Sports · Running & Athletics · 2 days ago
Hustle at Pinehurst revives Ontario trail race tradition
The first Hustle at Pinehurst brought nearly 400 runners to Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area near Cambridge, Ontario.
They raced on hilly trails over distances from 12.5K to 50K, and course records were set at every distance.
The event is a new version of the Run for the Toad, a popular Ontario trail race that ended in 2019.
George and Peggy Sarson ran that race for 19 years before stepping away.
Straw Dog Racing organized the new event, aiming to keep the accessible course and community atmosphere that runners valued.
Its return matters to local trail runners because it brings back a familiar race on a course many had enjoyed.
Organizers are planning another edition in 2027, where this year’s winners can defend their titles.
The inaugural Hustle at Pinehurst trail race drew nearly 400 runners to Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area near Cambridge, Ontario.
Runners competed over distances from 12.5K to 50K, and course records were set at every distance.
Straw Dog Racing organized the event as a reimagined version of the Run for the Toad, which ended in 2019.
Organizers said they aim to preserve the earlier race’s accessible course and community atmosphere.
They plan to hold the event again in 2027.
- Who
- Nearly 400 runners took part. Straw Dog Racing, led by co-race directors Stephen Connor and Mauro Campanelli, organized the event.
- What
- The inaugural Hustle at Pinehurst offered trail races from 12.5K to 50K. Course records were set at every distance.
- When
- Sunday; the article was published on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area near Cambridge, Ontario.
- Why
- Organizers created the event as a reimagined version of the Run for the Toad and aim to preserve its course and community atmosphere.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The challenge of living up to the past is real
and we felt an overwhelming responsibility to craft a premium race experience from start to finish, as many of us share such fond memories of the Run for The Toad.
There are already ideas being shared to make 2027 an even better Hustle at Pinehurst, but we are very proud of our racers, grateful for our sponsors, and indebted to our volunteers.
We gave it our all, and we have been very happy and encouraged by the feedback
The Run for the Toad ended after founders George and Peggy Sarson organized it for 19 years.
The inaugural Hustle at Pinehurst was held at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area.
Organizers plan to hold another edition of the race.
- Participants
- Nearly 400 runners
- Distances
- 12.5K to 50K
- Location
- Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area near Cambridge, Ont.
- Course records
- Records were set at every distance
- Previous race
- Run for the Toad ended in 2019
- Next edition
- Planned for 2027
Sources
Related news
Hawi Feysa Defends Chicago Marathon Title in 2:13:33
Feysa and Kipruto Win Chicago Marathon as Hurley Sets Debut Record
Eliud Kipchoge wins Melbourne Marathon in course-record time
New Mexico and West Virginia win teams at Nuttycombe Invitational
Clayton Young Runs Second-Fastest U.S. Marathon Time at Chicago
Chelsea Clinton Finishes Chicago Marathon in 3:47:55
Vinny Mauri finishes 10th at Chicago Marathon after leading early
Ankita breaks women’s steeplechase meet record at National Open Championships
Catherine Debrunner sets women’s wheelchair world record at Chicago Marathon
Julie-Anne Staehli wins fourth straight Canadian women’s 5K title
Amos Kipruto and Hawi Feysa win the 2026 Chicago Marathon
