Race Day
Everything you need to arrive ready, run your race, and enjoy the day.
Register NowEvent Day Schedule
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7:30 AMCheck-In & Bib Pickup Collect your race bib, race kit, and get settled at Rotary Park. Music on. Energy up.
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8:30 AMOpening Ceremony Deputy Mayor of Ajax, Duan, and Susan Vardon from Right To Play each take five minutes to open the event. Speaking order to be confirmed.
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9:00 AMRace Start 5K along the Ajax waterfront. Flat, fast, and right on the lake. Gun Time
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10:30 AMThe Fastest 40 Two individually timed runs. Your fastest time counts. Timed by OVR Performance, sponsored by Poulet Rouge.
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11:30 AMAwards & Closing Top finishers recognized. Duan presents medals on stage. We close by acknowledging the community who showed up and the cause this race supports.
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12:00 PMPost-Race Social Stick around. Music, activations, recovery, and the kind of energy you only get when a community actually shows up.
Course & Route
The 5K follows the Rotary Waterfront Trail along the Ajax waterfront. Flat and scenic, right on Lake Ontario.
- 5 kilometres total
- Out-and-back course along the waterfront
- Flat elevation profile
- Kilometre markers at 1K, 2K, 2.5K turn, 3K, and 4K
- Official chip timing by Timing Shack
- Athletics Ontario Sanctioned Race (Road Race #2981)
Bib Pickup
Bib pickup opens at 7:30 AM on race morning at Rotary Park. There is no pre-race packet pickup.
- Pickup opens: 7:30 AM
- Bring your registration confirmation or ID
- Bibs include a chip for official timing
- Your bib also gets you into the Fastest 40
Location & Directions
Rotary Park, Ajax Waterfront. The park is located at the south end of Ajax, directly on Lake Ontario.
- Rotary Park, Ajax Waterfront
- Ajax, Ontario
- Accessible from Lake Driveway West
Parking
Parking is available at Rotary Park and along Lake Driveway West. Arrive early as spots fill up on race morning.
- Free parking at Rotary Park
- Additional street parking along Lake Driveway West
- Recommend arriving by 8:00 AM
What You Receive
- Official chip-timed 5K race bib
- Event T-shirt (unisex sizing)
- Finisher medal, presented at the finish line
- Entry into The Fastest 40 (optional)
- Sponsor activations and post-race social
Weather
The event runs rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, participants will be notified by email and on Instagram.
- Rain or shine event
- Severe weather communications via email and @thepocketrun
- Dress for waterfront conditions; it can be breezy on the lake
Children & Families
- Children running the 5K need their own registration and bib
- Children coming to watch attend free with a responsible adult
- No separate children's race or childcare service
- If your child isn't running, arrange for another adult to stay with them
Teams
Running with friends, classmates, or a crew? Each person registers individually and enters the same team name at checkout on Trackie. No minimum size required.
Already registered and need to add a team name? Email info@thepocketrun.ca.
Arrival Time
- Recommended arrival: 8:00 AM
- Bib pickup opens: 7:30 AM
- Opening ceremony: 8:30 AM
- Race start: 9:00 AM sharp
Media & Livestream
The Pocket Run 5K will be professionally photographed and livestreamed. Follow @thepocketrun for coverage.
- Live coverage on October 3
- Race day photos shared on social media
- Video coverage by confirmed media partners
Frequently Asked
Check-in opens at 7:30 AM. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM sharp. We recommend arriving by 8:00 AM to pick up your bib, warm up, and get settled before the start.
Parking is available at Rotary Park and surrounding areas along Lake Driveway West, Ajax. Arrive early as spots fill up on race morning.
Absolutely. The Pocket Run is open to runners and walkers of all levels. You do not need any running experience to participate. Walk the whole thing if you want.
Yes. All participants receive an official chip time.
Yes. Children running or walking the 5K need their own registration and bib. The standard registration fee applies.
Children coming to watch do not need a race entry and can attend free with a responsible adult.
There is no separate children's race or childcare service. If you're participating in the 5K and your child isn't, please arrange for another responsible adult to stay with them. Children cannot be dropped off with event volunteers.
Yes. You do not need to register to support the cause. Visit the fundraising page to donate directly. Tax receipts are issued automatically at the time of donation.
Net proceeds support Right To Play programming in Rwanda through Right To Play Canada (CRA #888804218RR0001).
The event runs rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, participants will be notified by email.
Yes. The Fastest 40 is a timed 40-yard dash included with every registration. It is optional. You get two runs. OVR Performance records each time individually. Your best valid time ranks you in one of four categories: U18 Men, U18 Women, Open Men, or Open Women. Age eligibility is based on your age on October 3, 2026. Sponsored by Poulet Rouge.
Yes. The Pocket Run 5K will be professionally photographed and livestreamed. Race day content will be shared across our social channels. Follow @thepocketrun for coverage.
Yes. When you register on Trackie, enter a Team Name in the optional Team Name field. Each person registers individually. Just use the same team name and we'll group you together. No minimum size required.
Already registered and want to add or change your team name? Email info@thepocketrun.ca with your name and team name.
Yes. Visit the partnership page or contact info@thepocketrun.ca.
Net proceeds support
Right To Play Rwanda
Right To Play Canada · CRA: 888804218RR0001
Learn About Right To Play