The Rugged Raccoon Night Race 2026
- Date Sat 2nd May 2026
- Location St. Marys, ON
- Price $78.50 - $111.18
- Races 4 races
- Distances 10km, Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at The Rugged Raccoon Night Race 2026, taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the picturesque Wildwood Conservation Area in Perth South, Ontario. This thrilling event, sanctioned by Athletics Ontario, offers three exciting race distances: 10 km, 25 km, and 50 km, catering to runners of all experience levels. Whether you prefer the challenge of a night run under the stars or the thrill of daytime racing, this event promises a fun and fast course filled with stunning lake views, twisting trails, and a touch of mud!
The schedule features a variety of start times to suit your pace, with the 25 km night race kicking off at 7:00 PM, just before sunset at 8:20 PM. For those tackling the 50 km challenge, the race begins at 4:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy the course in both daylight and moonlight. With the chance to win a pair of La Sportiva shoes and the support of enthusiastic volunteers at fully stocked aid stations, this event is not just a race but a community celebration of outdoor adventure. Join fellow runners and experience the magic of night running while supporting a great cause, as
The schedule features a variety of start times to suit your pace, with the 25 km night race kicking off at 7:00 PM, just before sunset at 8:20 PM. For those tackling the 50 km challenge, the race begins at 4:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy the course in both daylight and moonlight. With the chance to win a pair of La Sportiva shoes and the support of enthusiastic volunteers at fully stocked aid stations, this event is not just a race but a community celebration of outdoor adventure. Join fellow runners and experience the magic of night running while supporting a great cause, as
Organiser's Description
This event is Sanctioned by Athletics Ontario
We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with La Sportiva for all of our events this year. Not only will La Sportiva be at our races with their demo fleet of shoes to try but they will also be giving away 2 pairs of shoes at every event!The Rugged Raccoon Trail Race will be held at Wildwood Conservation Area in St. Mary's, ON, with both day and night options. This is a really great trail and is a lot of fun to run. Although there will likely be mud on the course (there almost always is) and there are plenty of rocks and roots, we consider this to be a very fast and fun course. There really is a little bit of everything and, although there are some climbs, we do not consider this to be a hilly course. There are lots of great lake views and there are plenty of long, winding flat sections where runners can really rip, if they so choose.For those of you who enjoy running in the woods at night, this might just be the event for you! It is also a great opportunity for runners who are training for an upcoming 100km/100 mile race that will require you to run through the night.If you are new to night running, we've got some tips that you might want to consider:1) The brighter your light, the safer it is. A bright light will allow you to see all of the rocks and roots and, as an added benefit, it will most likely help to keep the sasquatches at bay. Everyone knows that bigfoot hates bright lights.2) Animals sound 100x bigger at night so don't be afraid if you think you hear something. A chipmunk frolicking amongst the fallen leaves will sound like a medium-sized dog and a raccoon will sound like a bear. There is nothing to fear on these trails. There certainly is no shortage of wildlife in the Conservation Area, just nothing to worry about. In the past years, participants have seen frogs, snakes, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, a skunk, fox, an owl, and countless deer. 3) Running at night is way more fun with friends. Don't worry, you will not be alone out there. There will be LOTS of other runners with you on the trail and we will have "sweeps" on the course making sure that nobody gets left behind.Race Schedule:Saturday, May 2, 2026:3:00pm - 25 km day race start4:00pm - 50 km race start. Everyone must be off of the course by 10:30pm. If you require more than 6.5hrs to complete the course (which many participants will), we will be offering an early start option at 2:00pm. If you need more than 8.5hrs to complete the course, we can start you earlier- no problem! You do not need to register for the early start; just show up ready to run!7:00pm - 25km night race start (sunset is at 8:20pm on May 2nd). Everyone must be off of the course by 10:30pm. If you require more than 3.5hrs to complete the course (which many will), we will be offering an early start option, which will start at 5:30pm. Walkers are welcome but will need to start at 5:30pm or earlier. You do not need to register for the early start; just show up ready to run! 8:30pm - 10 km run start (cut-off time is 10:30pm- walkers are welcome).
