BackRoads Running Series
The BackRoads Running Series offers a wide range of fun, inclusive, and unique events designed for runners of all abilities. From scenic destination runs that start and finish at different locations, to team relays, festive runs, and our fan-favourite 800m track festival, there’s truly something for everyone.
In addition, we proudly support local charities through many of our events, giving participants the chance to make a positive impact while doing what they love. And of course, every event ends with a celebration—no matter where the run takes us!
Move Her Mind on International Women's Day: Saturday, March 8th
This International Women’s Day, BackRoads London and ASICS Canada are coming together to break barriers for girls and women participating in sport. Join us on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, for BackRoads' inaugural International Women's Day Walk/Run—an event open to everyone who champions women in sport.
Demo a pair of ASICS running shoes over distance options that range from 2km - 10km, and your entry includes a donation to Canadian Women in Sport. After the walk/run, we'll celebrate in the taproom, and hear from 5 powerful women during our speaker panel with your chance to win ASICS prize packs and an entry to the Forest City Road Races.
March Melee Relay: Saturday March 22nd
Join us on Saturday, March 22nd for the kickoff of our 3-part run series, the HOKA Hat Trick Series!
Take part in all three of our “Presented by HOKA” running series events for your chance to win a complete head-to-toe HOKA racing kit, including a brand new pair of HOKA shoes! This unique legacy-style relay offers a fun and exciting race through the West5 community.
Forming a team of three runners, each participant will run approximately 10km. Your team registration includes a donation to Right to Play Canada, along with your first beverage and post-run snacks in the taproom.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to challenge yourself, give back, and have a blast with your teammates!
Spring Run to London Brewing Co-op: Saturday, April 12th
Welcome to the Spring edition 🌸 of the Run to London Brewing co-op from BackRoads! Join us on Saturday, April 12th for a run filled with great vibes, amazing people, and social energy down at the Brewery! 🍻
We've got distance options for EVERYONE, including a 5km (starting and finishing at London Brewing), 11km route (starting at Story Book Gardens), 15km, 19km, and 26.2km routes that all start from BackRoads Brews + Shoes!
Finish the run with a BackRoads x London Brewing collaboration beer, food from a local vendor, and an amazing finish area hangout with your London running friends.
Run to Shale Ridge: Sunday, June 1st
The popular Run from the Backroads Hops Farm to Shale Ridge Estate Winery and Cidery is back! Choose between a 14km run from the Hops Farm to Shale Ridge, or a 5km route that starts and finishes at the winery. This annual classic is a ticketed event, so keep an eye out for more details and registration soon. After the run, enjoy delicious food at the venue, with wine, craft beer, and fresh local cider to relax and celebrate your achievement. It’s the perfect way to kick back after an exciting day in the great outdoors!
Forest City Road Races: Sunday, June 8th
Join us for the 43rd Annual Canada Life Forest City Road Races! Secure your spot and be part of this incredible London event, all while supporting the Thames Valley Children's Centre. Your registration directly helps provide vital resources and services to over 11,000 children through the TVCC.
BackRoads Brews + Shoes is the proud run specialty partner for the event! We will be hosting lead-up runs and activations at the store in partnership with FCRR, with more details coming soon. You can also find us at our post-race beer garden close to the finish line on race day. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
BackRoads 800m Night: Friday, June 20th
BackRoads is the place to be on Friday, June 20th, for the 2nd event of our HOKA Hat Trick Series! With 4 different race sections to participate in, including the championship section, this is an event for everyone and one you won’t want to miss! Arrive early to demo the latest in running shoe technology from HOKA and get the perfect pair for your race.
Following the event, enjoy the vibes at our beer festival, celebrating an amazing night at the track with hundreds of fellow runners. The 800m Night (2 laps of the track), is a staple event we’ve held since opening our doors in 2017, offers the chance to test your speed at an uncommon distance—and with the price of your beer on the line! The time you run determines the price of your beer for the evening (up to two), so get ready to race and enjoy the rewards.
This exciting evening blends fitness, fun, and great company, making it a perfect night for runners and beer lovers alike. Bring a friend and we'll see you there!
BackRoads Party in the Park: Thursday, July 17th
Our second annual Party in the Parkis back! In collaboration withASICS Canadaand featuring live music from a local musician, join us for an unforgettable evening of running and community inSifton's Legacy Park. We’ll kick things off with a fun, easy-going social run at "party pace," where you'll have the chance to demo the latest ASICS running shoes. After the run, unwind with a lively concert in the park, paired with local craft beer and delicious food. It’s the perfect way to celebrate movement, music, and community in a beautiful outdoor setting!
BackRoads Track Fest: Friday, July 25th
Listen for the BELL LAP!
Get ready for our second annual Summer Track Festival on the evening of Friday, July 25th! We’re trading the roads for the track at Medway High School in Arva for a night of running magic.
