Tally in the Valley Trail Race

Tally in the Valley Trail Race 2026

The event takes place at Dundas Valley Conservation Area in Hamilton, Ontario on the weekend of July 25 2026. It is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario and uses a 7 km loop through Carolinian forest as its core course.

Event options

• 7 km single loop.
• 21 km three loops.
• 100 miles 23 loops (about 161 km).
• Timed events of 6 hour, 12 hour, and 24 hour, plus the "Gong Show" elimination format.

Course details The loop is mostly groomed double track with rolling hills and about 130 m of elevation gain per loop. This year the loop is run counter clockwise. The first 2 km follow a rail trail and are slightly downhill and exposed. A short steep descent reaches the lowest point, followed by about 2.5 km with more uphill than downhill. The final 2 to 2.5 km contain the most sustained rolling hills before returning to the Trail Centre, which serves as race headquarters.

Aid stations and logistics One main aid station at the start and finish provides water, an electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, PB and J sandwiches, pickles and chips; the menu may change during the day. Portable toilets will be available. A self serve water station will be set up about halfway on the loop. The event is cup less; participants must bring a collapsible cup or bottle.

Competition details and rules Runners who complete 23 loops earn a custom belt buckle; other finishers receive a custom medal. The Gong Show gives participants one hour to complete each loop and bars starting the next loop until the gong signals the new hour. Pacers are restricted by event; they are not permitted in the Gong Show or the 6 hour event, are discouraged in the 12 hour day event but allowed in the 12 hour night event, and may join late in the 24 hour and 100 mile events. Pacers must join at the start finish area and may not carry items for runners.

Partners and policies La Sportiva will provide a demo fleet and giveaways. THN Labs supplies gels in race kits and at aid stations; ingredients cited include maple syrup, tahini, sea salt and rowanberry extract. The refund policy provides a 100 percent race credit usable for future events if cancellation occurs at least 30 days before the race; transfers of bibs are permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.