race Overview
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Hustle Distances: 12.5K, 25K, 50K + 50K Relay (teams of 2-4)
The Hustle at Pinehurst brings a legendary course back to life.
Set in the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area just north of Paris, Ontario, this race revives the iconic Run for the Toad course, once the largest trail race in Canada, and reimagines it with a fresh experience that keeps everything we loved about the trails themselves.
Runners will take on a 12.5K loop that winds through forested singletrack, traces the edge of Pinehurst Lake, and rolls through open meadows. The trail keeps things interesting with twists, turns, and a few honest climbs that get the heart pumping and signal you’re close to the end of the loop.
Whether you’re lining up for one loop or settling in for a longer day, The Hustle is designed to be a must-do event for trail runners in southwestern Ontario and is built for all runners, as an approachable, challenging in the right ways race-course, that is rooted with real history.
This race is for runners who love good trails and a little effort. Whether it’s your first trail race, a chance to settle into a familiar loop, or a tune-up for longer goals. The Hustle offers honest, runnable trails with just enough twists and climbs to keep things interesting.
If you like forests, flowy singletrack, and a course that invites you back for another loop, this one’s for you.
Come for one loop.
Stay for a few.
Find your hustle.
Introducing the FREE 2026 New Balance 'The Hustle at Pinehurst' Finisher Backpack! All finishers will get theirs at the finish line, no matter your race distance. With an MSRP of $120, this incredible backpack will be the start of something fun. Customize yours by visiting the New Balance tent after the race for your distance specific patch to affix to your backpack.
What else is in the Year One Race Kit for The Hustle?
PLUS!! New Balance Hustle Gear! This high quality NB gear has been pre-ordered in limited quantities, so order quickly! BONUS: FREE Finisher heat transfers! If you pre-order a Hustle Hoodie or T-shirt, the New Balance team will heat transfer your Finisher distance onto your hoodie or T-shirt for Free at the finish line! Just visit the team at the finish line New Balance tent.
You can order your NB Hustle gear on the products page of the Race Roster Registration.!
Course Details
This is a loop you’ll want to come back to.
A 12.5K circuit that winds through the Carolinian Forest, wraps around Pinehurst Lake, and rolls gently through open meadows that feel like they were made for running. About 70% of the course is fully natural trail, with just enough firm footing mixed in to keep things flowing. Nothing extreme. Nothing fussy. Just honest trail underfoot, a few roots to keep you paying attention, and long stretches where you can settle into a rhythm and enjoy where you are.
Pinehurst Lake is a bit of a quiet show-off. A nine-hectare kettle lake formed by a single chunk of ice left behind by a glacier, it’s calm, clear, and always nearby. You’ll circle it more than once, which feels less like repetition and more like checking in with an old friend as the day goes on.
And just when you start feeling a little too comfortable, the course serves up a few friendly climbs to get the heart pumping. They’re not long, but they’re honest, and they’re your cue that the end of the loop is close.
Crest the climb, settle back in, and hustle it home.
This isn’t a course that’s trying to intimidate you. It’s inviting you out for a good run, a few loops, and maybe a little hustle.
Paying Homage to the Past.
The Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area was home to the Run for the Toad for 19 years. A trail race that was more of an experience than most other Ontario trail races, because it was organized and executed with love by George and Peggy Sarson. With proceeds from prior events, the Straw Dog Racing Team have donated funds to create a bench on the Conservation Area Grounds, recognizing the contributions made by this incredible couple, and their team. We hope you find a moment to rest here, and reflect on what more you could be doing for your local runners and community.
Elevation: 233 Meters per 12.5K loop
Course Map
You can download a GPX file of the 12.5K loop below
Schedule
Date: October 4, 2026
Distances: 12.5K, 25K, 50K + 50K Team Relay (up to 4 runners @ 12.5K each)
Location: Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, Pinehurst Road, Ayr, ON, Canada
Start Times:
8:15 am - 50K Solo Race
8:15 am - 50K Team Relay (first runner)
8:30 am - 25K Solo Race
9:00 am - 12.5K Solo Race
Race Day Timeline:
Park Gates open at 6:30 am
On-site race kit pickup 6:45 am - 7:45 am
Coastal Coffee Trailer open for coffee sales at 7:00 am
National Anthem - 8:10 am
Awards: Due to the highly variable finish times, 1st-3rd Place runners in female, male and non-binary genders for all three race distances, PLUS the first place relay team, will be awarded their prizes as they cross the finish line.
