Name: Polar Paws 2027
Start: 2027-01-16T09:30:00-05:00
Location: Long Point Eco-Adventures, Front Road, St. Williams, ON, Canada

Join us on January 16th for a 5k, 10k, 25k or Canicross Run or Walk winter trail race through the beautiful snow covered single and double track trails of Long Point Eco Adventures and St. Williams, on the shores of Lake Erie, near Turkey Point. With fun and flowing trails, you are sure to enjoy being outdoors with friends.

This event is for all levels of runners, walkers and canicrossers (those who love to race with your dog).

Polar Paws is once again working with Simcoe District Humane Society and will be donating a portion of registration to help the animals.

****This is a dog-friendly event. If you would like to race with your favourite four-legged furry friend, we will have a separate wave. Your four-legger, will also get their own swag!

General notes regarding racing with your dog:

We will have a 5k and 10k Dog Run or Walk
Your dog MUST be kept on a leash no more than 6 feet.
***NEW THIS YEAR***
- we will have two categories:
  - Canicross 5k and 10k - must have canicross harness, bungie and leash
  - Fun Run/walk 5k with dog
Absolutely, NO retractable leashes allowed.
You must pick up after your dog - no exceptions, so bring your poop-bags!
NO aggressive dogs allowed.
Reactive dogs are welcomed. If you don't have a leash sleeve stating your dog needs extra space, we will have yellow pinnies to let others know.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times pre, post and during the race.
When passing on the trails, announce "ON YOUR LEFT" and give time and space for the runner and dog in front to move over safely. If the dog is wearing a yellow "reactive" sleeve or pinny, please give extra space and keep your dog close to you.
Be aware of other runners around you and keep your dog close to you, so as to not trip up other runners or dogs.
Please ensure your dog is properly dressed for the weather - jacket, boots or what your dog will require to keep it safe.
It is not recommended to have your dog out for extended periods of time in -10C or below.
The race director does have final say as to the whether dogs will be able to participate, should the weather not be conducive to their safety and wellness.

SAFETY NOTES FOR THE HUMANS:

Traction on your shoes will be mandatory should the trails be icy, so come prepared with crampons or microspikes.
Snowshoes are not allowed in the race. This is a trail running race.
Bring dry warm clothes with you to change into, post race. We have indoor facility to change
NO headphones or strollers/sleds allowed on course.

CHIPTIME RESULTS will be timing Polar Paws, so you will have precise timing and results!

We have the MARSHVIEW building - this means INDOOR washrooms, HOT showers, LARGER area for registration, post-race awards and food.

LOCATION AND PARKING: Long Point Eco Adventures - 1730 Front Road, St. Williams, ON - located about 2 hours SW of Toronto, near Turkey Point on the shores of Lake Erie. There is plenty of parking on site. Parking is limited, please carpool if you can.

ROUTE: This is a 5k loop, 10k (2 loops) and 25k (5 loops). The loop will include single and double track with climbing (always fun in the snow) and rollers along the way to keep it interesting. There will be some narrow edge sections and bridges, so always be smart and pay attention, slipping is never fun.

TIME LIMITS: You will have until 2:00pm to finish (4.5 hours)

AID STATION: There will be one aid station at the start/finish area with water, electrolytes and snacks.

NOTE: We are a 100% cupless event. Please bring your own drinking vessel, water bottle or hydration pack - make sure if you are using a pack, to have insulation for your drinking tube.

WASHROOMS: There will be indoor washrooms

PRE AND POST RACE: You will have access to a heated indoor facility for registration, washrooms, showers and post race food and awards

AWARDS AND GIVEAWAY: All participants registered by December 19th, will be guaranteed to receive a beautiful (and wonderful smelling) handcrafted soap, from Sue's Soap Creations and a bottle of Florio Family Sugarbush Maple Syrup for all finishers. All dogs will receive a tin of handcrafted Paw Balm to protect and moisturize their paws. Top 3 overall women, men and non-binary finishers for each race category will receive a medal. Dogs will be top 3 overall.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Thank you to Sue Sitki Photography, everyone will receive FREE High-Resolution Digital Images included with their race entry!!

REGISTRATION: Race kit pick up and registration will be on site in the Marshview Building, near the start/finish area and will be open from 8:15am - 9:15am.

POST RACE FOOD: Chili (meat and veggie options) and your choice of a Wishbone beer or N/A option. The Marshview will also have their full menu available, should you choose to want more afterwards, or for your support team to enjoy while you're out there having fun.

REFUND POLICY: Please note that you can purchase registration insurance during the registration process. If you are unable to participate for ANY reason and you didn't get the registration insurance, you can still transfer your bib to someone else through Race Roster for $10.

ACCOMODATIONS: Long Point Eco Adventures have pods available to rent for the Friday night or Friday/Saturday nights. If you rent on the Friday or Saturday, you will receive at 5% discount, if you rent for both nights, you will receive a 15%. Click HERE for options.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:

Polar Paws will be supporting the wonderful efforts of