Celebrate the magic of winter and the spirit of adventure with The Golden Spike Trail Race! On December 6th, 2025, runners will gather at Crawford Lake in Conservation Halton to tackle winter trails, embrace the season, and conquer the beauty of winter running.
Choose your challenge from 3 distances—5K, 10K, or 21K—and immerse yourself in the serene, snow-dusted landscapes of Crawford Lake. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a first-timer looking for a new adventure, this race is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and celebrate the season with the trail-running community.
Why Run The Golden Spike?
- Experience the stunning winter trails of Crawford Lake in a professionally organized event.
- Challenge yourself with distances suitable for all experience levels.
- All proceeds support STAC Hamilton youth programs, empowering local youth through sports and active living.
- Commemorate your winter adventure with exclusive race swag and prizes.
Distances:
- 5K Race: A perfect winter challenge for beginners or a quick, scenic adventure for experienced runners. Perfect for everyone.
- 10K Race: Push your pace, or keep it chill and embrace the season with this mid-distance trail challenge.
- 21K Race (Half Marathon): Test your endurance and soak in the beauty of the trails as you take on the ultimate winter running adventure.
What to Expect:
- Scenic, frosty trails with technical terrain and serene forest paths around Crawford Lake.
- Aid stations stocked with warm beverages, energy-boosting snacks, and plenty of encouragement to keep you going.
- Winter-themed race swag available for purchase to keep you stylish and cozy.
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.
Check out our 2024 race recap created by Spencer Barlow
Our Sponsors:
Merrell Canada
The ultimate outdoor hiking and trail running gear to take on the outdoors all year round. Check out their products at Merrell Canada
XACT Nutrition
Keep you fuelled throughout your training and on race day, so you can hit your goals strong. Once you're registered, we will send out our race discount code so you can order and train with their products. All the good are here Xact Nutrition
MEC Burlington
We are excited to announce that MEC Burlington will be part of our title sponsorship lineup! They not only sell Merrell and Xact Nutrition, but EVERYTHING you need for your outdoor needs, like everything. Browse online at MEC Burlington and go check them out in person at
Address:
1030 Brant Street
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 0B2
Donation Partnership:
We’re proud to partner with the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC)—race participants will have the opportunity to donate to this vital organization during the registration process, helping them continue their impactful work with the Indigenous community within Hamilton and surrounding areas. Please take a moment to visit their website, and see why we have chosen them as not just a donation partner, but an important need for the indigenous communities.
Don’t Miss the Merch!
Stay stylish and grab your limited-edition STAC 2025 swag, including high-performance gear and the epic STAC Wolf “Heavy Metal” design for additional purchase during the registration process and in the online store.
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.
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The Golden Spike Trail Race is your chance to end the year on a high note, conquer the trails, and celebrate the beauty of winter running. Lace up, bundle up, and get ready to embrace the challenge of The Golden Spike—a winter trail race like no other!
Will you rise to the challenge of The Golden Spike?
Artwork and graphics are all thanks to Benjamin Whitworth
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Trail Race Spots remaining: 97
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!
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Register for 5K Trail Race$66.98Dec 31 - Dec 6
10K Trail Race Spots remaining: 95
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!
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Register for 10K Trail Race$77.77Dec 31 - Dec 6
21K Trail Race Spots remaining: 91
Get ready to take your trail running to the next level with this thrilling 21K route at Crawford Lake Conservation Area! You’ll be part of an 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 21K is the race you’ve been dreaming of! There will be on course STAC Marshalls to cheer you on, as well has aid station support with Xact Hydration and Nutrition, gummy bears and fruits to keep you fuelled.
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Register for 21K Trail Race$99.36Dec 31 - Dec 6
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 6, 2025:
7:00 AM - Registration & Race Kit Pickup
8:15 AM - 21K Start
8:30 AM - 10K Start
8:45 AM - 5K Start
10:00 AM - 5K Awards Ceremony
10:30 AM - 10K Awards Ceremony
11:00 AM - 21K Award 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 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Friday, December 5, 2025 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 6, 2025.
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
18) Refunds / Transfers
There is no refund for our events. All proceeds go towards our youth programs for the downtown Hamilton communities, and we appreciate your love and support! We do encourage you to sell and transfer your bib on our Facebook group and on Instagram where we have the most engagement. Please make sure to tag @stactrailevents and @steeltownathleticclub so we can share it within the community to help you with the transfer.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Vincent Kuber
- Phone
- 2892443519