Grilled Gold Eats Food Truck serving Finisher Foods open at 10:30 am
All runners must begin Lap 4 by 3:00 pm
Race course closes at 6:00 pm
New Balance Training Runs: Follow us on social media to get updates on these runs!
The Team from New Balance are planning 4 training runs to get you ready for The Hustle.
These training runs will be hosted by New Balance, guided by local trail guides, and will be complete with Trail Shoe Demos with the New Balance Hierro V9, draw prizes, as well as food and refreshments. Eventbrite registration pages will be available soon. Target Locations:
East GTA - Durham Area TBD
Central Toronto with the Toronto Trail Runners - TBD
West GTA - Hamilton Area TBD
Course Preview at Pinehurst - Fingers crossed - TBD
Details
Race Fees
Lead-Pack pricing starts NOW, and these discounted prices will ONLY be here until June 15th at midnight. Prices will increase to Trail-Pack pricing on June 16th, 2026 until October 3rd, 2026 or a sell-out of bibs!
Race Kit Pickup
Race kits PLEASE pick up in advance.
Race Week: Pickup at select Shoe stores. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Times and Locations to be announced.
Sunday, October 4: Race-kit pickup from 6:45 - 7:45 am ONLY! On-site at Pinehurst Lake
Please have your Race Roster electronic proof of registration ready at kit pickup. Start & Finish Area
The start and finish line will be located near the White Oaks Pavilion at Pinehurst Conservation Area; look for the giant arch!
Skratch Aid Stations
There are 3 on-course Aid Stations plus more food and hydration at the start/finish area of each loop. Skratch Labs Hydration (lemon lime) will be served on-course.
Relay Team Exchange Area
50K Relay runners will start their day with the 50K solo runners, with a special ankle chip timer that is given to each successive runner in the relay team exchange area near the start/finish line.
On-site Food:
The Coastal Coffee Trailer will be on-site selling coffee and hot drinks all day.
Core Cravings will be on-site with their incredible 16g of Protein functional cookies for sale all day as well.
Grilled Gold Eats Food Truck will be open to serve The Hustle Finisher food, starting at 10:30 am. All Finishers will be given a meal voucher to grab a meal from the Food Truck to enjoy. The Food Truck will also offer food for sale to non-participants. Food Truck menu will be announced in the coming months. Medical Support & Facilities
We will work closely with a third-party paramedical service on-site throughout the day to provide medical support as needed. Porta potties will be available near the start and finish area, and runners will have access to coin operated showers on site. If you’re feeling bold, Pinehurst Lake is also there for a refreshing post run dip.
Recov Well Recovery Zone
Join the team from Recov Well - a Canadian wellness company - as they offer you demonstrations on their great recovery products including the very popular chilled Recov Sleeve. Recov Sleeves are custom fit and our podium athletes will enjoy one fit to their needs as a sponsor prize from Recov Well.
Parking On-site parking is available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, but space is limited. We strongly encourage carpooling where possible. It’s better for the trails, better for your stress levels, and a great way to start the day with friends. Thanks for helping us keep things simple and smooth on race day. Bag Check There will be NO bag check available at the start and finish area. We recommend leaving personal bags and valuables in your vehicle for safekeeping. Please plan accordingly and only bring what you need to the start line. Cup-Free Event In our effort to reduce waste, The Hustle will be cup-free. Please bring your own cup or hydration system for fluids at aid stations and the finish line. Poles Hiking, trekking, or running poles are not part of this race. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to the race directors and we’ll figure it out together.
Race-Day Photography:
We have partnered with Sue Sitki Photography to bring you FREE downloadable race day High-Res digital images to make sure your memories can be shared. Course Rules & Courtesy
Strollers and pets are not permitted on the race course. Pets are welcome elsewhere in the park but must be kept on leash at all times.
Headphones and music are allowed at a low volume so you can hear your surroundings. Please keep music to yourself, as some runners prefer a quiet, mindful run.
There will be plenty of places to dispose of your trash, please no littering in the park - this could be grounds for disqualification from the race.
Thank you for helping create a safe and enjoyable day on the trails for everyone.
Time Cut-Offs There are two cut-offs in place to keep the day running smoothly and safely. All participants must begin their final loop by 3:00 PM in order to complete the course before the 6:00 PM course close.
Runners Guide for the Hustle at Pinehurst.
