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: Sunday, March 8th
Join us for our second annual International Women’s Day Run & Walk, a morning dedicated to celebrating the women in our lives and supporting an incredible local charity, Girls Forward. We’re proud to once again have ASICS on board as our presenting partner, and even more excited to kick off the BackRoads Running Series for 2026 with an event that truly matters.
This year’s event begins with a couple of local, inspirational women, sharing their stories, experiences, and perspectives before we head out for the walk and run. Participants can choose from multiple walk and run distances, with most routes led by our BackRoads Race Team, - powered by ASICS , alongside local leaders, and familiar faces from the BackRoads community.
Your registration includes:
- A donation to Girls Forward
- A special gift, courtesy of our friends at ASICS
- Exclusive early access to the taproom before the store opens at 9:00am to bask in the atmosphere and hear from our amazing speakers.
Spots are limited, and this event is expected to sell out.
This is more than just miles - it's a celebration of the sound mind, sound body ethos and women everywhere. We can’t wait to see you on March 8th.
Spring Run to London Brewing Co-op: Saturday, April 25th
Welcome to the Spring edition 🌸 of the Run to London Brewing Co-op! Join us on Saturday, April 25th for a FREE, community-driven run full of great energy, friendly faces, and post-run hangs at the brewery 🍻
We’ve built this event to be inclusive and approachable, with distance options for everyone, ranging from 5km-25km!
Aid stations will be available along the routes, stocked to keep you fuelled and moving strong thanks to our friends at Tailwind Nutrition!
At the finish line, celebrate your run with a BackRoads x London Brewing collaboration beer, food from a local vendor, and an inviting finish-area hangout with your London running community.
To kickstart recovery right away, our friends from Sauna Cycle Co. will be on site with their sauna + cold plunge setup, bringing the recovery experience straight to the brewery.
Come for the run, stay for the vibes - See you there!
Run to Shale Ridge: Sunday, May 31st
The popular Run from the Backroads 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.
With a new and improved 5km route this year, you're sure to have the best time running the ridge!
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 7th
Join us for the 44th 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 find us at our post-race beer garden and pop-up store near the finish line all weekend long. We’ll be there on Saturday during packet pickup and again on race day Sunday.
Enjoy live music at the beer garden, so grab a cold one, and celebrate a great race weekend with friends, family, and fellow runners.
BackRoads 800m Night: Kitchener - Date TBD London - Friday, June 19th
BackRoads is the place to be for HOKA 800m night!
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 - complete with a DJ and food trucks - celebrating an amazing night at the track with hundreds of fellow runners.
800m Night (2 laps of the track), is a staple event we’ve held since opening our doors in 2017. It 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! See you on the track!
BackRoads Track Fest: Friday, July 10th
Get ready for our third annual Summer Track Festival on the evening of Friday, July 10th! We’re trading the roads for the track at Medway High School in Arva for a night of running magic.
With several distance options and exciting new disciplines, there’s an event for all ages, paces, 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!
BackRoads Party in the Park: Thursday, July 23rd
BackRoads Party in the Park is back in collaboration with ASICS Canada! Join us for an unforgettable evening of running and community in Sifton'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, Booch, Heeman's cider, and delicious food. It’s the perfect way to celebrate movement, music, and community in a beautiful outdoor setting!
Barley’s Broken Rail Relay: Saturday, August 8th
Join us for the 5th 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 22nd
Get ready for the annual and always ELECTRIC BackRoads run to Port Stanley Beach on Saturday, August 22nd! This social run offers distance options for everyone, ranging from 3.5km to 33.6km, all supported by water/fuelling stations and bag drops courtesy of our amazing volunteers!
This year, we're raising money for Good Neighbours Canada - they help communities thrive.
We’ll have staggered start times based on your desired pace and starting location, with the goal of having everyone finish by 10:45am. Afterward, stick around for a delicious lunch on GT's Patio, or Port Stanley Brewing!
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, October 3rd
Welcome to the Fall edition 🍂 of the Run to London Brewing co-op from BackRoads! Join us on Saturday, October 4th 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: London - Thursday, October 8th
Join us for the inaugural BackRoads Family Drumstick Dash , the grand finale of the HOKA Hat Trick Series, on Thursday, October 8th! This Thanksgiving-inspired event offers both adult and kids runs, 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 invite their families, and 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!
BackRoads Holiday Festive Five: Saturday, December 12th
Get ready to jingle all the way at our annual Festive Five Holiday Run! Each year we see roughly 150 festive participants - along with surprise appearances from the Grinch and Gingerbread Man!
We run through the West 5 & Riverbend neighbourhoods, spreading holiday cheer - including a beautiful stop at the McCormick Care Home!
We're bringing the holiday magic back in 2026 with a fun-filled run/walk, including seasonal snacks in the taproom afterwards - perfect for kicking off the holiday season and supporting a great cause! Proceeds will benefit the London Food Bank.
