YMCA Charity 5K — September 26, 2026 |
Join us for our third annual YMCA Charity 5K run/walk on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 9 am at Downsview Park. This all-ages, 5K event sells out quickly, so register early to secure your spot.
Together, we are raising $500,000 to send over 1,300 kids to YMCA camp, where they can build confidence, create lifelong friendships, and make memories they will cherish for years to come.
Entry fee includes |
- Souvenir T-shirt
- Finisher medal
- Personalized run bib if registered by noon on Monday, September 14, 2026
- Access to our post-run party
- Official race timing by Chiptime Results
- Helping kids experience the magic of YMCA Camps
- All taxes and processing fees included
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
5K | Adult 18+
Price changes in 1 month 16 days-
Online registration closes Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 pm. Entry fees include all taxes and processing fees. No refunds or deferrals.
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Register for 5K | Adult 18+CA$60.00
Early bird pricing
Now registering Apr 15 – May 31 -
CA$65.00Jun 1 – Jun 30
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CA$75.00Jul 1 – Aug 31
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CA$85.00Sep 1 – Sep 25
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5K | Youth 17 and Younger
Online registration closes Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 pm. Entry fees include all taxes and processing fees. No refunds or deferrals.
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Register for 5K | Youth 17 and YoungerCA$30.00Apr 15 - Sep 25
Countdown to event
Fundraising information
Helping Kids Shine On at YMCA Camps
Each year, the YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomes thousands of children aged 4 to 15 to our overnight and day camps. Here, they experience fun, friendship, and the great outdoors. The learning, support, and opportunities they receive help ignite their potential to Shine On all year round.
This year, our goal is to raise $500,000 to send over 1,300 children to YMCA camps. With your generosity, we know we can make it happen.
Thank you for helping kids across the Greater Toronto Area experience unforgettable adventures in nature. Your support gives campers the chance to build lifelong friendships, grow their confidence, and make lasting memories.
We can’t wait to see you on race day and to celebrate your fundraising progress as you rally your supporters!
How To Get Involved
When you register for the YMCA Charity 5K, you can donate or fundraise to help send children to YMCA camps.
Fundraising Incentives
Every dollar you raise helps more kids experience the joy of camp — and the more you raise, the more children you can support. To recognize your incredible efforts, we're excited to offer a series of special rewards for our fundraisers.
Getting Started Is Easy
- Sign in to your Race Roster Participant Dashboard in the top right corner.
- Click "Edit Fundraising Page" below your profile image.
- Customize your goal, write a message, and upload a photo.
- Click "Save" to update.
- Your fundraising page includes preset buttons for social sharing. Just click to spread the word.
Fundraising ends October 31. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks after this date for registration fee reimbursements and incentives to be processed.
Shuttle Bus Information
Round-trip transportation is provided from select YMCA locations to and from Downsview Park. Shuttle bus tickets are available for participants, their family, and friends. Due to limited space on school buses, only folding strollers are permitted. Shuttle bus tickets are available for purchase until noon on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Schedule
- Pick-up time: 6:45 am at all locations. Please arrive on time to avoid missing your bus.
- Arrival at Downsview Park: 8 am on run day.
- Departure from Downsview Park: 11:15 am.
Locations
Please select your pickup location during the registration process:
- Central YMCA: 20 Grosvenor Street, Toronto
- Mississauga YMCA: 325 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga
- Oshawa YMCA: 99 Mary Street North, Oshawa
Fee
- $10 – Includes round-trip transportation to and from Downsview Park, all taxes, and processing fees.
Parking
Free on-site parking is available at:
- John Drury Drive from Sheppard Ave West (Lot D1)
- Carl Hall Road (Lot D1)
Public Transit
Downsview Park is accessible via Downsview Park GO/TTC Station, Sheppard West, and Finch West Station, as well as bus routes 41, 84, 101, 106, and 108B. Visit the TTC website for more information.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:45 am | Run site, Information tent, Kit pickup, Baggage check open |
| 9:00 am | YMCA Charity 5K start |
| 9:15 am | Post-run celebration begins |
| 10:15 am | Awards ceremony |
| 10:30 am | Finish line closes |
| 11:15 am | Shuttle busses depart |
| 11:30 am | Event ends |
Run Day
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9 am
Location
Downsview Park (Festival Terrace/Circuit Path), 15 Carl Hall Road, North York. Downsview Park is located at the southeast corner of Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West.
