Sticks n' Stones Trail Race

The Sticks n' Stones Trail Race is a fall event held at Christie Lake Conservation Area in Hamilton, Ontario, organized by Happy Trails Racing. The race is structured around a single 5.3 km loop of Christie Lake, allowing participants to select their total distance by completing multiple laps. Options include a short one-loop race, 10K, 26.5K, a solo 53K, and a 53K relay for teams of up to five runners. This dirt-trail loop is predominantly flat to rolling, non-technical, and runnable, offering a good experience for new trail runners and a fast, contained format for ultrarunners. The loop design simplifies support and spectating, as runners repeatedly return to a central point. Two aid stations are located on each lap, with one at the start-finish area providing drinks, fruit, PB&J, and assorted snacks. The race enforces a cupless policy, requiring runners to bring their own hydration vessel. Race-day kit pickup is at the Beach Pavilion, parking is included with registration, all finishers receive a medal, most distances include a toque, and solo 53K finishers get a hoodie.