This was my second year at this event and I have to say, it improved this year over last! Music, food and fun for the entire family. Located at the TD Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada -it is a great location to climb, crawl and work your way around the 20+ snowy obstacles. Apart from a very cold day, it was a pleasure to climb the various levels of the stadium and explore what new challenges awaited us. Lifting, carrying and sliding down hills added to the enjoyment. Watch for icy patches and enjoy the maple treats along the way. The indoor pavilion is great to warm up and change clothes with multiple washrooms and indoor features to keep spectators entertained. Anthony the MC charges up the crowd and every participant receives a finishers medal. Top 3 received a beautiful stuffed polar bear and free photos await everyone online. Swag is available for purchase and the coveted toques are super warm. The tech tee was great this year with "it's only snow" slogan on it and the organizers kept the heats on time and accurate. This event is a qualifier for the OCR World Champions. Ample parking indoors or on the street for a fee. Many restaurants nearby for apres dining. Easy access from main routes. Bag check available on site. Family friendly event. Multiple lap option available.

This was our second year at this event. Held at the historic Upper Canada Village it was a beautiful backdrop with all the Christmas lights enhancing the lakeside trails. With a recent snowfall we had ample depth to use the Diion snowshoes for an out and back loop. Racers could choose from amateur to elite heats and would receive points towards the their season totals. Tons of close free parking and the indoor chalet kept racers warm before the race began. Race kit pick up was quick and easy and racers received a fleece toque and bib. This is a well organized event and started on time. Final results were tallied quickly and top 3 male and female racers were presented with custom metal works from the village itself crafted in traditional style. Local organizations created the wooden medals for this event shaped like rabbits and snowshoes and were customized on site for racers. A warm meal was provided during door prize bib draws and it was a warm and family friendly event. Headlamps are required for this event and layers are recommended due to the change of weather lakeside.

We heard about this one last minute and jumped at the opportunity to head to Quebec and try out this new course. Located just 2 hours from Kingston, Ontario the drive was quite scenic. The route there takes you through beautiful horse stables and farms that weave through the countryside. Once you arrive on site, the parking is directly at the vendor village. It was -30 that day, so we bundled up and headed towards the start line. You could choose between amateur, family and elite heats and the sun kept racers motivated even in the brutal elements. A large bonfire kept racers warm while they waited for the start. It was a multi-looped course with varying degrees of elevation. The recent snowfall added to the challenge and kept racers engaged. The creativity of obstacles that were placed along the 6K route were fun and effective testing, push, pull, lift, carry, climb, crawl, drag and slide. Some areas were quite slippery and steep and racers had to slow their pace somewhat to avoid injury. Nice toques for all participants and t-shirts could be purchased separately for $15.00. There was one vendor on site for a quick bite and 2 port-o-potties for nervous pees. Well organized, creative and a nice location for those looking for some beautiful wooded trails and ravines with a festive winter feel.

This is an annual event hosted by local Running Room stores. The venue is the local YMCA and it offers indoor facilities and ample parking. Running Room provides the timing and start/finish line. This year the swag was a red vest and tuque. This is a flat course looped out and back through the streets of central Kingston. The weather was beautiful this year compared to frigid blustery days in previous years, however, the numbers were a bit lower than other years. Snacks are provided at the upper gymnasium and there are door prizes for randomly drawn bibs. Lots of friendly volunteers and a good race for friends and families to start off the new year. No bag check, no swag bag. Self-timed.

Traditionally we get a group together for one final race. The Santa Shuffle is the last race of the season and we try to spend our time winning the costume contest over the race itself. For the past two years we have won best team costume with last year being 'Live in the Present' where we each dressed as gifts and this year we won for 'North Pole Budget Cuts' dressed as stuffed animals with antlers and an elf leading santa's sleigh....this is a quick loop through the neighbourhood and very family friendly with a 1K for elfs before the adult 5K. It is usually cold so I suggest bundling up or planning your costume accordingly. Friendly group, well attended and nice finishers medal for everyone who participates. Long sleeve cotton tee shirt and a good buffet afterwards with many door prizes to keep racers satisfied. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand for the children and donations go towards local Salvation Army. Great volunteers, timed by the Running Room and a good race for those wanting a fairly flat course and low pressure race. No vendors on site for this one.