Spring Thaw returns to Windsor, Ontario on April 12, 2026. The Spring Thaw name marks one of the city’s springtime running fixtures, timed to shake off winter and kickstart the local racing calendar. The 2026 edition brings runners, volunteers and neighbourhood supporters together for a weekend of activity in Windsor.

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The event is staged as a single-day running festival on Sunday, April 12. Race-day programming centers on community participation and an accessible race experience for local athletes, clubs and visiting runners. Exact distance options and start times vary from year to year; check race communications for the full schedule and entry categories.

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What sets Spring Thaw apart is its connection to Windsor’s well-established running community. Local resources such as The Running Factory support training and grassroots events across Essex County — offering Learn to Run and marathon/half-marathon clinics and backing numerous racing and community activities. That local infrastructure helps create a neighbourhood feel on race day, with club crews, local volunteers and small-business partners contributing to the atmosphere.

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Runners coming for Spring Thaw will find Windsor’s flat, fast streets and nearby parks make for an approachable early-season course and a friendly post-race scene. For registration deadlines, race-day logistics and up-to-date course maps, consult the race’s official communications.

• Start/finish at Running Factory Wyandotte, 5480 Wyandotte Street East (packet pickup at this location in the days before the race)
• Closed-road, paved 5 km course along Riverside Drive following Windsor’s riverfront
• Chip timing used for the 5 km; kids races (200 m and 1 km) have separate starts and bibs
• Running strollers are permitted on the course
• Course map and route details are provided by the organizer on the event registration page

• Charity partner: Proceeds benefit The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County, with active fundraising incentives and a live fundraising progress goal
• Closed-road riverfront course: The 5 km runs along Riverside Drive on a closed, paved route for uninterrupted running and fast times
• Chip-timed 5 km: Official chip timing for the 5 km while kids races use separate starts and bibs
• Family-friendly kids events: Kids Dash (200 m) and a 1 km race with their own start times and finisher medals
• Post-race hospitality: Finishers enjoy food and drinks provided by Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza and Hyena Brew Company
• Fundraising rewards: Tiered pledge incentives include free entries, gift cards, New Balance shoes and a top-prize full New Balance outfitting