2026 Muskoka Marathon

Check Your Spam Folder for Race Updates: As the Muskoka Marathon approaches, we will send several important emails through Race Roster. These emails are often flagged as spam, so please check your spam folder regularly leading up to race weekend.

• In 2026, the Muskoka Marathon will be a weekend event. The 10K and 5K races will be on Saturday, October 3. The Marathon and half-marathon will be on Sunday, October 4.

• Full Marathon Shuttle: All full marathon participants must park at Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer, located at 270 Wellington Street, Bracebridge. There will be no on-site parking at Santa’s Village for full marathon participants. Complimentary shuttle service will operate between Stevens’ and Santa’s Village on Sunday. The first shuttle will depart at 6:15 a.m., with return transportation provided after the race. We'll share additional shuttle details closer to race weekend.
• Registration for the 2026 full marathon is capped at 350 runners.

What’s the transfer policy?

• Transferring your registration to another person
  • You may transfer your registration to another person through Race Roster for a $9.99 transfer fee, plus applicable tax.
  • Race Roster transfers the registration information only. It does not refund the original purchaser or collect the registration price from the new participant.
  • The original purchaser and the new participant must arrange payment directly between themselves.
  • The Muskoka Marathon is not responsible for payments between participants, payment disputes or incomplete transfers.
• Changing your race distance
  • You may change to another race distance only if space is available. You cannot transfer into a sold-out event.
  • If the new distance costs more, you must pay the difference in registration fees, plus the $1.95 Race Roster fee.
  • No refund or credit will be provided if you change to a less expensive distance.
• Deadline
  • All person-to-person transfers and race-distance changes must be completed by September 13, 2026. No transfers or changes will be permitted after this date for any reason.

What is the deferral policy? No Refunds / One-Time Only

• Registration fees are non-refundable. If you cannot participate in 2026, you may request a one-time deferral by September 13, 2026.
• A deferral provides 50% off the applicable 2027 registration fee. It is not a refund, credit or transfer of your 2026 registration fee. You must register for the 2027 event, pay the remaining balance and complete your registration before your chosen race distance sells out.
• Deferrals are valid for 2027 only. They cannot be transferred, carried forward or applied to a later event year.
• A deferral does not reserve a spot, and registration remains subject to availability.
• No deferral requests will be accepted after September 13, 2026, for any reason.

• What are the race time cut-offs? To ensure a safe event and allow roads to reopen on schedule, each race has a firm time limit:
  • Marathon: Must be completed within 5 hours.
    • The Muskoka Marathon ends at 12:30 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
  • Half Marathon: Must be completed within 4 hours.
  • 10K: Must be completed within 2 hours.
  • 5K: Must be completed within 1 hour.
• Participants who are not on pace to finish within the allotted time may be asked to stop, and race staff will arrange transportation back to the finish area for safety and operational reasons.

• When/where is the race-kit pick-up?

• How will the race proceed safely? We are developing numerous logistical strategies to host a great race while keeping everyone safe. As we approach race day, we will increase communication about how we plan to manage vehicles, racers, spectators, etc.
• Will there be washrooms? There will be washrooms on-site at the start/finish line, at each hydration station, and at the Marathon turnaround.
• Will there be hydration stations? Hydration stations will be available every 2.5 km, offering water and sports drinks.
• Strollers & Pets: For safety reasons, strollers and pets are not permitted on the race course or in the start corrals. We love your little ones and furry friends, but the course includes only a partial road closure and must remain as clear as possible for all participants, volunteers, and emergency services. Thanks for understanding and helping us keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone!
• Where is the starting line? We start and finish at Santa's Village, Bracebridge: 1624 Golden Beach Rd.
• Is there parking on-site? Yes, at Santa's Village, except for the Marathon, which will be shuttled.
• Where can spectators park and view the race? Spectators may park at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge. We encourage everyone to carpool and ask that spectators leave the parking lot as soon as possible after the race to avoid interfering with Santa’s Village operations. The start/finish line is the best place to watch the 5K and 10K races and is also a great viewing spot for the half and full marathons. Spectators can also watch the longer races from Annie Williams Memorial Park at 50 Santa’s Village Road or James W. Kerr Park at 130 Beaumont Drive. Both parks offer parking, washrooms and other amenities. One-way traffic will be maintained throughout the race to allow vehicles to enter and exit. Please note that full marathon participants must use the designated parking and shuttle service at Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer.
• Will headphones be permitted? Yes, but please be mindful of the racers around you if you wear them.
• Will there be a bag drop? For Marathoners only.
• Race Route: You can find details HERE
• Where can we stay? Our accommodation partner is Whispering Pines Campground. You can check availability at other local hotels HERE.
• What is the Athletics Canada/Athletics Ontario (AC/AO) Day License Fee? The AC/AO Day License Fee provides race-day insurance for each registered participant during the 2026 Muskoka Marathon weekend, an Athletics Ontario (AO) Sanctioned Event. This nominal fee also helps cover AO sanctioning and safety oversight, supporting the highest standards of participant protection. The fee is waived for current AC/AO members. In 2026, this Day License Fee is being introduced as a pilot program. By participating, the Muskoka Marathon reinforces its commitment to an outstanding, safe race experience and supports AO’s mission: For you. For all. For LIFE.