The Long Run (Aug 1–Sept 14, 2021) Courses & FAQ
Half Marathon Course
The first N89 Half Marathon course follows the perimeter of the forest and takes runners through some of the more intermediate track. There’s a reasonable amount of elevation gain, just enough for a challenge!
Follow TEAL Half Marathon Markers (11k and 6k will still be in pink). Park in the main lot, and start at the entrance to the mountain bike trails. Follow Teal/Pink arrows to the pine forest, then look for a teal arrows to take you around the course. The Course follows: the Stick to the pine forest, then Ken & Steve’s trail, the Trail to Nowhere, a FULL Lollipop, then the Ridge and back out on the Max trail, through the meadow and back to the parking lot. Download the course file if you have a Garmin device or click below to view on Strava.
11K Course
The 11k Course is following the same route as last year!
Follow the PINK signs out on the Stick, go LEFT at the Canada Flag and complete a full loop of the Lollipop, then come back on the stick and come out on the double track to finish at the red marker 14–you will not finish at the same spot as where you started! Turn left at marker 14 and have a nice cool-off walk back to the parking lot (200m). Note: the Garmin Connect reads 10.31k because GPS is highly unreliable in the woods, and Strava always believes in chopping off a little bit to keep us humble. It is closer to 11.1km by wheel sensor.
6K Course
The 6k Course is following the same route as last year!
Follow the PINK signs down the double track to Red Marker 14, and follow the 6K signs in and connect to the Stick, TURN AROUND at the Canada Flag and come back on the Stick and come out on the double track to finish back at the red marker 14. Turn left at marker 14 and have a nice cool-off walk back to the parking lot (200m). Note: the Garmin Connect reads 5.84k because GPS is highly unreliable in the woods, and Strava always believes in chopping off a little bit to keep us humble. It is closer to 6.3km by wheel sensor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to the Dufferin County Forest Main Tract is easy once you’re on Airport Road. Use the link below to get coordinates on Google Maps. Park in the main lot (Straight in the driveway: if you go up a hill into a field, you’ve gone to the wrong parking area).
Part of your registration is being donated to the volunteers who manage the single track in Dufferin County. As N89’s “home base” trail network, we’re proud to be part of the team who wield pruners, tampers, chainsaws and all manner of bushwhacking tools to make user experiences awesome!
For more information visit Dufferin County Forest and Team Van Go.
Dufferin County Forest Bylaws
Please obey all Dufferin County Forest Bylaws. To see the complete document, click here.
- No littering (no on-site garbage disposal – if you pack it in, pack it out)
- Have your dog under control at all times (if your dog has good recall and good manners, off-leash running is permitted! However, horses also use the trails that intersect the course; bring a leash with you and be prepared if you encounter other users or wildlife. We recommend if the parking lot is busy, keep pup on a line until you’re away from vehicles.)
- Horses have the right of way at intersections – make sure you say “hay” so they see you!
- Absolutely no beer or alcohol in the parking lot. Please come to the brewery patio to have your beverage, or take it home. Please enjoy responsibly.
Currently, Ontario is on Step 2 of reopening. That’s a go for patios and small gatherings! Let’s keep this trend going, be safe, and be vaccinated if possible!