The Hot Chocolate Hustle is a winter trail running event in Winnipeg, Manitoba, held on January 25, 2026 and organized by the Manitoba Marathon. Runners gather at FortWhyte Alive to take advantage of the park’s network of trails and natural scenery for a chilly seasonal outing that raises funds for local conservation and education.

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The Hustle offers 5K and 10K options, run in assigned wave starts to manage spacing on the trails; virtual participation is also supported, with emailed instructions for uploading results. Race package pick-up is coordinated through the Manitoba Marathon office (location listed on event materials), and an online course map is provided in case participants want to preview the route before race day.

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What sets the Hot Chocolate Hustle apart is its direct support of FortWhyte Alive — a portion of proceeds goes back to trail maintenance, new infrastructure, and FortWhyte’s hands-on environmental education programs for youth. The event emphasizes community and nature connection: runners circulate through wooded sections and lakeside views rather than city streets, and proceeds help keep those trails open year-round.

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Official results are published following the event and virtual runners receive directions by email for submitting times. Runners planning to attend should review wave assignments and route notes ahead of race day, as the course is subject to change depending on winter trail conditions.

• Start/finish and course located at FortWhyte Alive in southwest Winnipeg
• Trail terrain — natural surfaces through wooded areas and around FortWhyte’s lakes
• Distances offered: 5K and 10K courses on the park trail network
• Route map provided online (linked from event materials)
• Course is subject to change due to winter weather and trail conditions
• Event uses assigned wave starts to manage on-trail spacing

• Supports FortWhyte Alive: A portion of proceeds goes directly to FortWhyte Alive to fund trail maintenance, new infrastructure, and youth environmental education.
• Trail-based courses: 5K and 10K runs take place on FortWhyte Alive’s natural trail network rather than paved city streets.
• Virtual participation available: Runners who can't attend in person receive emailed instructions to upload their results.
• Assigned wave starts: Multiple waves for the 5K and 10K help manage trail traffic; participants must run in their assigned wave.