The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race
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About the race
The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race takes place at Marydale Park in Mount Hope, Ontario on December 19, 2026. The event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario and is organized as a timed trail run that follows the length of the winter solstice day.
The course is an approximately 3.7 km loop of tree-covered trails and open field with a few short rolling hills. Organizers plan the exact route based on trail conditions prior to race day. One aid station is located on course and is passed every few kilometres; it provides water, an electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, PB and J sandwiches, pickles and other typical ultra running fare. Events are cup-less so participants must bring a collapsible cup or bottle.
Race options are time-based rather than fixed distance and include the Full Solstice (8 hours 58 minutes), Full Solstice Relay (8 hours 58 minutes; teams up to five runners, each runner must complete full loops, transitions in a designated area), Half Solstice (4 hours 29 minutes), and Quarter Solstice (2 hours 15 minutes). Relay teams receive shirts and finishing medals; only the top team in each relay category receives an award.
All participants receive a finisher's medal and a crewneck sweatshirt. The aid station will include hot drinks and soup. The event benefits the charity Hamilton Out Of The Cold. Sponsors and partners at the event include La Sportiva, which will bring a demo fleet and give away two pairs of shoes, and THN Labs, which supplies gels made with maple syrup, tahini, sea salt, and rowanberry extract. Registration policies include a 100% race credit available up to 30 days before the race, no cancellations within 30 days, and the option to transfer a bib to another participant. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
