Now is the time to sign up for some of the best sporting events in the province.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, to push yourself physically or try something a bit different, then look no further than Ontario’s Cottage Country. From running to biking, to swimming and paddling events, to adventure and endurance races – we have it all. Many of the event sign-ups are already underway so don’t miss out. See you at the finishing line!
Maple Hill Sap Run April 27, 2025 – Powassan
Held the weekend of the Powassan Maple Syrup Festival, the 2025 Maple Hill Sap Run will be held on Sunday, April 27 with a 9am start and with 5km, 10km and kid’s 500m events.
Challenge the Shield – May 4 and September 7, 2025 – Parry Sound
May 4 is the third annual Challenge the Shield Adventure Run. A two or six-hour wilderness endurance challenge on the rugged Canadian Shield on the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre. Teams of two run or trek to as many of the 35 checkpoint challenges among the iconic windswept pines, pristine lakes and granite rock barrens as they choose. Each checkpoint is assigned a difficulty rating and points value and teams decide how many checkpoints they want to tackle. The “choose-your-own-adventure” points-based course design is both beginner-friendly and an epic challenge of strategy and adventure for even the most experienced teams. You decide the adventure!
The six-hour multi sport-adventure race in September follows a similar format but involves a trek, paddle or bike discipline. The race ends with an optional swim-run challenge.
Spin the Lakes – May 24, 2025 – Huntsville
This annual cycling tour consists of distances of 20km, 57km, 100km and 180km. Registration fee includes: bib, coffee and tea station, water and refreshment stations along the routes and finish line, support cars, first aid stations, a post ride lunch buffet provided by Hidden Valley Resort, entertainment and memento.
Gravenhurst Triathlon and Duathlon – June 7 and 8, 2025 – Gravenhurst
Hosted at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, it features one of the most unique ways of starting a race with a jump from the iconic Muskoka ship the Wenonah II. One of the most sought-after races on the calendar, the race has now moved to June to take advantage of quieter roads prior to the start of summer. The race features an Olympic distance course, a sprint race and a duathlon. The event sells out every year as it is limited by the capacity of the Muskoka Steamships, so be sure to register early to guarantee your spot! Registration is now open.
TriMuskoka – June 22, 2025 – Huntsville – SOLD OUT
TriMuskoka has been going since 2010 in the heart of Huntsville and was started when the annual 70.3 IronMan race held in the town decided drop a shorter race.
Sign up is limited to 500 competitors and on the day, racers are treated to a professional DJ, a beer and buffet at the end of the race and a hoody. There is even a post-race massage area. The race centres around the Canada Summit Centre and involves an iconic start with a trip on the Portage Flyer – a short swim back to the Summit Centre, a bike ride down Brunel Road before finishing with a run around the surrounding property. To get updates on the 2026 race join TriMuskoka today.
Limberlost Challenge – July 5, 2025 – Huntsville
Experience the very best trail courses in the region. The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is the trail runner’s dream with its challenging terrain that will take runners alongside pristine lakes, through a wetland, up and over some steep inclines and splashing through the occasional creek or mud hole.
Competitors will run through technical areas that will require the nimblest of footwork and on trails that allow you to open up to your best speed, plus everything in between.
The race course includes a 7k, 14k, 28k, 42k and 56k option. Registration for 2025 is now open.
Ironman 70.3 Muskoka – July 6, 2025 – Huntsville
Registration is now open for the premier athletic race in the region. The course is known for its stunning beauty and toughness. Swim through Fairy Lake, bike down Brunel Road and along Highway 117, before finishing with a run down Old Muskoka Road and crossing the finish line at the Canada Summit Centre.
The 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Muskoka offers age group qualifying slots to the 2026 VinFast IronMan 70.3 World Championship.
Bracebridge Triathlon and Duathlon – July 12 and 13, 2025 – Bracebridge
Utilizing the Muskoka River as the starting point for the swim, the race moves back into Annie Williams Park and towards the iconic Santa’s Village for the bike course before heading to the other side of the river for the running portions. The race features an Olympic-length course (1500m swim – 40km bike – 10km run) on the Saturday and The Sprint (750m swim – 20km bike – 5km run) and Give-It-A-Tri (400m swim – 10km bike – 2.5km run) races the following day. Registration is now open.
Mudskipper Canadian Individual SwimRun Championships and Parry Sound 15K Ultra Swim – August 17, 2025 – Parry Sound
The Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge starts at Waubuno Beach and compromises of a variety of distances of either 27km or 13.5km and features an open water swim, a running section before heading back into the water and finishing with a final run.
Joining the race this year is the Parry Sound 15K Ultra Swim from Waubuno Beach to the Salt Docks area, with a final lap of 1K to finish this unique event.
Extreme Bush Race – August 3, 2025 – Sundridge
Run, walk or crawl across the finish line at this event at Copeman Tree Farm in Sundridge. A 5km race with 15 plus obstacles, including archery, axe throw, mud pit, cargo net climb, balance logs, sand hill, bush trails etc. This race can be done alone or with friends and family. Registration is on now.
Muskoka River X – September 13, 2025 – Whitney/Oxtongue
Dubbed “the toughest paddling race ever” with canoes, kayaks and paddleboards traversing river systems, lakes and portages. Starting at dawn on the shore of Galeairy Lake, teams paddle west into the heart of Algonquin Park. They will finish at an undisclosed location along the Highway 60 Corridor. True to Adventure Racing, no other aspect of the route will be revealed until race weekend. Only then will teams decipher the hidden route using the provided course instructions and topographic maps. Paddling and navigating their way through a 90km +/- maze of lakes, rivers, marshes and portages, under the setting sun, they will find their way home.
Registration opened in January.
Muskoka Marathon – October 5, 2025 – Bracebridge
Set to the backdrop of Bracebridge, Ontario, the Muskoka Marathon is a great day of racing. The course is paved, flat, and an ideal spot for a personal best or hitting that Boston Marathon qualifying standard. Expect fall colours along the Muskoka River, great race-day energy, and a whole lot of camaraderie. Race options include: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K.
Registration is now open.