Name: The Hustle at Pinehurst
Start: 2026-10-04T08:15:00-04:00
Location: Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, Pinehurst Road, Ayr, ON, Canada

Grand River Conservation Foundation

Raised: CA$96.12

Goal: CA$2,500.00

Donate now

Sponsors

Sunday October 4th, 2026

Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area

Trail Races: 12.5K, 25K, 50K,

+ 50K Team Relay (2-4 runners)

Presented by New Balance Canada

Directed by the Team at

The Hustle at Pinehurst brings a legendary course back to life.

Set in the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area just north of Paris, Ontario, this race revives the iconic Run for the Toad course, once the largest trail race in Canada, and reimagines it with a fresh experience that keeps everything we loved about the trails themselves.

Runners will take on a 12.5 km loop that winds through forested singletrack, traces the edge of Pinehurst Lake, and rolls through open meadows. The trail keeps things interesting with twists, turns, and a few honest climbs that get the heart pumping and signal you’re close to the end of the loop.

Whether you’re lining up for one loop or settling in for a longer day, The Hustle is designed to be a must-do event for trail runners in southwestern Ontario and is built for all runners, as an approachable, challenging in the right ways race-course, that is rooted in history.

This race is for runners who love good trails and a little effort. Whether it’s your first trail race, a chance to settle into a familiar loop, or a tune-up for longer goals. The Hustle offers honest, runnable trails with just enough twists and climbs to keep things interesting.

Come for one loop.

Stay for a few.

Find your hustle.

FREE New Balance Finisher Backpacks!

The Hustle at Pinehurst New Balance Finisher Backpack is waiting for you!

We are excited to present this FREE New Balance backpack to our athletes from all race distances, including relay runners, at the Hustle Finish line; as it represents the care and consideration that went into making The Hustle at Pinehurst a premium event that you'll want to run every year.

After the race, be sure to visit the New Balance tent to grab your FREE 2026 Hustle distance patch that attaches to the Velcro swatch of your backpack (patch images coming soon).

What else is in The Hustle Race kit?

New Balance Hustle Gear Deals + Bonus Finisher Transfers!

For 2026, runners will enjoy discounts on New Balance branded Hustle Gear pre-ordered during registration. These high quality New Balance items for sale are discounted from their MSRP and if you visit the New Balance tent after the race with this Hustle hoodie or T-shirt, the NB team will apply a FREE distance finisher heat transfer (2 sizes on offer) onto your garment.

Don't miss these deals, we have ordered limited stock, they will sell out fast!

Race Schedule + NB Training Runs

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026

Distances: 12.5K, 25K, 50K, 50K Team Relay (2-4 athletes)

Location: Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, Pinehurst Road, Ayr, ON, Canada

Start Times:

8:15 am - 50K Solo Race
8:15 am - 50K Team Relay (first runner)
8:30 am - 25K Solo Race
9:00 am - 12.5K Solo Race

Race Day Timeline

Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area Gates open at 6:30 am

Coastal Coffee Truck opens at 7:00 am - Coffee for purchase.

National Anthem and Race Anthem - 8:10 am

Awards will be presented as podium athletes cross the finish line.

Food Truck open to serve The Hustle Finisher Food ~10:30 am.

All 50K runners and final relay team members must begin Lap 4 by 3:00 pm

Race Closes at 6:00 pm

New Balance - The Hustle - Training Runs:

The Team from New Balance are planning 4 training runs to get you ready for The Hustle.

These training runs will be hosted by New Balance, guided by local trail guides, and will be complete with Trail Shoe Demos with the New Balance Hierro V9, draw prizes, as well as food and refreshments. Eventbrite registration pages will be available soon. Be on the lookout for NB The Hustle training runs in these target areas:

East GTA - Durham Area TBD
Central Toronto with the Toronto Trail Runners - TBD
West GTA - Hamilton Area TBD
Course Preview at Pinehurst - Fingers crossed -TBD

Race Registration Includes:

All Finishers will receive:

Entry to the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area for the day
Discounted price for the New Balance Hustle Gear + Bonus FREE finisher transfers on NB Hustle Gear at finish line.
FREE Race Decal and Race Bib
Professional Chip Timing from Chip Time Results
FREE runOn anti-chafing sample tin
FREE Voucher for Degree Full Body Anti-perspirant spray
FREE The Hustle collapsible cup for this and future trail runs
FREE The Hustle Running Buff
FREE The Hustle at Pinehurst New Balance Finisher backpack
FREE Hustle distance patch for your backpack - visit the NB tent after you finish!
FREE Food truck Finisher meal voucher for all participants. Grilled Gold Eats!
FREE 16g Protein Cookie samples from Core Cravings
FREE Downloadable Race Day High-Res digital images from Sue Sitki Photography
Finishers will also receive a cool Year One Race medal
Course records are up for grabs, too!

