The First Blaze Trail Race
The First Blaze Trail Race 2026 : Kelso Conservation Area, Milton, ON
The event offers multiple trail race formats that run on the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail. The entire course follows the trail's white blazes; only the final 5 km will be additionally flagged. The race is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario and organized by Happy Trails Racing in partnership with La Sportiva and THN Labs.
Distances offered
- 51.8 km point-to-point covering the Toronto Bruce Trail Section
- 27.5 km point-to-point from Sixth Line to Kelso
- 10 km out-and-back starting and finishing at Kelso Conservation Area
Course characteristics and highlights The routes include flowing singletrack, technical rocky and rooty sections, bridges, boardwalks and short punchy climbs. The 50 km course has about 800 m of elevation gain. Notable sites along the route include the Cheltenham Badlands, Terra Cotta, Limehouse with the "Hole in the Wall" (a brief walk and ladder), Speyside and the high Dufferin Quarry Bridge. Runners must follow white blazes and be prepared for unflagged sections.
Logistics and provisions Shuttle buses run from Kelso (finish area) to the start for point-to-point races. Parking at Kelso is included. Aid stations are spaced roughly 8 to 12 km apart and offer typical trail food, water and electrolyte drink. The event is cup-less so participants need a collapsible cup or bottle; carrying at least 1 L of fluids is recommended. Race fees include a soft-spun t-shirt, a finisher's medal and, for 50 km finishers, a Toronto Bruce Trail Club End-to-End patch. The event is limited to 200 participants and $20 from each registration will be donated to the Toronto Bruce Trail Club. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.