The Rugged Raccoon Night Race 2026

The Rugged Raccoon Night Race returns to Wildwood Conservation Area in St. Marys, Ontario on May 2, 2026. Organized by Happy Trails Racing, the event blends daytime and night running on the park's favourite loops — the 50K distance is now in its third year, while shorter options bring local and destination runners together for one lively spring weekend.

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Racers choose from 10K, 25K and 50K distances with multiple start times on a single day: the 25K day race starts at 3:00pm, the 50K at 4:00pm, the 25K night race at 7:00pm and the 10K night run at 8:30pm. Early-start options are available for slower runners (50K runners can start as early as 2:00pm and 25K runners at 5:30pm) so participants who need extra time can get on course before darkness. Everyone running after dusk must carry a headlamp or flashlight (minimum 100 lumens; 200+ lumens recommended), with headlamps strongly encouraged.

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What sets Rugged Raccoon apart is the trail variety and community atmosphere at Wildwood: mixed singletrack and park trails with rocks, roots, expected early-May mud, and long winding flats that let faster runners open up. La Sportiva attends with a demo fleet and gives away two pairs of shoes at every event. The race supports Ontario Nature’s Nature Guardians youth programs, and race inclusions list a shirt, race goodies, chip timing by Chip Time Results and a finisher medal. The event is cup-less, so runners should bring a collapsible cup or bottle for aid-station fills.

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Registration is open now; the regular entry window runs through April 26. Campsites at Wildwood are available for those who want to make a weekend of it.

• Start and finish at Wildwood Conservation Area (Line 9, St. Marys, ON)
• Mixed singletrack and park trails with rocks, roots, lakeside viewpoints and some short climbs — generally fast but can be muddy in early May
• 10K is an out‑and‑back on the newer 10K route; 25K is a single loop (approx. 24 km) and the 50K is a double loop of the 25K course
• Four aid stations located at approximately 4.5 km, 10 km, 15 km and 20 km; runners should bring a cup/bottle (cup‑less event)
• Night sections require headlights/flashlights (minimum 100 lumens; 200+ lumens recommended), with headlamps strongly encouraged

• La Sportiva demo and giveaways: La Sportiva brings a demo shoe fleet to the race and gives away two pairs of shoes at every event
• Night running experience: 25K and 10K night starts let runners tackle forest singletrack after sunset with course sweeps on hand
• Four fully stocked aid stations: Aid stations positioned at 4.5 km, 10 km, 15 km and 20 km offering water, electrolyte drink, PB&J and sweet and salty snacks
• Cup‑less racing: Runners must bring a collapsible cup or bottle for refills at aid stations
• Wildwood trail variety: Mixed terrain with rocks, roots, likely early‑May mud and long flat sections with regular lake views