Canada Life Forest City Road Races

The Canada Life Forest City Road Races is a non-profit multi-distance road running event held each June in London, Ontario, benefiting the Thames Valley Children's Centre and twelve partner charities. First run in the early 1980s, the event celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2027 and has grown into one of southwestern Ontario's largest running weekends, drawing more than 3,000 participants in recent years. Race day features four events on the same downtown course network: the ASICS RunKeeper Half Marathon (21.0975 km), the BackRoads Brews + Shoes 10K, the M&T Printing Group 5K, and the McDonald's Kids Fun Run (approximately 700 meters, capped at 250 entrants). All routes are paved and curb-free, welcoming wheelchair and stroller participants alongside bicycle marshals. The courses start and finish downtown near Victoria Park and the Canada Life building on Dufferin Avenue, crossing the Blackfriars Bridge over the Thames River and looping past Western University before returning through the Old North neighbourhood and the city's park system. Courses are professionally certified through Athletics Ontario and the event is sanctioned by Athletics Canada. Elite and masters runners can apply for waived entry fees by meeting qualifying half marathon standards, and cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each distance. Entry includes an ASICS race shirt, a personalized bib, a finisher's medal, chip timing, complimentary race photos, and post-race food, with a virtual option available throughout July. Registration for the 2027 race opens September 1, 2026.