The First Blaze Trail Race
Event overview
The First Blaze Trail Race 2026 is a trail race held at Kelso Conservation Area and along the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail in Milton, Ontario. The event uses permanently marked white blazes on the Bruce Trail; only the final 5 km of the course will be additionally flagged. Organizers set a maximum of 200 participants. The race donates $20 from each registration to the Toronto Bruce Trail Club. Race fees include a soft-spun t-shirt option, a finisher's medal, parking at Kelso Conservation Area, and shuttle service for point-to-point distances.
Race courses and logistics
- 50 km (actually about 51.8 km) - point-to-point along the Toronto Bruce Trail section; approximately 800 m elevation gain; 10 hour cut-off; trail shoes required.
- 25 km (actually about 27.5 km) - point-to-point from Sixth Line to Kelso Conservation Area; 8.5 hour cut-off; three aid stations.
- 10 km - out-and-back from Kelso Conservation Area, using the final 5 km of the longer courses; one aid station.
The 50 km and 25 km fields are bused from the finish to their respective start locations. Aid stations will be about 8-12 km apart and provide food, water, pop, and electrolyte drink. The event is cup-less; participants must carry a collapsible cup or bottle and are advised to carry at least 1 L of fluids. Several notable course features are Cheltenham Badlands, Limehouse Conservation Area with the "Hole in the Wall" (short ladder, walking required), Dufferin Quarry Bridge, and the site of the Bruce Trail's first blaze. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.