5K races near Kawartha Lakes

Run The Caves is a fall trail race and ultra held at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Warsaw, Ontario, located approximately 25 minutes from Peterborough. The race begins at 289 Caves Road, within a wooded conservation area situated in the Indian River valley. Participants can select from a 1 km kids' run, 5 km and 10 km walk/run options, a 25 km, a 50 km, or a 15 km virtual run. The 25 km and 50 km races also accommodate team or duo entries, making the event suitable for children, walkers, novice trail runners, and those seeking a challenging day on technical terrain. All races are bib and chip timed, with awards presented to the top male and female finishers in each distance category. The course primarily consists of single-track trails winding through old-growth trees, featuring a soft forest floor, rocks, roots, sandy beach sections, open limestone areas, and some gravel roads. Warsaw Caves offers over 20 km of trails, with additional amenities including swimming, fishing, camping, picnic spots, overlooks of the Indian River valley, potholes, kettles, and the unique disappearing river that flows underground. Body and Mind Adventures organizes the race, emphasizing accessibility and supporting a mental-health cause, with a portion of each registration fee donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association. The event is cup-free, encourages environmentally friendly practices, provides handmade medals to all participants, and offers vegetarian chili and buns at the finish line; camping on-site is also available for the weekend.

The Fenelon Falls Turkey Trot Trial Race & Family Fun Run begins and ends at Garnet Graham Beach Park, located on Cameron Lake in Fenelon Falls, Ontario. Taking place on Thanksgiving weekend, it offers participants a few straightforward options: a 1K kids family run/walk, a 5K, a 10K, or a walk. The primary course follows a flat, quick out-and-back path along the Kawartha Rail Trail, predominantly surfaced with gravel and screenings. This event is designed for runners, walkers, children, families, and anyone seeking a relaxed holiday-weekend race. The event also provides support to Women’s Resources.