The Bad Thing
The Bad Thing 2026
The Bad Thing 2026 is a point-to-point trail race on the Maitland Trail in Huron County, Ontario. The finish is at Auburn Riverside Retreat and the event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- 50K point-to-point Goderich to Auburn
- 25K starts near the halfway point of the 50K course
The course is mainly single track and described as highly technical, with a small amount of road and groomed trail. Conditions can be muddy and the terrain demanding; organizers state the race is not for inexperienced trail runners. Minimum age to participate is 18 years.
Because the race is point-to-point, participants are transported by bus from the Auburn Riverside Retreat to the start locations. The bus ride is mandatory; the race briefing and rules are presented on the bus and no one is permitted to race without checking in at Auburn and riding the bus to the start.
Post-race food and beverages are provided, including barbeque chicken, pulled pork and a vegan option, a Culbert's Creampuff, a race shirt, beer or cider with non-alcoholic options, fresh pressed juice and a swag bag with additional items.
The event is listed as sold out. Registration fees are final and non-transferable; if the event is canceled and not rescheduled, fees less online registration charges will be applied to the next year's race. Proceeds support local charitable organizations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.