Sulphur Springs Trail Race
Some races become traditions. Others become legends.
Since 1992, the
Sulphur Springs Trail Race has welcomed runners to the beautiful trails of Ontario's Niagara Escarpment, growing into
Canada's oldest continuously running ultramarathon. Hosted by the Burlington Runners Club, this iconic race combines a challenging trail course, an unforgettable community atmosphere, and distances ranging from a beginner-friendly 10K to a demanding 100-mile adventure.
Whether you're chasing your first trail finish, building toward your first ultramarathon, or pursuing a Western States qualifying performance, Sulphur Springs delivers one of Canada's premier trail running weekends.
Course Description
The race takes place on a thoughtfully designed system of 10K and 20K loops through the scenic Dundas Valley Conservation Area. Longer distances are completed by repeating these loops, allowing runners to become familiar with the terrain while making it easy to reconnect with crews, pacers, and fellow competitors throughout the day.
- 10K = one 10K loop
- 20K = one 20K loop
- 50K = one 10K loop plus two 20K loops
- 100K = five 20K loops
- 100 Miles = eight 20K loops
- Relay teams complete one 20K loop per registered runner.
The course offers an outstanding variety of terrain, including smooth groomed trails, flowing double track, moderately technical singletrack, rolling runnable sections, and short but punchy climbs and descents. Throughout the race you'll wind beneath the Carolinian forest canopy, cross bubbling streams, pass natural springs, and traverse the rugged beauty of the Niagara Escarpment.
Each 20K loop features more than 500 metres of elevation gain, creating a course that rewards smart pacing and consistent effort rather than pure speed. The repeated loop format allows runners to settle into a rhythm while experiencing changing conditions from daylight through the overnight hours in the longer races.
Aid Stations & Support
One of the biggest advantages of the Sulphur Springs Trail Race is its exceptional runner support. The looped course keeps you close to the start/finish area throughout the race, making it easy for crews to provide encouragement and helping runners stay connected with family and friends.
Each 20K loop features four fully stocked aid stations offering hydration, nutrition, and friendly volunteers ready to keep you moving. During the overnight hours, runners in the longer distances can also expect hot food in addition to classic ultramarathon favorites such as fruit, potatoes, chips, cookies, gummies, soup, and hydration drink options.
Sulphur Springs is a cup-free event, so every runner should carry a reusable cup, bottle, or hydration system. Portable toilets are available at aid stations and the start/finish area, allowing runners to stay comfortable throughout their race.
Runner Experience
For more than three decades, the Sulphur Springs Trail Race has earned its reputation as one of Canada's premier trail running events by combining a challenging course with an incredibly welcoming community. Whether you're lining up for your first trail race or returning to chase a personal best, you'll find an atmosphere built on encouragement, camaraderie, and a shared love of the trails.
The looped course creates a unique race-day experience. You'll see fellow runners throughout the event, pass through a lively start/finish area multiple times, and have regular access to your crew without the logistical challenges of a point-to-point race. It's an ideal format for first-time ultrarunners while still providing a true endurance test for seasoned athletes.
As an Athletics Ontario sanctioned event, runner safety and event organization remain a top priority. Combined with the stunning scenery of the Niagara Escarpment and the long-standing tradition of the Burlington Runners Club, it's easy to see why so many runners make Sulphur Springs an annual destination race.
Western States Qualifier
The Sulphur Springs Trail Race is proud to be a Western States Endurance Run qualifying race, giving runners the opportunity to earn a coveted lottery ticket for one of trail running's most iconic events.
To earn a Western States lottery ticket at Sulphur Springs, runners must achieve one of the following qualifying performances:
- Finish the 100K in under 18 hours.
- Finish the 100 Mile in under 30 hours.
Qualification standards and the lottery process are administered by the Western States Endurance Run and may change from year to year. Runners planning to use Sulphur Springs as their qualifier should review the current Western States lottery requirements before race weekend.
Practical Details
- Location: Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Jerseyville (Hamilton), Ontario, Canada.
- Course Format: 10K and 20K loop courses, with longer distances completed by repeating the loops.
- Terrain: Groomed trails, flowing double track, moderately technical singletrack, rolling hills, and steep climbs and descents.
- Distances: 10K, 20K, 50K, 50 Mile, 100K, 100 Mile, 50 Mile Night Relay, and 100 Mile Team Relay.
- Sanctioning: Athletics Ontario sanctioned.
- History: Hosted by the Burlington Runners Club since 1992, making Sulphur Springs Canada's oldest ultramarathon.
- Travel: Toronto Pearson International Airport is the nearest major airport, approximately one hour by car from the race venue.
- Course Maps: Official course maps and GPX files are available through the race website.
Burlington Runners Club
The Sulphur Springs Trail Race is presented by the Burlington Runners Club, a nonprofit running organization that has been promoting road and trail running in the Hamilton and Burlington area for more than 50 years. Since its inaugural event in 1992, the club has grown Sulphur Springs into Canada's oldest ultramarathon and one of the country's premier trail running events.
Race operations are managed in partnership with Straw Dog Racing, with Mauro Campanelli and Steve Connor serving as the race management team. Together, they are committed to delivering a safe, professionally organized, and memorable race experience while preserving the welcoming community atmosphere that has made Sulphur Springs a favorite destination for trail runners across North America.
Event's current local time: 4:36 AM ET