If you still have unanswered questions about the Hustle at Pinehurst, please refer to the 2026 Runner's Guide HERE
Aid Stations
There will be three aid stations on course plus one at the start and finish area to keep you fueled and moving through the day. Aid station placement is approximate:
Aid Station #1 - 4.5K
Aid Station #2 - 6K
Aid Station #3 - 9K
Aid Station #4 - 12.5K - Start/Finish area.
Aid stations will be stocked with a mix of sweet, salty, and familiar favourites, including water, Skratch Lemon-Lime, Coke, ginger ale, chips, candy, and cookies. We’ll do our best to keep things well supplied, but runners should plan to carry what they need between stations. We cannot guarantee that our on-course foods are allergen free for all athletes, please plan accordingly.
Please remember this is a cup free race, so be sure to bring your own cup or hydration system.
Register
All Finishers will receive:
Entry to the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area for the day
Discounted price for The Hustle New Balance Hoodie Built for The Hustle by New Balance Pre-order a New Balance ‘The Hustle’ Hoodie, and we will have it at race day for you!
FREE Race Decal and Race Bib
Professional Chip Timing from Chip Time Results
FREE runOn anti-chafing sample tin
FREE Voucher for Degree Anti-perspirant
FREE The Hustle collapsible cup for this and future trail runs
FREE The Hustle running Buff
FREE The Hustle at Pinehurst New Balance Finisher backpack
FREE Race distance patch for your backpack - visit the NB tent after your finish
FREE Food truck Finisher meal voucher for all participants
FREE Downloadable Race Day High-Res digital images from Sue Sitki Photography
Finishers will also receive a cool Year One Race medal.
Course records are up for grabs, too!
Accomodations
There are several lodging options available in the area for runners traveling in from out of town. Nearby towns like Paris and Cambridge offer a range of hotels and places to stay, including options like The Laundry Rooms and The Arlington Hotel, both within easy driving distance of Pinehurst.
For those who prefer to stay closer to the trail, camping is available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. Camping can be booked directly through the Grand River Conservation Authority and is a great option if you want to make a full weekend of it and wake up right where the running happens.
We recommend booking early, especially during race season.
Results + awards
We will be using professional chip timing to record each loop as you pass through The Hustle’s start and finish area. Every lap counts, and your times will be tracked automatically as you roll through.
Your timing chip is attached to the back of your bib and is disposable after the race. Please don’t fold or crease your bib, as this can damage the chip and affect your results. Bibs should be worn on the front of your body and be visible at all times so everything records smoothly. Relay team members will swap an ankle timing chip between runners to get individual splits, plus a total team time.
Official race results will be posted by Chip Time Results.
Awards
This being the inaugural running of The HUSTLE, new course records will be set across every distance. We’re excited to celebrate the first runners to leave their mark on this course. We’ll be celebrating the top finishers across each distance. The top three Female, Male, and Non-Binary runners in each race distance will receive special awards; including New Balance Trail Shoes! The First place relay team, will also receive a team award.
For the 12.5K, 25K, and 50K, first, second, and third-place awards will be presented as athletes cross the finish line.
Stick around, cheer loudly, and help us celebrate a great day on the trails and the first names to go in the books. Other great prizes from NATHAN, runOn, Recov Sleeve, Core Cravings and Coastal Coffee will also be given away to our podium finishers.
Sponsors
We’re grateful for the partners who help make this event possible. Their support allows us to focus on what matters most: good trails, good people, and a great day out there.
FAQ
Is there parking on site?
Yes. On site parking is available at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, but space is limited. We strongly encourage carpooling where possible.
Can I listen to music?
Yes. Headphones and music are allowed, as long as the volume is low enough for you to hear your surroundings. Please keep music to yourself, as some runners prefer a quiet and mindful run.
Is this race cup free?
Yes. The Hustle is a cup free race. Please bring your own cup or hydration system for aid stations and the finish area.
Will there be a bag check?
No. There is no bag check available at the start and finish area. We recommend leaving personal bags and valuables in your vehicle.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The Hustle will take place rain or shine. Trail running means embracing the conditions, but if severe weather or unsafe conditions arise, the race directors may delay, modify, or cancel the event for runner safety. Any updates will be communicated as clearly and early as possible.
Are refunds, transfers or deferrals available?
Registrations are non refundable and non-deferrable. If you’re unable to attend, we appreciate your understanding as race costs are incurred well in advance. Transfers between runners can happen up until September 15th. There is a $15 admin fee for transfers.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted on the race course. Pets are welcome elsewhere in the park but must be kept on leash at all times.
Still have questions?
If you’re unsure about something or need clarification, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help. Email us at strawdogracing@gmail.com