Run Ottawa joins the world’s premier trail running circuit with a new sanctioned 20K!

June 24, OTTAWA, ON – Run Ottawa is excited to announce the addition of a new 20K to the 2026 Grit & Grind Camp Fortune Trail Race. The new 20K distance, entitled The Full Send, has been awarded UTMB World Series Event status marking a major milestone for both the event and trail running in the National Capital Region.

Grit & Grind’s 20K distance will provide runners with the opportunity to earn a UTMB Index score. The UTMB Index is an industry standard, performance-based ranking system used to assess runners across various trail race distances and serves as a pathway toward participation in trail running’s most prestigious events. 

“This is an exciting step forward for Grit & Grind and for trail running in our region,” says Mike Vieira, Executive Director of Run Ottawa. “Receiving UTMB World Series status in the same year the 20K is established speaks to the quality of the course and will elevate the experience for every runner on the start line.” 

The Grit & Grind 20K: The Full Send is an Athlétisme Québec sanctioned event and offers one of the deepest trail running prize purses in Canadian history – $15,000 between the top 6 finalists in the men and women fields.

In addition to the new 20K distance, Grit & Grind will continue to offer its popular 10K, 5K and Kids 2K races, welcoming trail runners of all ages and abilities.

The 2026 Grit & Grind Trail Race: Camp Fortune takes place September 6, 2026. Registration is now open.

To arrange an interview with Mike Vieira, please contact Karie Ford at karie.ford@runottawa.ca

About Run Ottawa

Run Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a healthier, more connected community through running. As the organizer of the world-class Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and a variety of year-round running events, membership, and programs, Run Ottawa inspires people of all ages and abilities to set goals, stay active, and experience the transformative power of running. From first-time participants to elite athletes, Run Ottawa creates inclusive, memorable experiences that bring people together and celebrate achievement, wellness, and community. Other races include Richmond Road Races, Run to empower, Canada Day Road Race, Farm 5/15, Great Big Cookie Run, Frost Country, and the Grit and Grind Trail Race Series. www.runottawa.ca