Wise Raven Trail Race 2026

The Wise Raven Trail Race lands in Waterloo each October — the 2026 edition runs on 17 October at the Camp Heidelberg / K-W Optimist Club site. The event is a locally focused trail day with a capped field (115 spots) and is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario. Any money in excess of expenses is donated to the Run‑Walk‑Roll for WRHNCC initiative.

The event is built around a 2.5 km forest loop and offers a range of formats: 5 km (2 loops), 10 km (4 loops), 25 km (10 loops), 50 km (20 loops), a 6‑hour timed challenge and a 6‑hour relay for teams of 2–4. The relay has a 10:00 a.m. start; the course closes at 4:00 p.m. and the 50 km option carries an 8‑hour cutoff. Electronic timing is provided by Chiptime Results.

What sets Wise Raven apart is its looped, spectator‑friendly format and its community and charity focus. The course is a short, well‑marked loop that mixes a fast, flat opening section with short technical stretches of rocks and roots and a few rolling hills — each loop contains roughly 45 m of elevation gain. Runners can leave a drop bag at a covered aid area; the aid station supplies water, pop and electrolyte drinks plus snacks (candy, chips, pickles and occasionally PB&J sandwiches and pie). The race is cup‑less, so participants bring their own bottle, and organizers prohibit dogs and alcohol on the property.

Entry is handled through Race Roster; prospective entrants should register early given the 115‑runner limit and the short loop format that fills quickly.

• Start/finish at Camp Heidelberg on the K-W Optimist Club property in Waterloo, ON
• 2.5 km well-marked forest loop with a fast, flat opening section and short technical sections
• Route features rocks, roots and a few short rolling hills
• Approximately 45 metres of elevation gain per loop
• Covered aid station where runners can leave a drop bag; supplies include water, pop, electrolytes and snacks

• Small, capped field: limited to 115 entrants for a close-knit race-day experience
• Charity tie-in: excess funds are donated to the Run‑Walk‑Roll for WRHNCC initiative
• Short, repeatable loop: 2.5 km loop design makes crew, pacing and strategy straightforward
• Generous aid station snacks: station offers water, electrolytes and oddball treats like pickles and occasional pie
• Chip-timed results: electronic timing provided by Chiptime Results