Discounted New Balance Hoodies. FREE Food. FREE Backpacks. FREE collapsible Cups. FREE Buff. FREE Race Day (High-Res digital) images. FREE Decals and Distance Patches. FREE runOn anti-chafing tin. FREE cookies. FREE Degree antiperspirant. Plus a spinning Finisher Medal? Show us another Ontario Trail race with giveaways that rival The Hustle at Pinehurst, and we promise to up our game!

Race Course + Skratch Aid Stations

This is a loop you’ll want to come back to.

A 12.5 km circuit that winds through the Carolinian Forest, wraps around Pinehurts Lake, and rolls gently through open meadows that feel like they were made for running. About 70% of the course is fully natural trail, with just enough firm footing mixed in to keep things flowing. Nothing extreme. Nothing fussy. Just honest trail underfoot, a few roots to keep you paying attention, and long stretches where you can settle into a rhythm and enjoy where you are.

Pinehurst Lake is a bit of a quiet show-off. A nine-hectare kettle lake formed by a single chunk of ice left behind by a glacier, it’s calm, clear, and always nearby. You’ll circle it more than once, which feels less like repetition and more like checking in with an old friend as the day goes on.

And just when you start feeling a little too comfortable, the course serves up a few friendly climbs to get the heart pumping. They’re not long, but they’re honest, and they’re your cue that the end of the loop is close.

Crest the climb, settle back in, and hustle it home.

This isn’t a course that’s trying to intimidate you. It’s inviting you out for a good run, a few loops, and maybe a little hustle.

Elevation: 232 Metres per 12.5km loop GPX file: 12.5K course HERE

Aid Stations

You will encounter 3 Aid stations at two different locations on course plus one at the start/finish area

Aid stations will be stocked with a mix of sweet, salty, and familiar favourites, including water, Skratch Lemon-Lime, Coke, ginger ale, chips, candy, and cookies. We’ll do our best to keep things well supplied, but runners should plan to carry what they need between stations. We cannot guarantee that our on-course foods are allergen free for all athletes, please plan accordingly.

Please remember this is a cup-free race, so be sure to bring your own cup or hydration system. For 2026, the Inaugural running of The Hustle at Pinehurst, runners will be given The Hustle collapsible cup for use in our race and future trail races.

Paying Homage to the Past:

The Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area was home to the Run for the Toad for 19 years. A trail race that was more of an experience than most other Ontario trail races, because it was organized and executed with love by George and Peggy Sarson. With proceeds from prior events, the Straw Dog Racing Team have donated funds to create a bench on the Conservation Area Grounds, recognizing the contributions made by this incredible couple, and their team. We hope you find a moment to rest here, and reflect on what more you could be doing for your local runners and community.

Race Kit Pickup:

Race kits - we encourage you to pick up in advance, as we have limited time on race day to distribute.

Race Week: Pickup at select Running stores. Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning - To Be Announced.
Sunday, October 4th: 6:45 am - 7:45 am ONLY. On-site at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area

Please have your Race Roster electronic proof of registration ready at kit pickup.

On-site Food:

The Coastal Coffee Trailer will be on-site selling coffee and hot drinks all day.

Core Cravings will be on-site with their incredible 16g of Protein cookies for sale all day as well.

Grilled Gold Eats Food Truck will be open to serve The Hustle Finisher food, starting at 10:30 am. All Finishers will be given a Meal voucher to grab a meal from the Food Truck to enjoy. The Food Truck will also offer food for sale to non-participants. Food Truck menu will be announced in the coming months.

Start & Finish Area:

The start and finish line will be located near the White Oaks Pavilion.

Relay Team Exchange Area:

The first member of the 50K Relay teams will start their day alongside the 50K solo runners, with a special ankle chip timer that is given to each successive runner in the relay team exchange area near the start/finish line.

Medical Support & Facilities:

A third-party paramedical service will be on-site throughout the day to provide medical support as needed. Porta potties will be available near the start/finish area, and runners will have access to coin operated showers on site. If you’re feeling bold, Pinehurst Lake is also there for a refreshing post run dip.Recov Well Recovery Zone:

Join the team from Recov Well - a Canadian wellness company - as they offer you demonstrations on their great recovery products including the very popular chilled Recov Sleeve. Recov Sleeves are custom fit and our podium athletes will enjoy one fit to their needs as a sponsor prize from Recov Well. Recov Sleeves are custom fit and our podium athletes will enjoy one fit to their needs as a sponsor prize from Recov Well.

Parking:
On-site parking is available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. We strongly encourage carpooling where possible. It’s better for the trails, better for your stress levels, and a great way to start the day with friends. Thanks for helping us keep things simple and smooth on race day.

Camping:

Overnight camping is still available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area at this time of year. Weekends only. More details can be found on the Conservation Area website.

Bag Check:
NO bag check is available for this event. Parking is so close by, that we recommend leaving personal bags and valuables in your vehicle for safekeeping. Please plan accordingly and only bring what you need to the start line.

