The big day is almost here, and we can hardly contain our excitement! The Toy Run is just around the corner, and for us at Stride, it’s the next best thing to Christmas morning and we can’t wait to see you there!

First, THANK YOU. Your participation means the world. This event is all about giving back to those who need it most this holiday season, and YOU are making it happen.

This year, we’re thrilled to support two incredible charities:
🎁 The Salvation Army/VOCM Cares Happy Tree (our annual partner),
🎁 Bridges To Hope: Miracles on Cookstown Road Community Foodbank (new for 2025!).

And a HUGE shoutout to Michael Kidney and his team at LiveBy Wealth Management for matching our donations to Bridges To Hope! Because of you, over 80 families will receive food hampers this Christmas. 💚

Here’s what you need to know to get race-ready:

🗓 DATE: Sunday, December 7th, 2025
📍 LOCATION: Bowring Park – Upper Duck Pond (near the Playground)
(You’ll find parking in the main lot at Bowring Park – west end parking lot.)

⏰ SCHEDULE:

• Bib pick-up: 7:30 AM – 8:10 AM
• Warm-up: 8:20 AM (And yes, there will be music!)
• Race start: 8:30 AM

🎁 REMINDER: Be sure to bring your UNWRAPPED TOY with you to the start line. There will be a designated drop-off spot when you arrive. Let’s spread some holiday cheer! 🎁

Course Info:

• We’ve got 2 km and 5 km routes this year—perfect for all fitness levels!
• Maps are below, and volunteers will be out there to guide you, but it’s a good idea to check out the route in advance.

• 5 (ish) km Toy Run

  https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7688950
  – Head out toward West End Bowring Park parking lot
  – Turn Right on Waterford Bridge Road
  – Continue on Waterford Bridge Road to Waterford Lane
  – Turn Right on Waterford Lane
  – Turn Right on Southside Road
  – Turn Right on Bay Bulls Road
  – Turn Left on Waterford Bridge Road (Corpus Christi Church in front of you)
  – Back to West End Bowring Park parking lot
  – Back into the park to the Start

• 2 km Toy Run 

  https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7688949
  – Head out to the Bowring Park West End Parking Lot
  – Turn Right on trail
  – Veer Right UP trail to the Bowring Park bridge (do not go under bridge)
  – Cross on Bridge and stay Left
  – At the bottom turn Right and head back up the ‘hill’!
  – Turn Left and cross the bridge
  – Head back past the pool and playground, back to the start!

IMPORTANT:

• For those taking on the 5 km route, please remember this is a fun run/walk, and the roads will be open to traffic. Please stay aware and stay safe.
• Time limit: You have 90 minutes to complete the course.
• Tim Horton’s on Topsail Road, near Planet Fitness, are once again donating timbits and hot chocolate to all Toy Run participants. ☕🍫

And whatever you do—DON’T forget your handmade Toy Run medal at the finish line!
Each one is crafted with love, totally unique, and unlike anything you’ll ever earn at a race. It’s the perfect addition to your medal collection… or the most epic Christmas tree ornament you’ll ever hang!

Get in the Holiday Spirit! 🎅

We want to see your festive side! Whether it’s a Santa suit, a Grinch costume, Christmas sweaters, or reindeer antlers—go all out! This is about having fun while making a difference, so let your holiday cheer shine through.

Weather update:
❄️ Our first winter blast has arrived, and right now, the forecast looks perfect—cold, but sunny! We’re hoping for a clear day, and unless we get hit by a BLIZZARD, the Toy Run is ON! 🌞

So, let’s make this an unforgettable morning. We can’t wait to run, walk, and cheer alongside you as we give back to the community and spread some holiday magic.

See you at the start line, Toy Runner! ✨

2 km Toy Run 

Got questions?  Contact our Toy Run Event Director at toyrunadmin@striderunningnl.ca