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.

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.

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.

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.

- **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.