Experience the thrill of running 12.5 laps (5K) around the oval , as we put a unique spin on running fast! All paces, abilities, and members of the London running community are welcome to join in, with various heats taking you through the evening. And don’t worry—your little ones won’t miss out! We’ve got races for them too, ranging from 100m, 400m, and 1K.
The Summer Track Fest is a grassroots, unsanctioned event designed to bring our running community together as the sun sets. Use this event as a time trial on Medway HS’s soft-surfaced track, where flat, fast running, cheering on your friends and family, and great times are guaranteed!
Barley’s Broken Rail Relay: Saturday, August 9th
Join us for the 3rd Annual Barley's Broken Rail Relay, where we’ll run from North London to the epic finish line at Broken Rail Brewery in St. Mary’s—Ragnar style!
Grab a team of four friends and get ready for an exciting relay race that combines trails, roads, and plenty of camaraderie. As one teammate runs their leg, the others drive to the next transition point, hydrating, snacking, cranking the tunes, and cheering on your fellow runners.
At the finish, celebrate your accomplishment with a cold beer, delicious food, and great company at the brewery. All proceeds from the event go to Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping families with seriously ill children stay together during tough times. It’s an unforgettable day of running, community, and giving back that you won’t want to miss!
BackRoads Run to Port Stanley: Saturday, August 23rd
Get ready for the annual and always ELECTRIC BackRoads to Port Stanley Beach on Saturday, August 23rd! This fun social run offers distance options for everyone, ranging from 3.5km to 33.6km, all supported by water/fueling stations and bag drops courtesy of our amazing volunteers.
Our classic Port Stanley route remains the same as in previous years—following Colonel Talbot/Sunset Drive straight into Port Stanley, with a right turn at the lift bridge and a scenic finish at the beach! Afterward, stick around for a delicious lunch on GT's Patio.
We’ll have staggered start times based on your desired pace and starting location, with the goal of having everyone finish by 10:45am. Best of all, this run is FREE and open to ALL runners in our community! Don’t miss out on a fantastic morning of running, community, and beachside fun!
Fall Run to London Brewing Co-op: Saturday, September 27th
Welcome to the Fall edition 🍂 of the Run to London Brewing co-op from BackRoads! Join us on Saturday, September 27th for a run filled with great vibes, amazing people, and social energy down at the Brewery! 🍻
We've got distance options for EVERYONE, including a 5km (starting and finishing at London Brewing), 11km route (starting at Story Book Gardens), 15km, 19km, and 26.2km routes that all start from BackRoads Brews + Shoes!
Finish the run with a BackRoads x London Brewing collaboration beer, food from a local vendor, and an amazing finish area hangout with your London running friends.
BackRoads Family Drumstick Dash: Saturday, October 11th
Join us for the inaugural BackRoads Family Drumstick Dash , the grand finale of the HOKA Hat Trick Series, on Saturday, October 13th! This Thanksgiving-inspired event offers both adult and kids races, bringing together families and the community for a fun, meaningful day.
As we march through the neighbourhood, we’ll be supporting the London Food Bank , ensuring that our local community members in need can enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal. This event is about more than just running – it's a chance to give back and come together in the spirit of philanthropy, gratitude, and family.
We invite participants to wear their best Thanksgiving-themed attire as we celebrate this cherished holiday tradition. Whether you're running or walking, it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time with loved ones, embrace the season of giving, and support those in need as we make room for that Thanksgiving feast!
Register your family, come out for a day of fun, movement, and community spirit, and help make this Thanksgiving extra special for those who need it most. We can’t wait to see you there!
Community XC 5K & Kid's 1K @ Athletics Canada Cross Country Championships: November 29/30th
GET READY for an incredible running experience at the 2025 Canadian Cross Country Championships, hosted by Athletics Canada! This is your chance to lace up and run on the same course that Canadian Olympians and emerging high-performance athletes will compete on at Fanshawe Golf Course in London, ON.
Join us for the BackRoads Brews + Shoes Cross Country Classic 5K + Kid's 1K, a true celebration of the running spirit and a race for YOU, the people. This isn’t just a race; it’s a unique opportunity to embrace the thrill of cross country—grass, mud, grit, and an unbeatable sense of community. Be sure to hang around after the race at the official ACXC Fan Fest and enjoy some local food vendors, lounge spaces, and cheer on the other athletes vying for individual and team gold titles! Visit athletics.ca for a full schedule of events.
We'll also host a series of engaging activations, pop-up events, and the official ACXC Athlete Panel, presented by Athletics Canada leading up to the race!
BackRoads Holiday Festive Five: Saturday, December 13th
Get ready to jingle all the way at our annual HOHOHoliday Santa Run! Last year, over 150 festive participants—along with surprise appearances from the Grinch and Gingerbread Man—ran through the West 5 & Riverbend neighbourhood, spreading holiday cheer and a beautiful stop at the McCormick Care Home. We're bringing the holiday magic back in 2025 with a fun-filled run/walk, plus coffee, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats in the taproom afterwards—perfect for kicking off the holiday season and supporting a great cause! Proceeds will benefit the London Food Bank.
