Robbie Burns Day Road Races
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Event overview
The Robbie Burns Day Road Races take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON. Race options include:
- 8km Run and Walk - two laps of a 4km loop
- 4km Run and Walk - one loop through downtown Burlington
The start and finish are on Elgin Street next to the performing arts centre. The course runs clockwise on city streets (Elgin, Maple, Richmond, Hager, Olga, Brant) and 8km participants complete the loop twice. The event offers custom finishers' medals, chip timing, awards, a best costume award, post-race oatmeal, and bag check included with registration. Live bagpipes are part of the start line atmosphere. A portion of race revenue supports community programs, including the Fit Active Beautiful Foundation and the Burlington Track & Field Club.
Logistics and safety
Advanced race kit pickup is available the day before at the Running Room store in Burlington; a bib mail-out option is offered for a fee. Bag check is free and located inside the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Parking options include a municipal parking garage on Locust Street (about 400 spots) and municipal lots #7, #8, and #3; participants are asked not to park at the No Frills Plaza or on Elgin Street near the start/finish. The course is marked with pylons and marshals or police are at major intersections. Runners must stay within the coned course, are discouraged from wearing headphones, and must meet interim cutoffs: 4km in 45 minutes and 8km in 90 minutes. No refunds are issued; bib transfers and deferrals are allowed for specified fees and deadlines. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.