You can download the Stages and view them in Google Earth! [Right click your mouse on the links to save the files to your computer]. You can also click on the Stages below to see their locations in Google Maps.
Google Earth files : Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7
This half-marathon consists of paved roads and paved scenic nature trails along the Conestogo River. Starting and finishing at the Community Park in beautiful Conestogo, this course is characterized by rolling hills and also crosses two bridges. The nature trail winds and loops through pockets of woods and around the picturesque Grey Silo golf course. The 21.1 km course is two loops: the first loop being approximately 13 km and the second loop being approximately 8 km. This certified course is in north east Waterloo and passes through the village of Conestogo.
A major hill near the start characterizes this course. Consisting mostly of paved roads with a 4 km trail section, the remainder of this course is generally flat. The backdrop consists of varied sceneries including farming, industrial, residential, and parkland. The course takes you both over and under Hwy 401. The race starts and finishes at the King St. front entrance gates of Riverside Park in Cambridge.
This multi-loop 30 km cross-country course is run mostly on grass and wood chip paths, mostly through forest trails. The run starts with a flat loop around Bechtel Park's sports fields for about 1 km then joins a grassy trails with several ravines for another kilometre. The rest of the 5 km course enters a shady forest trail network that follows a local tributary to the Grand River. The trail is well maintained wood chips that has numerous small "ups-and-downs" hills. The trail emerges about 200m from the start-finish line.
The first of two hill runs, this course is for the fast, strong runner. This 10 miler is on paved and packed gravel roads and is characterized as demanding and hilly. The start and finish are both up hill, mainly along Wilmont Line west of Waterloo. The gathering point is at Camp Heidelberg at 6pm - the only stage to start at the end of the day. After the short hill start, runners run through a low forested region then join Wilmont Line. There are a series of large hills to slow you up, but the descents are long and fast. Approximately half way out the course doubles back straight towards the finish. The rapid succession of hills during the last third of the course draws on all the strengths of the runner. The final 300m finish usually sees the competitors battle to the finish line and a well deserved leg massage!
This race is the first "Mountain" run where the winner of these stages is crowned "King of the Mountain".
Competitors now are treated to a mandatory rest day before they conquer the next "mountain" run.
This demanding and hilly 25.6 km cross-country course is run through the Chicopee Ski Resort and boasts incredible alpine scenery. This multi-loop course includes many extended hill climbs. With over 700m of cumulative elevation climbs, this course will require a strong hill runner. Running the down hills requires balance and sure footing. One third of the course is a relatively flat narrow trail run that joins an uphill access road at the back of the hill. The last section of the accent is a zigzag narrow trail to the peak. There the competitors are treated to a spectacular view to the east. Then straight down the full length of the slope to the aid station and immediately straight up an equally long steep hill. The loop finishes with another decent and partial accent before the competitor completes the loop.
This flat point-to-point course on paved roads runs through Woolwich Township and takes you through countryside dotted with Mennonite farms. The peaceful and relaxing surroundings are among broad open field spaces where the land is still worked by horses. You're sure to encounter the local horse-and-buggy traffic on this scenic run. The course starts in pretty village of Elmira and finishes in the equally quaint village of Conestogo at the Schmidt residence.
This certified Boston qualifier marathon consists of paved roads, paved bicycle paths, and sidewalks. Starting and finishing at the Community Park in beautiful Conestogo just as the half marathon, this two-loop course is characterized by many flat sections and low rolling hills. The marathon follows only a short section of the first stage's half marathon.
You've strove to this finish line, fought each stage with the determination to succeed. Breaking the tape at the end of this final Stage, you have become the Ultimate Runner! A celebration of excellence - a runner's dream realized.