The First Blaze Trail Race
Event overview
The First Blaze Trail Race takes place July 11, 2026 at Kelso Conservation Area, Milton, Ontario. The event is a point-to-point trail race on the Bruce Trail and is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. The field is limited to a maximum of 200 participants. Organizers will donate $20 from each registration to the Toronto Bruce Trail Club.
Distances
- 50 km - point-to-point (~51.8 km), entire Toronto Bruce Trail section, 10 hour cutoff
- 25 km - point-to-point (~27.5 km), includes "Hole in the Wall", 8.5 hour cutoff
- 10 km - out-and-back from Kelso, final 5 km of longer courses in reverse, one aid station
Course and logistics
Courses run entirely on the white-blazed Bruce Trail; only the final 5 km will be flagged for the 10 km out-and-back. Runners should follow white blazes and avoid side trails marked with blue blazes. Terrain includes groomed single track, technical rocky and rooty sections, short road stretches, many short climbs and descents, bridges, boardwalks, and stiles. The 50 km course lists about 800 m of elevation gain.
Shuttle transport from the finish parking area to the start is provided for 25 km and 50 km participants. Parking at Kelso Conservation Area is included in the race fee. Race fees include a soft-spun t-shirt option and a finisher's medal; 50 km finishers also receive a Toronto Bruce Trail Club End-to-End patch.
Aid and equipment
Aid stations will be spaced roughly 8-12 km apart and will offer standard trail-race food, water, pop, and electrolyte drink. The 25 km course has three aid stations; the 10 km course has one. The event is cup-less; participants must bring a collapsible cup or bottle. Organizers recommend trail shoes for the 50 km distance and carrying at least 1 L of fluids. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.