Cup-Free for the environment!
In our effort to reduce waste, The Hustle at Pinehurst will be cup-free. Please bring your own cup or hydration system for fluids at aid stations and the finish line. Year one (2026) runners will receive collapsible cups at race kit pick up.

Race-Day Photography:

We have partnered with Sue Sitki Photography to bring you FREE downloadable High-Res digital images to make sure your memories can be shared.

Race-Day Videography:

We have partnered with Jeremy Schaller @silverschaller to capture video snippets of your race weekend moments.

Poles:
Hiking, trekking, or running poles are not part of this race. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to the race directors and we’ll figure it out together.

Course Rules & Courtesy:

Strollers and pets are not permitted on the race course. Pets are welcome elsewhere in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Headphones and music are allowed at a low volume so you can hear your surroundings. Please keep music to yourself, as some runners prefer a quiet, mindful run.

There will be plenty of places to dispose of your trash, please no littering in the park - this could be grounds for disqualification from the race.

Thank you for helping to create a safe and enjoyable day on the trails for everyone.

Cutoffs:
There are two cutoffs in place to keep the day running smoothly and safely. All participants must begin their final loop by 3:00 PM in order to complete the course before the 6:00 PM course close.

Our Sponsors

We will be using Chip Time Results to record each loop as you pass through The Hustle’s start and finish area. Every lap counts, and your times will be tracked automatically as you roll through.

Your timing chip is attached to the back of your bib and is disposable after the race. Please don’t fold or crease your bib, as this can damage the chip and affect your results. Bibs should be worn on the front of your body and be visible at all times so everything records smoothly. Note: Relay runners will use a transferable ankle strap timing chip to swap between runners.

Official race results will be posted by Chip Time Results.

Awards

This being the inaugural running of The Hustle at Pinehurst, new course records will be set across every distance. We’re excited to celebrate the first runners to leave their mark on this course.

All finishers will receive a The Hustle Finisher Medal specific to their race distance.
We will be celebrating the top three finishers across each trail race distance. The top three Female, Male, and Non-Binary runners in each race will receive New Balance Trail Running Shoes! First, second, and third-place awards for the Solo Distance events, will be presented as athletes cross the finish line. For the Relay, the first-place team will receive a team award; also presented at the finish line.

Stick around, cheer loudly, and help us celebrate a great day on the trails as the first names to run this race, go in the history books. Other great prizes from NATHAN, runOn, Recov Sleeve, Core Cravings and Coastal Coffee will also be given away to our podium finishers.

There are several lodging options available in the area for runners traveling in from out of town. Nearby towns like Paris and Cambridge offer a range of hotels and places to stay, including options like The Laundry Rooms and The Arlington Hotel, both within easy driving distance of Pinehurst.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the trail, camping is available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. Camping can be booked directly through the Grand River Conservation Authority and is a great option if you want to make a full weekend of it and wake up right where the action happens.

We recommend booking early, especially during race season.

Is there parking on site?

Yes. On-site parking is available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, but space is limited. We strongly encourage carpooling where possible.

Can I listen to music?

Yes. Headphones and music are allowed, as long as the volume is low enough for you to hear your surroundings. Please keep music to yourself, as some runners prefer a quiet and mindful run.

Is this race cup free?

Yes. The Hustle is a cup-free race. Please bring your own cup or hydration system for aid stations and the finish area. Note: 2026 Runners at The Hustle will receive a collapsible cup at race kit pick up, for use in the 2026 event, future Hustles, and other cup-free trail events on your calendar.

Will there be a bag check?

No. There is no bag check available at the start and finish area. We recommend leaving personal bags and valuables in your vehicle.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Hustle will take place rain or shine. Trail running means embracing the conditions, but if severe weather or unsafe conditions arise, the race directors may delay, modify, or cancel the event for runner safety. Any updates will be communicated as clearly and early as possible.

Are refunds or transfers available?

Registrations are non-refundable and non defferable. If you’re unable to attend, we appreciate your understanding as race costs are incurred well in advance. Transferring your bib to another runner is permitted until September 15th at midnight EST. There is a $15 administration fee for all transfers.

If there is availability to ‘drop down’ to a shorter distance race, this will be permitted, and race fees will not be adjusted. If there is availability to ‘climb up’ to a longer distance race, this will be permitted, and the difference in the fee for the more expensive race will be collected.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are NOT permitted on the race course. Pets are welcome elsewhere in the park but must be kept on leash at all times.

Still have questions?

If you’re unsure about something or need clarification, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help. Strawdogracing@gmail.com

The Hustle at Pinehurst is an Athletics Ontario sanctioned event. Meeting the safety standards set out by Athletics Ontario and Athletics Canada is very important to the team at Straw Dog Racing. Let's get hustling!

Insurance for The Hustle at Pinehurst and for Straw Dog Racing is provided by Athletics Ontario.