North of 89 Outdoors

Centre, Canada • 18-17 Apr-Oct 2026

North of 89 Outdoors

North of 89 Outdoors hosts a series of trail running events located throughout Ontario's Niagara Escarpment. The annual calendar consists of five distinct races held at various locations, including the Dufferin Forest Main Tract, Mansfield Outdoor Centre, Tiffins Conservation Area, and Mad River Park.

The events offer a wide range of formats and distances, from short trail runs to multi-day ultra-marathons. Available distances and race types include:

  • Spring Warm-Up: A 9 km loop in the Dufferin Forest.
  • Great Mansfield Outdoors: Features a 100 km solo or relay, as well as 50 km, 25 km, 10 km, and 5 km options.
  • Utopia Backyard Ultra: Includes the standard Backyard Ultra format alongside 24-hour, 12-hour, and 6-hour versions.
  • Creemore Vertical Challenge: Offers distances of 80 km, 55 km, 27.5 km, and 14 km.
  • Chill Session: Provides shorter options of 10 km, 5 km, and 1 km.

In addition to competitive racing, the organization provides a trail running workshop known as the Trails North Workshop. The event series focuses on combining forest trail navigation with local craft beer and food. Courses are set in the natural geography of Mansfield, Mulmur, Utopia, and Creemore, utilizing the regional trail networks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

100 km
Great Mansfield Outdoors 100k Relay
100 km
Great Mansfield Outdoors 100k Solo
80 km
Vertical Challenge 80k
55 km
Vertical Challenge 55k
50 km
Great Mansfield Outdoors 50k
28 km
Vertical Challenge 27.5k
25 km
Great Mansfield Outdoors 25k
14 km
Vertical Challenge 14k
10 km
Great Mansfield Outdoors 10k
9 km
Spring Warm-up 9k
5 km
Great Mansfield Outdoors 5k
Utopia Backyard 12
Utopia Backyard 24
Utopia Backyard 6
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Trail run of 8 km at Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area as part of the Happy Hour Friday Night Series. The course includes hills, rocks, roots and mossy log bridges; the event is cupless with water at the start and finish.

The Boomerang Trail Run is a 7 km looped trail race in the hills of Batawa, Ontario. Choose your challenge by running as many laps as you can in 2, 4, or 6 hours. The event has a relaxed vibe, with a cup-less aid station and manual lap timi..

Run through the night at the Dark & Dirty trail event in Batawa. Choose between a 7 km or 14 km course on marked, technical trails where a headlamp is required. All finishers get a medal, and there are prizes for top performers.

The Fat Ass Trail Run, started in 2003, is a welcoming trail event for all. It offers a wide range of distances, a varied course, and a community atmosphere. The cup-less event emphasizes safety and the joy of running on natural trails.