Race Details:There will be 3 distance options to choose from: 10k, 25k, and 50k- The 10k course is an out-and-back. Runners will start and finish in the dark. This will be on the new route that we started to use in 2023.Click here for the 10km GPX File.- The 25k night race will start at 7:00pm, which is 1.5 hrs before sunset. This will allow you to have the opportunity to get into your trail running groove before it gets completely dark. Sunset happens at 8:20pm on race day. The time cutoff is 10:30pm. If you need more than 3.5 hrs to complete the 25km race, we are offering an early start option, which will start at 5:30pm. Participants that start early, will count as official finishers but will not be eligible for podium prizing. Click here for the 25km GPX File.- The 50k race is now in it's third year. Runners will start at 4:00pm and get to complete at least 1 loop in the light. The sun will start setting around 8:20pm so anyone who can run the course in under 4.5 hrs will finish in the light. The 50km course is a double loop of the 25k course (which, is actually more like 24k so the 50k race is more like 48k. A nice change from some of our other courses that run a bit long!)Everybody running at night will be required to have a headlamp or flashlight (minimum of 100 lumens but 200 lumens or more is recommended) for this race, regardless of the distance you are racing (headlamp is strongly encouraged over a flashlight).
As this race takes place in early-May, runners should be expecting some mud - usually there is plenty! We can't guarantee it but we're pretty sure there will be some sloppy sections. If that worries you...GOOD! We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone - that's when the magic happens! Plan on getting dirty and bring a bag to put your muddy shoes in after the race.
Check out the following video from our 2022 event:<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><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><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><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>Aid Stations:There will be 4 full aid stations on the course. They will be at 4.5k, 10k, 15k, and 20k. Each will be fully stocked with great stuff and awesome volunteers. The 25k runners will hit each aid station once. The 10k runners will hit one aid station at the turn around.Runners can expect the usual ultra staples- water, an electrolyte drink, PB & J, sweet and salty snacks.Please note that all Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less so you will need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid stations.Race Inclusions:Runners will get a cool shirt, a teeny tiny race bib that you don't have to cut or fold, some other race goodies, chip timing from Chip Time Results, and a very cool race medal. Runners will have the option to choose either a Unisex Shirt or a Women's Cut Shirt during the registration process. The title "Women's Cut" is the actual name of the cut. Any person is welcome to choose whichever option they wish. Please note, the women's cut shirts do tend to fit a bit small so you may want to size up.Camping at Wildwood:Do you want to keep the good times rollin' after the race?Camping is available at Wildwood. We will have a group camping site, which you can book through the park. Unwind by a campfire after the race!Our Race Charity:This race is in support of 'Ontario Nature'. Their Nature Guardians Youth Program supports youth and teens who are leading conservation initiatives such as:Offering hands-on opportunities for meaningful engagement and community involvement through outdoor events and campaignsDeveloping the knowledge, tools and networks youth need to create lasting, positive change through conservation actionProviding insight on volunteer, education and career opportunities to help youth grow the skills, experience, and confidence needed to make a differenceRefund Policy:Happy Trails Racing has a great policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty up to 5 days before the race. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out.Also, please note that we don't have waitlists. If spots open up they will be available on Race Roster so check back occasionally.
We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with La Sportiva for all of our events this year. Not only will La Sportiva be at our races with their demo fleet of shoes to try but they will also be giving away 2 pairs of shoes at every event!The Rugged Raccoon Trail Race will be held at Wildwood Conservation Area in St. Mary's, ON, with both day and night options. This is a really great trail and is a lot of fun to run. Although there will likely be mud on the course (there almost always is) and there are plenty of rocks and roots, we consider this to be a very fast and fun course. There really is a little bit of everything and, although there are some climbs, we do not consider this to be a hilly course. There are lots of great lake views and there are plenty of long, winding flat sections where runners can really rip, if they so choose.For those of you who enjoy running in the woods at night, this might just be the event for you! It is also a great opportunity for runners who are training for an upcoming 100km/100 mile race that will require you to run through the night.If you are new to night running, we've got some tips that you might want to consider:1) The brighter your light, the safer it is. A bright light will allow you to see all of the rocks and roots and, as an added benefit, it will most likely help to keep the sasquatches at bay. Everyone knows that bigfoot hates bright lights.2) Animals sound 100x bigger at night so don't be afraid if you think you hear something. A chipmunk frolicking amongst the fallen leaves will sound like a medium-sized dog and a raccoon will sound like a bear. There is nothing to fear on these trails. There certainly is no shortage of wildlife in the Conservation Area, just nothing to worry about. In the past years, participants have seen frogs, snakes, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, a skunk, fox, an owl, and countless deer. 3) Running at night is way more fun with friends. Don't worry, you will not be alone out there. There will be LOTS of other runners with you on the trail and we will have "sweeps" on the course making sure that nobody gets left behind.Race Schedule:Saturday, May 2, 2026:3:00pm - 25 km day race start4:00pm - 50 km race start. Everyone must be off of the course by 10:30pm. If you require more than 6.5hrs to complete the course (which many participants will), we will be offering an early start option at 2:00pm. If you need more than 8.5hrs to complete the course, we can start you earlier- no problem! You do not need to register for the early start; just show up ready to run!7:00pm - 25km night race start (sunset is at 8:20pm on May 2nd). Everyone must be off of the course by 10:30pm. If you require more than 3.5hrs to complete the course (which many will), we will be offering an early start option, which will start at 5:30pm. Walkers are welcome but will need to start at 5:30pm or earlier. You do not need to register for the early start; just show up ready to run! 8:30pm - 10 km run start (cut-off time is 10:30pm- walkers are welcome).
