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.
Route Details:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3277371162929038502
https://www.strava.com/routes/3277372361324348624
https://www.strava.com/routes/3314707837683697636
Graphics by: Ben Whitworth
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: 96
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 5
10K Trail Race Spots remaining: 91
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 5
21K Trail Race Spots remaining: 82
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 5
Contact information
- Event contact
- Vincent Kuber
- Phone
- 2892443519
