August 17, 2010
Please Note: We will not be taking any further requests for "Waiting List Participations".
Welcome to Run for the Toad...
It is an honor for us to welcome our registered participants, families, special guests, sponsors, guest exhibitors, spectators and dedicated volunteers to the 9th annual Run for the Toad.
Many upgrades to our race have been made over the past year, including the invited guests participating at the opening ceremonies this year. On this exceptional occasion, we would like to join the nation in honoring the men and women who have given their lives in order to preserve our freedom. We also welcome home the heroes who are returning home from the Afghanistan war.
The best way to experience our race is be sure to take in the two days of activities. Explore our friendly tent city courtyard atmosphere and discover the big race with a quaint, hometown feel. This year our expo exhibitors will showcase new products and services and provide you an opportunity to meet the experts (more updates to follow.)
There are plenty of other reasons to be at the Toad this year, but here are a few favorites right now:
Guest Speaker (Post Race): "Around the Bay Road Race" Race Director Mike Zajczenko will take you on a journey of the oldest road race in North America, older than the Boston Marathon which was born three years after "Around the Bay Road Race."
Take in Paris: The heartbeat of visitor country and one of the best kept secrets in Ontario. Only a ten minute drive from the race site perhaps best known for the first ever long distance phone call (1877) received. The inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell made the call from Brantford (a 30 minute drive from the race site) to the village of Paris.
To Shop, to Dine, to Play: For the first time visitors to the area are always delighted with the variety of streetscapes, landscapes and historic settings within the communities only minutes driving time from the race site. The communities are graced by wide rivers, beautiful architecture, friendly people and a wealth of things for visitors to see and do.
Our host hotel the "Best Western Cambridge" offers a wide range of services and amenities. Guests will enjoy the close proximity to local attractions and events such as African Lion Safari, Wings of Paradise, Southworks Outlet Mall, etc. For nine years running, the Best Western Cambridge Hotel has collaborated with Run for the Toad to provide a home away from home for all their runners and walkers. The hotel features 95 tastefully appointed guest rooms and 11 spacious suites. Other hotel amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, and business centre. A complimentary deluxe continental breakfast featuring hot waffles is served daily.
Note: If you are planning on making a reservation do not delay, contact the hotel directly at 519-623-4600 and mention "Run for the Toad" for the special group rate of $95.00, plus taxes.
Camping at Pinehurst Park: Located north of Paris, Ontario, the GRCA's conservation area is far more than just a park. It's an important piece of the Canadian landscape. Surrounded by mature Carolinian forest, the centerpiece of Pinehurst is a stunning 23 acre kettle lake. In the summer months, Pinehurst is a playground for individuals and families as they swim, paddle, hike and enjoy nature together. In the winter, Pinehurst transforms into a premier snowshoe and ice fishing location. The park is located in an area known for its abundant and diverse wildlife - there is much to see as people travel the park's trails. For reservations go to www.grandriver.ca
There is still much work to do, narrowing down on all the fine details. The Toad is always a work in progress. One thing, however, will remain the same – the Toad is a place for everybody. It's a place for runners/walkers travelling from far away areas to get out and socialize, and it's a place for people from Haileybury to hangout with people from Montreal, Japan and the USA. And most of all it's the Toad's family reunion.
Thank you everyone who signed up so early, taking us to a race sell-out on August 7, 2010. The race sold out without the support of a single brochure or poster campaign. For this we are most grateful.
In the interim, we will keep the registered participants posted with updates on the event as things become newsworthy.
Kind regards,
Peggy & George
August 8, 2010
As of August 8, 2010, the Ninth Annual Run for the Toad is SOLD OUT and REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Please note: all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
June 20, 2010
Dear Runners & Walkers,
Continue your 2010 trail racing adventure from Run for the Toad
With Canadian pride at an all time high we welcome you to a race that connects you to the people, ideas, stories and race experience that continues to define and shape trail racing.
For those early registrants, visiting the Toad is a choice you will be glad you made. With the scent of crisp fall air the Toad awaits you this year crafted with care and passion.
JOIN the Toad in Training. We have an exciting, yet intimate pre-race training run scheduled for Saturday, July 24. The training run/walk will start at the Beach Area (Sunset Pavilion) at 9:00 a.m. sharp. The race course trails will be blazed with our usual orange flag markers. We will provide electrolytes and light snacks prior, during and after your training run/walk. Some other treats will be available too. Note: Please tell the Park's staff at the Gatehouse you are participating in the Toad Training there will be a $12.00 charge to cover the cost for the park admission and refreshments/treats following the run/walk. Follow the signs to the Beach Area, but we are NOT Parking at the Beach Area this year – you will be directed to PARK in Group Campsites 4 & 5.
Important Note: If you are planning on attending the Training Run/Walk please send us an email before July 15th to: sarson@toadpatrol.com. This will help us plan a special training day for you.
There’s more! We want to be sure to provide you with the right information. At this years training run/walk you will experience competence, knowledge and know-how from our sponsor companies Saucony and Montrail/Mountain Hardwear. You will have the opportunity to learn first with face to face interactions with people that care.
We are also assembling for training day some of the regions premier athletes that are looking forward to training with you. There are plenty more reasons to join us for the 2010 Run for the Toad. We will report back to you real soon.
With kind regards,
George & Peggy
April 10, 2010
Hello Race Participants:
Updated information regarding the 2010 edition of Run for the Toad is now available. Also, have a look at the write up we received as part of Canadian Running Magazine's article on Canada's Must-Do Trail Races in PDF format.
Kind regards,
George & Peggy
March 25, 2010
Hello Race Participants:
Welcome to the 2010 edition of Run for the Toad. Please check back here for periodic updates as we prepare for another great trail experience.
Kind regards,
George & Peggy