LOOKING TO QUALIFY FOR A MARATHON MAJOR RACE?
For more information on how to qualify for one of the Marathon Majors at an event in Ontario, visit the Abbott World Marathon Majors page.
Looking for an Athletics Canada Certified Course? Visit the Athletics Canada Certified Course page.
Athletics Ontario Sanctioned Races
Looking for a race? Explore the Athletics Ontario Road & Trail Race Calendar to discover sanctioned events across Ontario.
Athletics Ontario-sanctioned races agree to meet established criteria for event safety and risk management, including requirements related to course management, signage, emergency planning, aid stations, and medical support. When you take part in an Athletics Ontario sanctioned event, you are choosing an event committed to recognized standards for safety and responsible race delivery. Your participation helps support the programs, education, resources and leadership that strengthen running events across Ontario and Canada, creating better race experiences and more opportunities for people to discover running, compete, connect and stay active for life. Every start line helps build the next one.
Look for the AO Sanction logo when registering for your next race. Events bearing this logo agree to abide by AO Sanction Criteria ensuring the highest safety standards for participants.
Have feedback about the safety of a sanctioned event? Contact Athletics Ontario 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 (AC) Course Certification ensures that a course has been accurately measured in accordance with international standards*. Races must now hold a provincial sanction for AC course certification.
*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.
THE ATHLETICS ONTARIO
RUNNING PODCAST
The Athletics Ontario 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.
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!
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 Track & Field / Cross Country 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!
RUNNERS
Whether you're chasing a personal best, preparing for your first race, exploring the trails, or looking to connect with other runners, Athletics Ontario Running is here to support you. Discover sanctioned races, explore membership benefits, find running resources, and connect with Ontario's road and trail running community.
2026 Ontario 5k championsHIPS
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Ontario 5K Championships on Saturday, October 17, as part of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend, in partnership with Canada Running Series
We awarded Athletics Ontario members in the following categories:
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Top 3 overall men
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Top 3 overall women
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Winner of each age group (men and women):
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14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
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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!
