The Leftovers Mystery Race 2025

The Leftovers Race- Running With Scissors EditionFor our 2025 event, THERE IS A NEW TWIST TO THIS RACE! As a child, you were probably told NOT to run with scissors. That's just good advice. However, sometimes there are exceptions to the rules, and this is one of them. The Leftovers Run isn't about winning or losing, but it's also not really about having fun. This year, it is more about us (the Happy Trails Racing team and volunteers) getting to laugh at you!Here it is in a nutshell:All participants will be given a pair of blunt tip scissors (safety first!). At various points on the run, participants will arrive at a checkpoint where they will randomly pull a piece of paper from a pile. The paper will have an image on it that the participant must cut-out before they can leave the checkpoint. If the volunteer feels that your cutting job is inadequate, they will make you start over so don't rush it!The images to be cut out will vary greatly. You may have a very simple shape to cut-out, like a triangle. On the other hand, you may have a more complex image to cut-out, like a cat riding a unicorn. Because of this, the fastest runners won't necessarily win this race!The race will take place at Bayfront Park where the trails are paved pedestrian trails. We wouldn't dare have you run on technical trails with a pair of scissors- that would be irresponsible!Race Concept:We like to think that all of our Happy Trails Racing events are a good value based on what you receive in return for your hard-earned money. However, this event will likely give you the best bang for your buck!For our 2025 event, race registration is FREE! Sort of. We are asking each participant to bring a crisp $20 bill to the race to donate to one of the following charities that we work with (you can decide which charity jar you put your $20 bill into):-SickKids Hospital-Hamilton Conservation Authority-Melanoma Canada-Hamilton Out of the ColdEven though there is no cost to register, the number of spaces are very limited based on the leftover race items that we have. Please ensure that you are able to attend and if something changes, let us know right away so that we can put somebody in from the waitlist.Included with your registration, you will get to run a well-marked route, the scenery will be lovely, and the people that you will meet on course will be top-notch. Also, everyone will receive some cool race swag and finishers will earn a medal HOWEVER, here's the catch: The leftovers race is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. In this fun event, participants will be getting the Happy Trails leftovers. You may get the coveted zip-up hoodie from the Beav or you may get a toque from Sticks n' Stones. Maybe you'll get a backpack or duffel bag or a soft-spun t-shirt. The same goes for the finisher medals! "Tradesies" amongst runners is strongly encouraged and we'll make sure that you get something in your size or, at the very least, something without a size.We will also have some leftover stickers and buffs.There will also be some creative awards to be won- and not just for the fastest runners! Costumes, or other fun running outfits, are encouraged.Listen up, this race is FREE (with a donation to charity) so don't expect a lot of the extras that we usually include. We won't be offering our awesome race photos and the event will not be chip-timed (we are going old school with a watch, pen, and paper). We won't even have aid stations- well, maybe one but that's it!. This race definitely will not happen every year. It won't happen next year. Who knows, maybe it won't ever happen again. This is meant to be a really fun year-end race where we get to see you one last time before the winter.<span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span><span class="fr-mk" style="display:none;"> </span>Distances:We're not telling! It's a mystery race. Let's just say that there will be a short distance (6k or less), a medium distance (10-15km) , and something a bit longer (16-25km). You get to decide your race distance when you arrive on race day. Aid Stations:Bring what you need! We will have one aid station but it will only really be of any use to those running the longest distance event. Also, the aid stations will be very basic.Refund Policy:Our refund policy for this event is different than all of our other races...Make sure you can run because there will not be any refunds (there is nothing to refund since it is free!) or deferrals for this event. You can give your bib away if you aren't able to make it but that is your only option.