Race Around the Place is a community road race set for October 24, 2026 in Carleton Place, Ontario. Organized as a not-for-profit, this inaugural edition brings a new running tradition to town, built and staffed by local volunteers and community groups eager to showcase Carleton Place’s scenic downtown and riverfront paths.

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The event offers three distances: a half marathon (21.1K), a 10K and a 5K, with staggered morning starts to keep the course comfortable for all participants. Start times are 9:00 AM for the half, 9:15 AM for the 10K and 9:30 AM for the 5K. All distances are chip-timed to give competitive runners accurate results while keeping casual participants focused on the experience.

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What sets Race Around the Place apart is its hometown route and community focus. Courses thread through historic downtown streets and nearby recreational paths; the half marathon reaches the quaint hamlet of Appleton before returning to Carleton Place along a section of the Trans‑Canada Trail. Proceeds support the Lanark County Hunger Stop Food Bank, and organizers encourage locals to volunteer, cheer and stick around for the post-race atmosphere among independent shops and riverside cafés.

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Registration is open now via the event’s Race Roster entry page. Runners who want a local training boost can also join the Riverside Trail Trotters weekly run club, which meets Saturdays at 8:00 AM at Foundry Coffee Bar in Carleton Place.

• Start and finish at Carleton Junction in downtown Carleton Place.
• Mixed terrain: historic downtown streets and recreational multi-use paths.
• Half-marathon route extends to the hamlet of Appleton and returns along a section of the Trans‑Canada Trail.
• 5K permits strollers and baby joggers (must start near the back); backpack-style child carriers are not allowed.
• Staggered morning start times help spread runners on course: Half 9:00 AM, 10K 9:15 AM, 5K 9:30 AM.

• Chip-timed racing: Accurate finish times for all distances with individual chip timing.
• Half marathon to Appleton via Trans‑Canada Trail: The 21.1K reaches the hamlet of Appleton and returns along a scenic section of the Trans‑Canada Trail.
• Supports local food bank: Proceeds benefit the Lanark County Hunger Stop Food Bank to help strengthen the community.
• Stroller-friendly 5K: Baby joggers and strollers are welcome in the 5K (please start near the back of the pack).
• Downtown post-race scene: Finish in Carleton Junction with easy access to independent shops, cafés and riverside patios.