Sticks N' Stones Trail Race takes place on October 10, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario at Christie Lake Conservation Area and is organized by Happy Trails Racing. The one-day fall fixture centres on a single 5.3 km loop around Christie Lake and attracts both local trail runners and destination athletes looking for a compact, repeatable trail challenge.

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All distances use the same 5.3 km loop: a 5 km (one loop), 10 km (two loops), 26.5 km (five loops), a solo 53 km (ten loops) and a 53 km relay that allows teams of up to five runners to share the ten-loop total. Start times and wave details are set annually by the organizer; race kit pick-up happens on race day at the Beach Pavilion on site.

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What sets Sticks N' Stones apart is its simple, community-minded format and attention to race-day basics. The loop is rolling and runnable on primarily dirt trails, with two aid stations per loop — one at the start/finish and one roughly halfway — stocked with water, electrolyte drink, soda, fruit, PB&J and a mix of sweet and salty snacks. The event runs a cupless policy, so runners must bring a collapsible cup or bottle. Registration includes parking; spectators pay park entry. Finishers receive a medal, most distances include a toque, and solo 53 km finishers receive a hoodie (hoodies are also available for purchase for other categories). The race donates proceeds to Oceana Canada and is organised in memory of a relative of the race director.

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Registration opens through the organizer’s registration partner; entries include on-site parking. Check registration availability with the race organiser to secure a spot before entries close.

• Start/finish at the Beach Pavilion in Christie Lake Conservation Area, Hamilton, ON
• Single 5.3 km loop around Christie Lake — distances run as 1, 2, 5 or 10 loops depending on event
• Rolling, non-technical dirt trails that are generally runnable
• Two aid stations per loop: at the start/finish and roughly halfway, offering water, electrolyte drink, soda, fruit, PB&J and sweet and salty snacks
• Cupless policy: participants must bring a collapsible cup or personal bottle

• Loop-based course: All distances use a single 5.3 km loop around Christie Lake, making it easy to pace and crew on repeated laps.
• Cupless event: Two aid stations per loop but runners must bring a collapsible cup or personal bottle to access drinks.
• Charity beneficiary: A portion of proceeds supports Oceana Canada, linking the race to marine conservation work.
• Finishers' apparel: Solo 53 km finishers receive a hoodie; participants in other categories receive a toque and hoodies are available for purchase.
• Relay-friendly format: 53 km relay allows teams up to five runners to share the ten-loop course, ideal for clubs and groups.