Happy Trails Racing, a trail running company based in Ontario, is adding two thrilling events to its 2025 race calendar: The Devil’s Key Trail Race and The Lost Valley Trail Race. Both events promise to provide participants with breathtaking views, tough terrain, and a sense of adventure as they explore some of Ontario’s most iconic trails.
The Devil’s Key Trail Race: A Test of Endurance
The Devil’s Key Trail Race is set to challenge even the most seasoned trail runners. Held on the Blue Mountains section of the Bruce Trail, this race offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the most rugged and picturesque parts of Ontario.
“The 66.6km route will have participants climb to the highest point of the entire Bruce Trail,” says race director Jeff Rowthorn. With dramatic rock formations, sweeping views, and punishing climbs, this race will put runners’ endurance to the test. While the full 66.6km race is recommended for experienced trail runners, there are also 33.3km and 15km options available. These shorter distances offer generous time cut-offs, giving participants a chance to build their stamina for longer races in future years.
The Devil’s Key Trail Race is unique not only for its challenging terrain but also for an added twist.
“All participants will receive a skeleton key that they must carry with them and have accessible at various checkpoints throughout the course,” says Rowthorn. Runners will need to present the key at each checkpoint and show it again to collect their well-earned finisher’s medal.
“This event has been a work in progress since 2019,” Rowthorn shares. “One of our goals over the past few years has been to introduce more runners to Ontario’s most famous trail, the Bruce Trail. We have been working with the various Bruce Trail clubs and aim to organize events that can highlight the beauty of the area while also raising funds for the local Bruce Trail clubs.”
The Lost Valley Trail Race: A Fall Adventure
In late fall, Happy Trails Racing will host the Lost Valley Trail Race, offering 10km and 25km options on a stunning net-downhill course. Starting in Burlington and finishing in Dundas, this race is set on the Iroquoia Bruce Trail, known for its diverse terrain, rocky paths, and stunning escarpment views.
Rowthorn describes the event as a “fun and challenging section of trail that offers a little bit of everything over a relatively short section of trail.” Runners will experience long descents, beautiful single-track trails, and technical rocky sections. The course, which is covered in leaves during the fall, can be unpredictable, adding an element of surprise. “The unpredictable weather at this time of the year may add to the challenges of this event,” Rowthorn adds, pointing to the often changeable autumn conditions in Ontario.
The Lost Valley Trail Race will be an intimate experience, with only 75 spots available in each of the two race distances. Participants will be bused from the finish line to the race start. This limited capacity reflects Rowthorn’s desire to create a close-knit atmosphere for the event.
“Personally, I grew up on these trails and have been exploring them for 40 years. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to share them with the trail running community,” he says.
A Year of New Challenges
Both races represent Happy Trails Racing’s commitment to bringing new and exciting challenges to Ontario’s trail running scene. In addition to these exciting new races, Happy Trails Racing also organizes a variety of other well-loved events throughout the year, including the Foxtail Rail Trail Race, Rugged Raccoon Trail Race, The Sunburn Solstice Trail Race, Tally in the Valley Trail Race, The Leftovers Trail Race, The Beav Trail Race, and Sticks n’ Stones Trail Race. Each race offers its own unique course, distance options, and community atmosphere, ensuring there’s something for every trail runner.
For those looking for an exciting and tough adventure in 2025, these races are not to be missed.
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