The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race 2026
About the race
The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race 2026 is a winter take on our Summer Solstice Race, where runners run the entire time the sun is up on the shortest day of the year.
Instead of battling the sun, runners will have to layer up and try to stay warm.
The event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario.
Aid stations
There will be one aid station with lots of goodies to keep you energized, and you will pass it every few kilometres. This is a very spectator friendly event as the runners can be viewed each loop.
There will be water, an electrolyte drink, and all of your typical ultra running fare including sweet and salty snacks, PB and J sandwiches, pickles and more. There will also be hot drinks and soup.
All Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less, so you will need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid stations.
Post race food
Meals are not included in race registration fees, so you can choose a post-race meal that you may or may not enjoy or be able to eat.
Race site
The race takes place at the AMAZING Marydale Park in Mount Hope, ON. The facility offers very close parking, scenic grounds, excellent washroom facilities, and an enormous pavilion to shelter spectators from the sun.
Charity
The charity that will benefit from this race is "Hamilton Out Of The Cold".
Relay rules
- Teams can have up to 5 runners total per team.
- Teams can switch runners as frequently as they wish, but each runner must run the full loop and all transitions must occur in the designated "relay transition area".
- If someone on your team needs to leave early, you can NOT replace them with someone new.
- Each member of the team will receive a shirt and a finishing medal.
- Only the top team in each category (All Men, All Women, and Mixed Relay) will receive an award.
- Only the team captain needs to register. We will contact you closer to race day to get all of your deets.
- Teams will have the opportunity to set up tents if the weather is agreeable, and we will also have an indoor space for teams and our volunteers.
Cancellation policy
Cancel up to 30 days before the race for a 100% race credit towards any future Happy Trails event; it does not expire. No cancellations within 30 days of the race. Bib transfers are allowed without penalty.
The course
Full Solstice (8:58)
Full Solstice Relay (8:58)
Half Solstice (4:29)
Quarter Solstice (2:15)
The race is run on an approximately 3.7 km trail loop with a couple of short rolling hills. The course is a mixture of tree covered trails and open field, and the wind is typically blowing at this location. The exact course length will only be known on race day, as the trails are chosen for condition and scenery and depend on the weather leading up to the race.
Formats and times
- Full Solstice: 8 hours and 58 minutes (starts at 7:48am, ends at 4:47pm)
- Full Solstice Relay: 8 hours and 58 minutes (starts at 7:48am, ends at 4:47pm)
- Quarter Solstice: 2 hours, 15 minutes of blissful running. The race will start at 7:48am and end precisely at 10:03am.
- Half Solstice: 4 hours, 29 minutes of joyous running. The race will start at 10:30am and end at exactly 2:59pm.
Location
Marydale Park, Mount Hope, ON, Canada Open in Google Maps
Know from the athletes
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