee is covered as part of your race registration. Simply show your registration code to the park staff, who may ask & collect your name.

If you are bringing a vehicle and/or additional people, there will be a park entry fee for them. Limited parking is available outside of the park entrance (just before the gatehouse). Once these spots are full, parking will only be available inside the park. We encourage carpooling, especially if you’re coming with others.

Once inside Warsaw Caves park, turn left towards the caves and beach parking lot. Volunteers will be on hand to direct you and answer any parking-related questions.

The race registration and event area will be set up at the right end of the parking lot (map will be provided), and event parking will be to the far left. Please follow the directions of volunteers and signage. We’ve been asked by park staff to keep the center section of the lot open for public use. Bib and race package pick-up will be available at the registration booth starting at 8:30 AM, not any earlier.

**Race Day Support**
First aid personnel will be set up at various points within the park and throughout the course routes, all trained in First Aid/CPR. Phone number for the First Aid coordinator will be provided to all participants on race morning during announcements. Please look out for fellow runners and walkers – if you see someone in distress, don’t hesitate to help. Competitive runners will not be penalized for stopping to assist others.

**Weather and Trail Conditions**
The weather looks ideal for a day of running and walking, with pleasant temperatures, sun, and some cloud cover. Keep in mind that much of the race route passes through dense forest, so it may feel cooler.

We highly recommend bringing and applying bug repellent. We will also provide deet-free repellent spray to all participants, along with all-natural sunscreen.

**Aid Stations and Post-Race Refreshments**
Water will be available at all aid stations, along with fruit, bagels, etc. Some stations will also offer electrolyte drinks and power bars. After the race, chili and buns will be served to all registered participants. Please make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy some post-race fuel—especially those tackling the 25K! Coffee and tea will also be provided.

For spectators, chili and a bun will be available for a $5 fee, with proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division.

**Final Call for 25K Participants**
We’re still looking for a few more participants for the 25K race! If you’re considering this distance, we’d love to have you join in and make it more fun and competitive. The cut-off time of 4pm
is ample for even beginner ultra runners, so if you are on the fence just sign up & go for it! 25kms runners can bring a drop-bag to leave at the start/finish arch, as they will pass through it twice on their route.

Thank you for being part of Body and Mind Adventures' (BAM) inaugural Run the Caves event! Keep an eye out for more emails in the coming days.

Best regards,

Jennifer
Race Organizer & Director66fb90d7b46af.png

Contact information

Event contact
Jennifer Scudds-Carleton
Phone
6047634335

Sponsors