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Outdoor Activities

Event Details:

Adventure Meets Conservation: Oak Ridges Moraine Adventure Relay Returns

The Oak Ridges Moraine Adventure Relay is the charitable fundraising event for the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA). The race is an epic one-day adventure relay that will take place on Saturday, June 13 2026, drawing athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from across Ontario. Spanning approximately 160km from Rice Lake to Aurora (with a shorter half-relay on the eastern course), the relay combines canoeing, mountain biking, road cycling, and trail running across the stunning Oak Ridges Moraine. 

By participating, athletes and volunteers help ORTA fulfill its vision to develop a trail that fosters appreciation and respect for the ecological, cultural, and scenic integrity of the Moraine, preserving its natural state for future generations. 

Two Ways to Join the Challenge: 

• Full Relay: ~160 km across 14 stages, including a two-person canoe leg, with teams of up to 15 participants.
• Half Relay: ~90 km across 7 stages, excluding the canoe leg with teams of up to 7 participants. 

The relay welcomes competitive athletes and adventure enthusiasts alike. The previous 2025 relay attracted 12 teams, 142 race participants along with 110 volunteers all after a five-year hiatus. The 2026 relay marks the 15th anniversary of this iconic event, expected to be our biggest yet—drawing 250–400 racers, volunteers, supporters, families, and local organizations across multiple municipalities in a collaborative effort to celebrate the Moraine. 

The event raises funds for ORTA’s mission and brings together a passionate community of outdoor athletes and nature lovers. It shines a spotlight on the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship, supporting ORTA’s ongoing work to maintain over 280 km of trails across the Moraine — ensuring safe trails for thousands of Ontarians all year long and for future generations. “The Adventure Relay is more than a race —it’s a celebration of teamwork, endurance, and the natural beauty of the Moraine,” said Karen Graham, President of ORTA. “Every registration helps maintain and protect the Oak Ridges Trail for the community to enjoy everyday.”

For details and registration, visit: https://www.oakridgestrail.org/adventure-relay/  

Volunteers are also invited to join the action and help create an unforgettable experience for participants while supporting trail conservation. As a volunteer, you’ll experience the excitement up close and play a vital role in making it happen. From cheering at checkpoints, assisting with timing, logistics and promotion to maintaining the trail in the lead up to the race - there’s a role for every skill set. Volunteering for the Adventure Relay is about making a real impact on Ontario’s trails and being part of an adventurous outdoor community. 🎉 Complete our Volunteer Interest Form: https://forms.gle/SxiUUF7U48MZZEEj8  

ORTA is a charitable hiking organization with a mandate to plan, promote, create, and maintain public recreational trails on the Oak Ridges Moraine, a vital natural corridor in Southern Ontario. Through trail maintenance, education, and events like the Adventure Relay, ORTA works to ensure the Moraine remains a vibrant, accessible resource for recreation and conservation. Learn more at Oakridgestrail.org. 

For questions about the Adventure Relay please contact Jacquelin Heichert, Race Director, Oak Ridges Trail Association (jacquelin@oakridgestrail.org)