2025 FAQ – Most Common Questions
There are NO refunds for any reason. Your registration may be transferred to another
runner by using your Race Roster Access Code. Should the event be cancelled by us,
FREE deferral to the next in-person event will be offered.
a. Is there a cap on the number of runners? Yes, 700 runners. Online registration closes on Wednesday July 2 at 11:59 pm.
b. Is there Race Day registration? Yes from 6:30 am – 8:30 am. It is exact cash only and if the cap isn’t reached. (7 km$100; 14 km $110; 28 $125; 42 km $130; 56km $135). We will make best efforts for race kit supplies at that time.
c. Distance Changes are possible if YOU log into your Race Roster account and click “transfer”, up to July 3rd and cost is $5. Race day distance changes are permitted for $10 exact cash. You may change your distances up to 30 minutes before your event.
d. Where do I pick up my race kit? At the Start/Finish Line on Saturday July 5 from 6:30 am – 8:30 am.
a. Lunch will be provided for runners of the 14, 28,42 and 56 km races and is
included in the cost of your registration. It will include either chicken or plant-
based protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits and will be available from 10:30
am and is available all day.
b. Snacks will be provided for 7 km runners and 1km kids race runners.
c. Aid Stations will have electrolytes, water, sweet and salty foods.
*Please help us minimize our environmental footprint by taking your garbage home with you! We are guests in the Forest, and we would like to demonstrate our care and gratitude for being in a beautiful place. Leave no Trace!
General FAQ
4. Weather:
a. Will the race be canceled if it rains? No, we run rain or shine.
b. What happens in the case of extreme weather? The Race Director and Medical Director will assess the conditions and provide
updates as needed to help runners make informed decisions.
5. Timing, Race Schedule & Race Results:
a. We will use CHIP timing for all races except for the 1 km kids race. The timing
company will have a QR code displayed at the Finish Line for you to access the
results.
b. Race start times are staggered as follows: (for full Race Day schedule, see homepage)
• 8:00 am 56 km Start (Please note: must complete your third lap by 3:00
p.m. (within 7 hours) in order to continue for your fourth and final lap)
• 8:00 am 42 km Start
• 8:10 am 28 km Start
• 8;30 am 14 km Start – Wave 1
• 8:35 am 14 km Start – Wave 2
• 8:40 am 14 km Start – Wave 3
• 9:00 am 7 km Start
• 12 noon 1 km Kids Race Start
6. Course:
The course is a rolling course, and you are going up and down for most of the 14 km loop. Most trails provide good footing and plenty of room for passing. Many have rocks and roots. There are a few creek crossings and likely some mud in other areas. The nimble should stay dry! Please ensure that you have a current map of the race route, as the route does change throughout the years.
The Limberlost Challenge® is considered one of the more challenging courses in the Ontario Ultra Series. When deciding which race to enter, we suggest you keep that in mind. You may change your distance for a fee.
If you plan to walk, you may register for the 7 km or 14 km races. Please leave plenty of room for runners to pass you. Walkers receive a t-shirt if they sign up before June 1st. As it will take longer to get to the aid stations, we suggest you bring lots of fluids.
Please note that no supports, pacing are permitted on the course except for medical reasons.
As a guide, we suggest that you sign up for the:
• 7 km if you are new to trail running or have done some road running, or have had
more limited time to train
• 14 km if you have completed a road half marathon, or brave enough to jump from a 10k race!
• 28 km if you have completed a road marathon
• 42 km this is not the same as a road marathon, this would be equivalent to a 60km road marathon
• 56km if you want the longest race, please keep in mind you might run for 10hours! The cut off for starting the last loop is 3:00 pm. For most people, this distance is about completing the event. We reserve the right to pull you from the course if we feel that it is medically unsafe for you to continue.
There are no cut off times for other races.
7. Medical
a. What medical support is available during the race?
Our Medical Director oversees all health and safety conditions for runners.
Additional details will be provided in the pre-race briefing.
b. What should I do if I need to drop out of the race?
If you are unable to continue, try to drop out at an Aid Station. Volunteers will check in with you, and you will be transported back to the Start/Finish area with the next race crew vehicle. You MUST inform the medical team of your decision by notifying a medical volunteer in the medical area at the start/finish.
c. What happens if I get injured between Aid Stations?
Stay where you are and let another runner or volunteer know that you need
assistance. We have qualified medical personnel on the course who will reach
you as soon as possible. Your safety is our priority.
d. Is there an emergency plan in place?
Yes, we have an Emergency Plan designed to handle evacuations, mobilization,
and necessary notifications to ensure runner safety.
8. Parking:
For runners arriving on race day, please follow the signs and volunteer instructions for parking. Try to carpool. Please park close to other vehicles to ensure there is enough space for all vehicles. Please do not attach tents or other items to your vehicles without express volunteer permission for traffic flow purposes.
9. Limberlost Roads:
To keep congestion down to a minimum, we ask that all runners and spectators avoid driving your vehicles on any Limberlost roads. Runners and spectators are free to walk or mountain bike if desired, staying off the racecourse.
10. Awards:
Everyone who completes the course gets a finisher’s medal. There are plaques for first,
second and third non-binary/female/male in each distance. There will also be age group
certificates.
11. Where to stay:
You are welcome to camp on the race site near the start/finish line are(see notes about camping); or The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve have various accommodations; or check the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce for accommodations in area.
12. Spectators & Dogs:
Spectators of the human and canine variety are welcome to cheer you on at the Start/Finish line. Please only bring your dog if they are quiet and good with
people and other dogs. Your dog must be leashed. Do not leave your dog in your car. No dogs are allowed on the racecourse.
13. Volunteers:
We would love your support as a volunteer! As you know, it takes a lot of
people to make an event like this a great experience for everyone. There is always lots
to do. If you are cheering on a runner, consider volunteering before their event and/or
while you wait for them.
Email us at neil@thelimberlostchallenge.com. Let us know what
time of day you will be available. All volunteers get a t-shirt and lunch and free camping.
We are looking for pre-during, and post race volunteers.
14. Camping:
a. Cost: Camping is $20 per person per night for adults (18 years and over), payable on registration. Children are free.
b. Arrival: Any time after 12 noon on Friday, July 4.
c. Departure: by end of race day, 6:00 pm Saturday July 5 OR if staying Saturday night, by 12:00 pm on Sunday July 6.
d. Where do I camp? Follow the signs to the camping area located in the upper grassed area. The camping area is marked with ropes and signs. Please park and camp perpendicular to the ropes.
RVs: are to park in the start/finish area, follow signs to parking.
Sites are not individually delineated so you may pick your spot and may park next to
your tent.
e. What amenities are there for camping?
• Potable water is available at the Limberlost office- follow the signs,
• There are no hydro hookups.
• Portable toilets are nearby.
• Swimming is permitted in Clear Lake, near the start/finish. Please do
not swim in other lakes as they are not reserved for runners. There are
no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk.
f. No soap or shampoos in the lake, even biodegradable. Use the buckets provided on shore to soap/shampoo and rinse. Please refill the buckets for the next person. Thank you.
g. Please do not wash dishes in the lake.
h. Please monitor the forest fire rating in the area. There are NO fireworks, open fires, campfires, or charcoal BBQs allowed for fire safety concerns.