Lazarus Lake - Up Close and Personal

Lazarus Lake

Up Close and Personal

Thursday, January 22, 2026 — 7:00 p.m. EST (doors open @ 6:15)

Sheridan Conference Centre, Oakville, ON

100% of proceeds will support two Ontario Conservation Area charities.

Limited seating - only 300 spots available.

About the Event:

Join Straw Dog Racing as we welcome Barkley Marathons Race Director Lazarus Lake (Gary Cantrell) for an intimate and entertaining evening at Sheridan College.

Come to hear firsthand stories from the creator of some of the world’s most legendary and extreme ultramarathons, including the recently completed Big’s Backyard Ultra.

This rare, close-up experience offers a deeper look at the man behind the toughest races on the planet and the athletes who show up to test their limits against them.

Event Format:

We welcome Laz to the stage to open the evening with stories about the origins of his races, his motivation, and some unforgettable moments of human triumph and failure.

After a short break, John Shep, host of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast will join Laz on stage for a fireside-style interview. The night will close with some Q&A's from you, our audience. (Please submit your questions during registration for a chance to have them asked on stage).

Our Charity Partners:

All proceeds from this event will support two Ontario conservation authorities, each tasked with maintaining the trails and natural spaces where we all love to run:

1) Nickel District Conservation Foundation, Sudbury, Ontario

In support of the dedication of Perdue’s Peak in honour of Vince and Lise Perdue.

Vince Perdue launched a lunchtime running club that became the predecessor of the Sudbury Rocks!!! Running Club. Starting with just 20 runners, the club has grown to include hundreds of members and remains active and vibrant today. It also led Vince to co-found the Sudbury Rocks!!! Marathon, which now welcomes more than 2,000 participants annually and has raised over one million dollars for local charities.

The Lake Laurentian 10K Loop is one of Greater Sudbury’s most beloved hiking and running trails. Along this route lies a stunning 360º lookout that will be renamed Perdue's Peak - a favourite spot for Vince and his late wife, Lise Perdue, who was his soulmate and running partner.

2) Grand River Conservation Foundation, Cambridge, Ontario

The GRCF supports 12 different Conservation Areas in Ontario, including the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area; the future home of Straw Dog Racing’s New Fall trail event on Sunday, October 4, 2026:

In the spirit of the Run for the Toad, we will offer 12.5K, 25K, 50K + 50K Team Relay races, and just like the Sulphur Springs Trail Race that we manage, you can expect a premium trail race experience. Save the date!

Be sure to follow Straw Dog Racing on Instagram for our official race reveal and announcement in the coming months.

https://www.instagram.com/strawdogracing/

Thank you to all who helped make this event possible, and for the ongoing support from the incredible trail running community.

Mauro and Steve

Straw Dog Racing