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Grit & Grind Trail Race: Dunrobin Edition

Find your 2026 Grit & Grind Trail Race: Dunrobin Edition race results here.

 

Get ready for Grit & Grind, returning on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, now hosted at Sheila McKee Park in Dunrobin.

This 5K trail race will take you off the pavement and into real terrain. The course is flat overall, but don’t be fooled. Expect roots, dirt, rocks, and the kind of uneven ground that keeps you alert and engaged. It is fast if you run it smart, and fun if you embrace the challenge.

We are also offering a 2K kids run so the whole family can get in on the action. This is a true trail experience, clearly marked and designed for confident young runners. Children should be prepared to follow the course independently. If needed, a parent or guardian is welcome to run alongside.

 

Included in your registration:

  • A commemorative Grit & Grind Trail Race medal (unless opting for the Green Bib)
  • A personalized race bib*
  • Professional race timing with chip time results available
  • Post-race snacks and beverages
  • A sense of accomplishment for rising to the challenge!

*PLEASE NOTE: Only participants who are registered before July 20 will have their names on their bibs.

Optional add-ons to commemorate your race:

  • Grit & Grind Trail Race technical shirt
  • iTab ribbon hanger 

 

Our charity partner for this year’s Grit & Grind Trail Race: Dunrobin Edition is Camp Misquah. Camp Misquah is a non-profit summer residential camp experience for adults and youth with developmental disabilities in the Ottawa region.

 

EVENT DETAILS

Races: 5km and a 2k kid’s run.

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Start times:

  • Kids 2K (ages 5-12): 6:15 pm
  • 5K: 6:45 pm

Please note that for participant safety if you are still out on the course at 8:10 pm, you will be directed to the finish line.

 

Location: 

Sheila McKee Park, 1730 Sixth Line Road, north of Riddell Drive

 

FEES:

  • 5K Adult: $101.24 + HST
  • 5K Youth (ages 12-24): $28.13 + HST
  • Kids 2K (ages 5-12): $16.88 + HST

 

RACE BIB PICKUP

Euro-Sports is the Official Race Bib Pickup Sponsors of the 2026 Grit & Grind Trail Race Series!

 

PARKING & SAFETY

  • There is a cycling event taking place nearby so parking will be limited. Arrive early.
  • Parking is permitted in the small public parking lot located here just off of Sixth Line Road.
  • Roadside parking is permitted on the north side of this road leading into the small public parking lot, as well as along the north side of Sixth Line Road leading to Sheila Mckee Park.
  • DO NOT park in any private lots.
  • There will be no parking available at Sheila Mckee Park. The entrance will be barricaded.
  • Parking is strictly prohibited in the YMCA lot, which will be barricaded. Pedestrians are not permitted to walk through the YMCA property as there is an overnight camp in progress.
  • Do not park in the parking lots for the canoe or sailing club. The entrance to these lots will be barricaded as well.

 

Signs will be posted to advise motorists traveling along Sixth Line Road that an event is in progress.

 

COURSE MARKINGS

The trail system at Sheila McKee Park is straightforward, with wide, well-defined pathways that are easy to follow. The course will be marked primarily with cones at key intersections, with yellow marking tape used where additional guidance is needed. Course marshals will also be stationed at select locations to help direct participants. The route will become single track towards the end of the course please be mindful of your fellow participants.

Did you know you can run this race for FREE by joining Run Ottawa? 

As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits like ONE FREE RACE, 10% off all other Run Ottawa events, discounts with partner services and more! Dual, youth and family options now available! See the complete list of benefits here!

 

GREEN BIB OPTION

The Green Bib does not include a medal, instead a portion of your registration fee will be donated to this event’s charity partner Camp Misquah. Camp Misquah is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching camp experience for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Through compassionate care, meaningful connections, and engaging activities, they foster independence, build lasting friendships, and celebrate the unique strengths of every camper. Their mission is to create a joyful and supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves. It truly is a place where memories are made.

 

ROUTES

*Please note routes are subject to change.

 

For everyone’s safety the following items are NOT permitted on course:

  • Headphones
  • Hiking poles
  • Strollers

 

TRAIN WITH RUNNA

Runna is the Official Training App of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2026. Try it out for free for two weeks here. 

 

ACCESSIBILITY

Please note: This event is not suitable for strollers or mobility devices.

 

Volunteer for the Grit & Grind Trail Race: Dunrobin Edition!

 

*Please note event details are subject to change. Any questions please email questions@runottawa.ca.

 

Trade the pavement for the trails and experience Grit & Grind Trail Race: Camp Fortune Edition this fall.

Taking place on Sunday, September 6 in Gatineau Park, Camp Fortune Edition features 2K, 5K, 10K, and 20K distances, making it easy to find the challenge that’s right for you. From first-time trail racers to experienced trail runners, there’s a distance for everyone to enjoy.

You’ll experience winding forest trails, rewarding climbs, and the supportive community that makes trail running so special.