The 2026 Southern Footprints is a premier trail and road running event held at the southernmost tip of the Canadian mainland on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Set within Point Pelee National Park, Canada’s second smallest and most ecologically diverse national park, the race offers participants a unique journey through a combination of paved roads and natural trails. The event is designed as a series of 5 km loops, allowing runners to customize their challenge while immersed in the park's distinct flora and fauna.
| Race Category | Distance / Loops | Start Time | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15K Run | 15 km (3 Loops) | 09:10 AM | CA$ 66.98 |
| 10K Run | 10 km (2 Loops) | 09:10 AM | CA$ 66.98 |
| 5K Run / Walk | 5 km (1 Loop) | 09:10 AM | CA$ 61.59 |
| Kids' Dash | 1 km | 09:00 AM | CA$ 23.83 |
Race Logistics and Safety Requirements
Organizers Denise, Jenn, and David emphasize a strict 2-hour time limit for the 15K distance to ensure park operations remain on schedule. Packet pickup begins early at 07:15 AM at the Visitor Center. It is important to note that the drive from the park gate to the Visitor Center takes approximately 15 minutes, and carpooling is highly recommended due to limited parking capacity. For safety reasons, dogs and strollers are not permitted on the course. While registration includes park entry, there will be no race-day registration; the deadline to sign up is April 23, 2026.
Charitable Impact and Community Demographics
The event serves as a significant fundraiser for the Erie Shores Health Foundation and Crime Stoppers. As of April 1st, the 376 registered participants have raised 91% of the current funding goal. Leamington, known as the "Tomato Capital of Canada," is a multicultural hub in Essex County. The community is notably diverse, with a significant Mennonite population and a large Hispanic/Latino community (representing approximately 9% of the local population), many of whom are involved in the region's prominent greenhouse industry. This diversity is often reflected in the event's broad participant base and local volunteer support.
Regional and Ecological Context
Point Pelee National Park is a world-renowned destination for birdwatching and is a critical stopover for migrating Monarch butterflies. Running through this environment in late April offers athletes a front-row seat to the spring migration and the budding Carolinian forest. The course provides a blend of Lake Erie vistas and shaded forest paths. By participating in Southern Footprints, runners support the local healthcare infrastructure of Erie Shores while celebrating one of Canada's most vital natural treasures during the peak of the spring season.
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 10km
Type — Running
09:00
$61.59
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 15km
Type — Running
09:00
$61.59
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$56.20
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$56.20
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
$23.83
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Leamington.
Learn more about the host city, Leamington.
Leamington is a municipality of about 30,000 people (2021) in Essex County, Ontario, and the southern-most city in Canada.
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