Straw Dog Racing revives Ontario trail race

Straw Dog Racing revives the classic Run for the Toad trail race as the Hustle at Pinehurst on Oct. 4 at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area near Cambridge. Organizers Stephen Connor and Mauro Campanelli aim to preserve the fast, accessible course and community atmosphere of the original event founded by George and Peggy Sarson. The race will feature 12.5K, 25K, and 50K individual races, plus a 50K relay, with registration prices held at 2019 levels.

Race Distances and Format

The event offers multiple race formats to cater to different experience levels, mirroring the structure of the original Run for the Toad.

Honoring the Legacy

Stephen Connor told Canadian Running that the strong memories of the original race motivated the revival. He said many people have strong memories of that race and the course. The organizing team has remained in close contact with founders George and Peggy Sarson throughout the process. The Sarsons, who retired after organizing the race for 19 years, wanted the Run for the Toad name retired with them. This led to the new event name. A permanent bench installed along the course will serve as a tribute, reading "19 years of Run for the Toad, thanks George and Peggy."

The course itself remains largely unchanged. The conservation area supports maintaining the existing trail network, which has proven it can handle large events like this. More than 1,000 runners participated in the final Run for the Toad in 2019.

Creating a Community Event

Organizers intend to recreate the social atmosphere of the original. The Hustle at Pinehurst will be more than just a race. The day will include food trucks, a meal voucher with registration, a New Balance bag and tent, a recovery zone, and other activities. Connor explained that one of the things they remember about the old race is that it wasn't just a race; it was an event. Their vision is to bring back those unique elements with their own spin. The response from the local running community has been encouraging already. A Waterloo high school cross-country coach, who previously brought his team to Pinehurst for training, plans to return with his athletes. He hopes other schools will join for an interscholastic competition within the race.

A New Chapter for Fall Racing

The inaugural event will allow runners to set the first official course records. The men's 50K race is expected to be particularly competitive, with several New Balance elite runners already signed up for the ultra distance. For the organizers, the focus is on serving the broader Ontario trail-running community. Connor emphasized that the race is not about replacing the past. He noted the goal is to provide a great fall racing opportunity similar to their spring event, Sulphur Springs. Straw Dog Racing, which also organizes the popular Sulphur Springs race, is partnering with New Balance for the Hustle at Pinehurst. The event aims to become a key part of the regional standings for trail and ultra runners.