The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race 2026

The Frostbite Solstice Trail Race takes place on December 19, 2026 in Mount Hope, Ontario. Organized by Happy Trails Racing, this is the inaugural running of the winter counterpart to the organizer’s popular Summer Solstice event — a fresh, seasonal addition to their calendar that leans into cold-weather trail running and the novelty of racing on the shortest day of the year.

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The race day offers time-based formats rather than fixed distances: 8‑hour, 4‑hour and 2‑hour events all start the morning of December 19 with a 7:45 AM mass start. Runners choose how long they want to be on course and complete as much trail as they can in the allotted time. All events take place over a single day at Marydale Park in Mount Hope.

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What sets Frostbite apart is the winter-solstice concept — competitors run during the brief daylight window that organizers cite as roughly 7:48 AM to 4:47 PM (8 hours, 58 minutes, 29 seconds of sun) — and the expectation that keeping warm and managing layers become part of the race strategy. The course is 100% unpaved trail, and the event builds on the community energy Happy Trails Racing has cultivated with its Summer Solstice race, which the organizer notes is known for fast sellouts and lively vibes.

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Early entry pricing is listed at $94, rising to $145 for late registration. Runners interested in joining the inaugural Frostbite Solstice Trail Race should register through Happy Trails Racing and review event communications for final course maps and race-day logistics.

• Start/finish at Marydale Park (Chippewa Road East), Mount Hope, ON
• 100% un-paved trail terrain
• Timed race formats: 8-hour, 4-hour and 2-hour events with a 7:45 AM mass start on December 19, 2026
• Race scheduled around the winter-solstice daylight window (organizers note sun-up approximately 7:48 AM to 4:47 PM)

• Winter-solstice challenge: run during the shortest day of the year with about 8 hours, 58 minutes, 29 seconds of daylight (roughly 7:48–4:47).
• Time-based formats: choose an 8‑hour, 4‑hour or 2‑hour race to match goals and fitness.
• All-trail surface: course routed entirely on unpaved trails for a true off-road experience.
• Park start/finish: event begins at Marydale Park on Chippewa Road East for easy access to the trail network.
• Inaugural edition by an established organizer: 2026 marks the first Frostbite Solstice, run by Happy Trails Racing (organizer of a well-known Summer Solstice race).