Race Details:There will be 3 distance options to choose from: 10k, 25k, and 50k- The 10k course is an out-and-back. Runners will start and finish in the dark. This will be on the new route that we started to use in 2023.Click here for the 10km GPX File.- The 25k night race will start at 7:00pm, which is 1.5 hrs before sunset. This will allow you to have the opportunity to get into your trail running groove before it gets completely dark. Sunset happens at 8:20pm on race day. The time cutoff is 10:30pm. If you need more than 3.5 hrs to complete the 25km race, we are offering an early start option, which will start at 5:30pm. Participants that start early, will count as official finishers but will not be eligible for podium prizing. Click here for the 25km GPX File.- The 50k race is now in it's third year. Runners will start at 4:00pm and get to complete at least 1 loop in the light. The sun will start setting around 8:20pm so anyone who can run the course in under 4.5 hrs will finish in the light. The 50km course is a double loop of the 25k course (which, is actually more like 24k so the 50k race is more like 48k. A nice change from some of our other courses that run a bit long!)Everybody running at night will be required to have a headlamp or flashlight (minimum of 100 lumens but 200 lumens or more is recommended) for this race, regardless of the distance you are racing (headlamp is strongly encouraged over a flashlight).
As this race takes place in early-May, runners should be expecting some mud - usually there is plenty! We can't guarantee it but we're pretty sure there will be some sloppy sections. If that worries you...GOOD! We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone - that's when the magic happens! Plan on getting dirty and bring a bag to put your muddy shoes in after the race.
Check out the following video from our 2022 event:<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><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><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><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>Aid Stations:There will be 4 full aid stations on the course. They will be at 4.5k, 10k, 15k, and 20k. Each will be fully stocked with great stuff and awesome volunteers. The 25k runners will hit each aid station once. The 10k runners will hit one aid station at the turn around.Runners can expect the usual ultra staples- water, an electrolyte drink, PB & J, sweet and salty snacks.Please note that all Happy Trails Racing events are cup-less so you will need to have a collapsible cup or bottle to fill at the aid stations.Race Inclusions:Runners will get a cool shirt, a teeny tiny race bib that you don't have to cut or fold, some other race goodies, chip timing from Chip Time Results, and a very cool race medal. Runners will have the option to choose either a Unisex Shirt or a Women's Cut Shirt during the registration process. The title "Women's Cut" is the actual name of the cut. Any person is welcome to choose whichever option they wish. Please note, the women's cut shirts do tend to fit a bit small so you may want to size up.Camping at Wildwood:Do you want to keep the good times rollin' after the race?Camping is available at Wildwood. We will have a group camping site, which you can book through the park. Unwind by a campfire after the race!Our Race Charity:This race is in support of 'Ontario Nature'. Their Nature Guardians Youth Program supports youth and teens who are leading conservation initiatives such as:Offering hands-on opportunities for meaningful engagement and community involvement through outdoor events and campaignsDeveloping the knowledge, tools and networks youth need to create lasting, positive change through conservation actionProviding insight on volunteer, education and career opportunities to help youth grow the skills, experience, and confidence needed to make a differenceRefund Policy:Happy Trails Racing has a great policy regarding race refunds/transfers: register with confidence knowing that you can take advantage of our early bird pricing and, if you need to back out, you can do so up to 30 days before the race with a 100% race credit that can go towards any future Happy Trails event. It doesn't expire. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate cancellations within 30 days of the race. However, participants are welcome to transfer their bib to someone else without any penalty up to 5 days before the race. Please keep in mind that everything we need to order to have you at our race is done so at least 30 days out.Also, please note that we don't have waitlists. If spots open up they will be available on Race Roster so check back occasionally.
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Location
Wildwood Conservation Area, Line 9, Saint Marys, ON, Canada
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The Rugged Raccoon Night Race 2026