Parking
Free on-site parking is available at:
- John Drury Drive from Sheppard Ave West (Lot D1)
- Carl Hall Road (Lot D1)
Public Transit
The park is accessible via:
- Downsview Park GO/TTC Station
- Sheppard West and Finch West Stations
- Bus routes 41, 84, 101, 106, and 108B
Visit the GO Transit or TTC website for more details.
Route Details
This out-and-back 5K route consists of one loop along the paved paths of Downsview Park. The start and finish line is located at the Festival Terrace/Circuit Path, where pre- and post-run activities will take place.
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Run Kit Pickup
Pre-Run Kit Pickup
Location: North York YMCA, 567 Sheppard Avenue East, North York
Dates and Times:
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11 am – 7 pm
- Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11 am – 7 pm
To pick up your run kit, bring your bib number (emailed during run week) and a photo ID. If picking up for others, provide their bib number or confirmation email and written authorization.
Run Day Kit Pickup
Location: Festival Terrace/Circuit Path, Downsview Park
Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 7:45 am – 8:45 am
Please expect long queues and arrive early to avoid delays. Bib number and photo ID are required. No run-day registration.
Run Kit Policy
Participants must pick up their kits at the North York YMCA or on run day. Run kits will not be mailed or available after the event.
Start Details
The run will use a corral-based mass start. Corrals are assigned based on your estimated finish time provided during registration.
Corral Assignments
| Corral | Estimated Finish Time |
|---|---|
| #1 | Under 30 minutes |
| #2 | 30:01 – 35:00 minutes |
| #3 | 35:01 – 40:00 minutes |
| #4 | 40:01 minutes and over. (Recommended for participants walking the full 5K, families, and those with strollers or wagons). |
If you need to adjust your estimated finish time, update it through your Participant Dashboard by noon on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Walkers and families are welcome. Corral #4 is recommended for participants walking the full 5K, families, and those with strollers or wagons. The finish line will remain open until 10:25 am, allowing 75 minutes to complete the route (15:00 min/km pace).
Safety
For participant safety, scooters, inline skates, bicycles, skateboards, and non-service dogs are not permitted.
Age Guidelines
- Children must be 6 years or older to register.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Children under 6 are welcome to attend and participate whether they walk, are in a stroller or baby jogger. They do not require registration and will not receive race items.
- Only registered participants receive a bib, T-shirt, and finisher medal.
All ages are welcome to attend the event.
Run Day Schedule
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:45 am | Run site, Information tent, Kit pickup, Baggage check open |
| 9:00 am | YMCA Charity 5K start |
| 9:20 am | Post-run celebration begins |
| 10:15 am | Awards ceremony starts |
| 10:30 am | Finish line closes |
| 11:15 am | Shuttle busses depart |
| 11:30 am | Event ends |
Baggage Check
Baggage check opens at 7:45 am at the run party site. Participants must attach the baggage tag (found on their bib) to their bag before dropping it off. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Timing
The race will use the BibTag timing system. Timing chips are placed on the back of the run bib and must remain intact.
- Do not remove the BibTag or fold your bib.
- Wear your bib on the front of your shirt.
No bib = no recorded time.
Results
Official results will be available on Chiptime Results.
Water and Aid Stations
Water will be available at the start/finish area and at an on-course station.
Medical and First Aid
A medical tent will be stationed at the start/finish area. Medical personnel on bicycles will be available along the route. Participants must follow instructions from emergency services if needed.
Toilets
Portable toilets will be located at the start/finish area and at the water station.
Refund and Transfer Policy
It is our policy that entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. That means that once the money is received and accepted, no refunds will be issued, and you will not be able to defer your entry to another year.
If you are unable to make it to the run, you may transfer your entry to a friend.
- You are responsible for finding someone to take your spot.
- The financial transaction for the entry fee is between you and the person taking your spot.
- The person taking your spot is responsible for paying a $10 administration fee.
- Transfers between friends will only be accepted until noon on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Begin the process to transfer your entry to a new participant.
Run Kit Policy
Participants must pick up their run kit at the North York YMCA or on run day. Run kits will not be mailed or available after the event.
Have a question?
Check out our FAQ or contact us at y5k@ymcagta.org.
Top fundraisers
| 1 |
View fundraiser page for Elisseos
|
Elisseos KyrillouRaised: CA$73.96 |
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| 2 |
View fundraiser page for Tigist
|
Tigist Asmellash...Raised: CA$52.83 |
Top teams
| 1 |
|
WE The WestCA$52.83 RaisedCA$3,000.00 Goal |
Contact information
- Event contact
- YMCA Charity 5K
- Website
- Visit website
