Phoenix Trail Races 2026

Phoenix Trail Races returns to London, Ontario in October — this edition is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026. Organized by the Phoenix Trail Races committee and run out of the Fanshawe Conservation Area, the event has been held annually since 2018 and draws local trail runners and destination participants alike.

Runners choose between a 25K single-loop or a 50K double-loop around the Fanshawe reservoir. All participants start together in a mass start at 9:00 AM from the Watson Porter Pavilion; 50K runners must complete the first loop within 3.5 hours. The course runs clockwise around the lake and mixes wide trail and singletrack, so planning for variable footing and a steady pace pays dividends.

What sets Phoenix apart is its community-first, low-waste approach. The race is a cupless event — aid stations pour from pitchers so participants must bring a collapsible cup or hydration system — and proceeds support local partners and Animalert, the event’s charity partner. Every finisher receives a custom memento, the event provides a technical race shirt, and local businesses and volunteers staff aid stations and course positions, creating a neighborhood race vibe.

Spaces are limited (in-person cap of 300), so interested runners should register early through the race registration portal. The race enforces shared-trail etiquette — expect to encounter hikers and cyclists — and requires participants to be 18 or older on race day.

• Start/finish at the Watson Porter Pavilion in Fanshawe Conservation Area (London, ON).
• Clockwise loop around the Fanshawe reservoir with lake views on much of the route.
• Terrain includes wide trail and singletrack: pine needles, dirt, grass, pavement, gravel, roots and some rocky sections.
• Two water crossings on bridges (first crossing about 6.5 km from the start; second roughly 10 km from the finish).
• Fairly flat overall: elevation changes up to 20 metres in a single section and hills up to a 5% grade.
• Five aid stations on course (approximately every 4–6 km); four are available to all participants, the fifth is for 50K runners behind the pavilion.

• Cupless, low-waste format: Aid stations pour from pitchers—bring a collapsible cup, hydration vest or waist pack.
• Scenic reservoir loop: Course runs clockwise around Fanshawe Lake with long lake views on many turns.
• Two bridged water crossings: The course includes two water crossings on bridges (first ~6.5 km from the start).
• Technical, varied terrain: Mix of pine chips, dirt, singletrack, roots, gravel, grass and short technical "black diamond" sections.
• Community and charity focus: Supports local businesses and partners with Animalert as the event charity.