2026 Southern Footprints

Southern Footprints takes place on April 26, 2026, in Leamington, Ontario. This spring running event brings participants into one of Ontario’s southern communities for a day of on-foot activity and local support.

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The 2026 edition is scheduled as a single-day event on April 26. Specific race distances, start times and other race-day logistics are determined by the event organizers and published ahead of race day.

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Southern Footprints serves as a community-focused running occasion in Leamington, offering an opportunity for neighbourhood runners, club members and visiting athletes to gather in a springtime setting. The event emphasizes participation and local engagement, with volunteers and residents typically playing a visible role on race day.

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Runners and spectators planning to attend should watch for organizer communications for registration windows, course maps and final race-day details. Entering early when registration opens is advisable for those travelling from outside the region.

• Start/finish inside Point Pelee National Park (Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON).
• Course surface is a mix of paved park roads and groomed natural trails — suitable for road or trail shoes.
• Loop structure: 5K = one loop, 10K = two loops, 15K = three loops (15K entrants must be able to finish within 2 hours).
• Terrain is largely flat with limited elevation change — the route showcases marshes, woodlots and shoreline-adjacent park scenery.
• Aid/water provided on course and finish-line food available at the finish.

• Park entry included: Race registration covers entry into Point Pelee National Park on race day, removing the usual park-fee barrier for spectators and participants.
• Flat, fast course: The 5K loop uses park roads and groomed trails with minimal elevation — good for personal best attempts on shorter distances.
• Family-friendly extras: Kids 1K dash plus a Mascot Race create a festival atmosphere that keeps families and younger runners engaged.
• Charity-supported event: Proceeds benefit local organizations, including Crime Stoppers and the Erie Shores Health Foundation.
• Post-race hospitality: On-course hydration and finish-line food are provided, with post-race meals listed from local community partners.