The Lost Valley Trail Race 2026

The Lost Valley Trail Race takes place in October in Dundas, Ontario and is organized by Happy Trails Racing. The 2026 edition runs on October 24 and finishes at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area — a central park and Trail Centre that provides a true community finish-line atmosphere. The event is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario and partners with local trail stewards; $10 from every registration supports the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club.

This is a point-to-point trail event with two distance options: a 25 km and a 10 km. The 25 km starts in Burlington (Cityview Park) with a 9:30 a.m. gun and the 10 km starts from Rock Chapel Conservation Area with a 10:30 a.m. gun; both use scheduled shuttle buses from the Dundas Valley Conservation Area to their respective starts (boarding times are listed with registration). The courses follow the Main Trail of the Bruce Trail and rely on the white-blaze system; only the first/last 250 m and a short Dundas road section receive additional flagging.

What sets Lost Valley apart is the classic Niagara Escarpment single-track and local flavour: rolling technical trail through Smokey Hollow, rocky escarpment sections, a tunnel under Highway 6, views from the escarpment edge, and a steep descent by Sydenham Hill before a final loop around Stacey Meadow Pond. Race entry includes practical swag — Happy Trails socks, a neck gator, sticker and a tiny custom bib — shuttle to the start, park parking, and a finisher's medal. La Sportiva will be on-site with demo shoes and two pairs of shoes given away at each event, and the field is intentionally capped at 180 to keep the event grassroots and community-focused.

Register early: the event uses a limited-capacity registration and includes parking and shuttle details with entry.

- **Bruce Trail single-track:** Runs along the Iroquoia Section Main Trail with classic Niagara Escarpment single-track through Smokey Hollow and past Borer's Falls.
- **Shuttle bus included:** Bus from Dundas Valley Conservation Area to each race start is included with registration and parking at the finish is covered.
- **Generous race swag:** Entry includes Happy Trails socks, a neck gator, sticker, a teeny tiny custom race bib and a finisher's medal.
- **Limited field:** Registration capped at 180 participants to preserve a grassroots, community race atmosphere.
- **Charity support:** $10 from every registration goes directly to the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club.
- **La Sportiva partnership:** On-site La Sportiva demo fleet plus two pairs of shoes given away at the event.