LOOKING TO QUALIFY FOR MARATHON MAJOR RACES IN AN ONTARIO RACE?
For more information on how to qualify for one of the Marathon Majors events here in Ontario, visit the Abbott World Marathon Majors page.
Looking for an Athletics Canada Certified Course? Visit the Athletics Canada Certified Course page.
SANCTIONED RUNNING EVENTS
Athletics Ontario promotes road and trail running, and provides runners of all ages and abilities the opportunity to achieve personal excellence through programs and services founded on the principles of safety and fair play. All AO Sanctioned races will display this logo and are also listed on our Road & Trail Race Calendar. Events bearing this logo agree to abide by AO Sanction Criteria ensuring the highest safety standards for participants. Should you participate in a race where you feel safety conditions were breached, please contact Sheryl Preston and / or complete the Participant Feedback Survey.
PLEASE NOTE: Sanctioning differs from Course Certification:
Athletics Ontario Sanctioning is concerned with risk management and the safety of an event. Sanctioning is valid for one year and is subject to yearly review and re-application.
Athletics Canada Course Certification ensures that a course has been accurately measured in accordance with international standards*. A Course Certification is valid for 10 years (5 years for IAAF/AIMS certifications), or until the course changes.
*The Athletics Canada Course Certification ensures the races are measured accurately. A list of these races can be found by visiting the Athletics Canada Certified Courses List.
ao running ambassadors
Athletics Ontario’s Road & Trail Running Division is proud to announce this year’s roster of AO Running Ambassadors! The 2025-2026 cohort reflects the strength, diversity and growth of road and trail running in Ontario. These 12 dynamic community leaders will serve with passion and positivity, inspiring fellow runners and motivating aspiring athletes to lace up and get moving. Through meaningfully engaging their communities, providing valuable insights, and sharing their own journeys, our ambassadors continue AO’s mission of making running safe, fun and accessible for all in Ontario!
THE ATHLETICS ONTARIO
RUNNING PODCAST
The Athletics Ontario Running Podcast (formerly the Trillium Running Podcast) explores the stories behind the run. Host John Shep interviews athletes, coaches, race directors, volunteers, experts, community leaders and key influencers to share their stories and knowledge with our community.
Our goal is to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire; to platform the voices of underrepresented members in our community; and to bring these stories to you. All people, all speeds, all terrains, all abilities are welcome. For You. For All. For LIFE.
RUNNERS
AC COMMUNITY ROAD & TRAIL MEMBERSHIP INFO
The Athletics Canada Community Road & Trail Membership is aimed at runners of all abilities. For only $15 per year members enjoy numerous exclusive benefits; plus, the majority of proceeds go back to support our sport in Ontario!
*The AC Community Road and Trail membership does not qualify for record performances nor permit access to compete for your clubs at our sanctioned track and cross country events or for rankings. However, you are always welcome to upgrade your membership anytime should you wish to dip your toes into the track or cross country field, or aim to set an official record!
2025 ao provincial 5k championsHIPS
Athletics Ontario is proud to announce that the 2025 Provincial 5K Championships presented by Marsquest will take place on Saturday, October 18th as part of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend! After a long hiatus, the Athletics Ontario Provincial Road Championships are returning in 2025, and we want to see YOU there!
The AO Provincial 5K Championships will take place concurrently with the Toronto Waterfront Marathon 5K, traversing the streets of downtown Toronto on a fast, flat course. All Ontario residents registered in the 5km will be included in the Championship results, and eligible for overall and age group prizing. AO Members are entitled to a discount code when registering for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon 5K / Provincial 5K Championships, plus dozens of other promo codes for Ontario road and trail races throughout the year! Not yet a member? You can register for the AC Community Road and Trail Membership for only $15 annually!
All abilities and paces are welcome and celebrated! Prizing courtesy of the AO Provincial 5K Championships presenting sponsor Marsquest will be awarded to the top 3 overall, and the winner of each age group.
Be sure to visit the Athletics Ontario booth at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo for exciting contests and prizes! Stay tuned for details here, and on our Athletics Ontario Running Instagram account.
GET SOCIAL
Athletics Ontario is on Strava! Our Strava group is an open club for any Road / Trail runners and walkers in Ontario; you do not have to be an Athletics Ontario member to join!
Compare and track your training or time trials against other members of the road & trail community across the province using the weekly leaderboard. Join our Strava club and connect with thousands of other Ontarians through the sport we all love!
Also follow our Athletics Ontario Running Instagram account which is our new dedicated road & trail running resource!
