Merrickville Heritage Classic 2026

The Merrickville Heritage Classic Run takes place each spring in late April in Merrickville, Ontario — organized by the local Run Merrickville team. Held on the village streets beside the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the event returns on April 25, 2026 as a community-focused celebration of running and walking.

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The event offers a range of distances to suit families and serious runners: 2K, 5K, 10K and a half-marathon. All races start at 8:00 a.m. from the Merrickville Community Centre (106 Read Street). Race kit pick-up is available the evening before (Friday, April 24, 4:30–7:00 p.m.) and on race morning (Saturday, 6:30–7:30 a.m.). Virtual options are offered for runners who can’t attend in person.

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What sets Merrickville apart is its small-village atmosphere and waterfront setting along the Rideau Canal. Organizers provide tangible perks — medals for all participants (in-person and virtual), T-shirts included with in-person 5K and 10K entries, and Sportstats chip timing on the 5K and 10K. The course is certified and the event lists several community partners and local fundraising activities, keeping the day rooted in neighbourhood support and volunteer energy.

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Registration includes early-bird pricing that runs through February 28, 2026; entries are handled through Race Roster. Note the race enforces a three-hour course time limit (participants must clear the travelled portion of road by 11:00 a.m.). Check registration pages for category fees, youth pricing, and details on transfers.

• Start and finish at Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street
• Spring road race run on paved village streets and canal-side roads
• Route routes past the Rideau Canal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and through Merrickville village
• 5K and 10K distances use Sportstats chip timing; course is certified by Athletics Canada
• Course time limit of 3 hours — all participants must clear the travelled portion of road by 11:00 a.m.

• Canal-side setting: Course runs through Merrickville alongside the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Medals for every finisher: All in-person and virtual participants receive a medal
• T-shirt included for 5K & 10K entries: Race shirts are included with in-person 5K and 10K registrations (2K shirts available for purchase)
• Chip timing on 5K & 10K: Sportstats provides electronic timing for the 5K and 10K fields
• Family-friendly youth pricing: Children 12 and under pay reduced flat rates (2K $15, 5K $20, 10K $25)
• Early-bird savings: Early Bird registration is open until February 28, 2026