Half Marathon
2026 Chilly Half Marathon
March 1, 2026
10:05 AM
Burlington, ON
21.1 km
2026 Chilly Half Marathon
Date
March 1, 2026
Location
Burlington, ON
Events
The Chilly Half Marathon is an annual road race held in Burlington, Ontario on the first Sunday of March. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Chilly Half has earned its reputation as one of Ontario's most beloved half marathons, drawing runners from across the country who come for the fast, flat course and the early-season race day atmosphere.
Organized by VR Pro Inc under Race Director Kelly Arnott, the 2026 edition takes place on March 1 starting at 10:05 AM from Burlington City Hall. The 21.1 km route follows an Athletics Canada-certified course (ON-2013-092-BDC) through Burlington's downtown core and along the shores of Lake Ontario, making it a legitimate Boston Qualifier course for time-chasing runners.
In-person participants receive a technical running shirt and their choice of two 30th anniversary finisher medal designs. Top finishers compete for $1,000 prize money in the overall male and female categories, with Topo Athletic age category prizes recognizing the depth of the field. Pace groups from 1:25 to 2:45 ensure runners of all abilities are well-supported on the course.
A virtual participation option is also available for those unable to attend in person. With a 3-hour 30-minute time limit, the Chilly Half is inclusive and welcoming to runners of every level. Registration is open at raceroster.com.
Organized by VR Pro Inc under Race Director Kelly Arnott, the 2026 edition takes place on March 1 starting at 10:05 AM from Burlington City Hall. The 21.1 km route follows an Athletics Canada-certified course (ON-2013-092-BDC) through Burlington's downtown core and along the shores of Lake Ontario, making it a legitimate Boston Qualifier course for time-chasing runners.
In-person participants receive a technical running shirt and their choice of two 30th anniversary finisher medal designs. Top finishers compete for $1,000 prize money in the overall male and female categories, with Topo Athletic age category prizes recognizing the depth of the field. Pace groups from 1:25 to 2:45 ensure runners of all abilities are well-supported on the course.
A virtual participation option is also available for those unable to attend in person. With a 3-hour 30-minute time limit, the Chilly Half is inclusive and welcoming to runners of every level. Registration is open at raceroster.com.
EVENTS
Please check the official website for up-to-date times and pricing
Course Details
The Chilly Half Marathon starts and finishes near Burlington City Hall at 426 Brant Street in the heart of downtown Burlington. The gun goes off at 10:05 AM EST, with runners heading out through the downtown core before the route turns toward the shores of Lake Ontario.
The 21.1 km course is entirely on paved road surfaces — flat, smooth, and consistently runnable from start to finish. The waterfront section along Lake Ontario provides the race's signature scenery, with open sightlines and lake views keeping the miles moving. Runners then loop back through downtown Burlington to the finish line.
The course holds an Athletics Canada certification (ON-2013-092-BDC), making it valid for Boston Marathon qualification attempts. A 3-hour 30-minute time limit is in place. Aid stations are positioned along the route to keep runners hydrated throughout the race. Mandatory race kit pickup is required before race day at designated locations in the Burlington area.
Race Highlights
- **30th Anniversary:** Celebrating three decades as one of Ontario's most iconic early-season half marathons
- **Fast, flat course:** Athletics Canada-certified along Burlington's downtown and Lake Ontario waterfront — a popular Boston Qualifier course
- **Prize money:** $1,000 awarded to overall male and female finishers; Topo Athletic prizes for age category winners
- **Pace groups:** Available from 1:25 to 2:45 finish times to support runners of all ability levels
- **Anniversary medals:** Choose between two exclusive 30th Anniversary finisher medal designs
- **Virtual option:** In-person and virtual participation available
- **Fast, flat course:** Athletics Canada-certified along Burlington's downtown and Lake Ontario waterfront — a popular Boston Qualifier course
- **Prize money:** $1,000 awarded to overall male and female finishers; Topo Athletic prizes for age category winners
- **Pace groups:** Available from 1:25 to 2:45 finish times to support runners of all ability levels
- **Anniversary medals:** Choose between two exclusive 30th Anniversary finisher medal designs
- **Virtual option:** In-person and virtual participation available
RACE DAY COUNTDOWN
175
Days
175
Hours
175
Minutes
Date
March 1, 2026
Season
Location
Burlington, ON
Avg Temp
Avg Humidity