An annual spring Trail Run in Copeland Forest

Celebrating over 15 years of running up and down the hills of Horseshoe and Copeland Forest, the Race Directing team of Trish Mintz and Rhonda Marois excitedly accepted the role of race directors from the amazing duo, Adam and Heather Dunlop that had started the race in 2010. In Trish and Rhonda's first year to hold the race however, the COVID Pandemic caused the race to be deferred. Held virtually, those who ran their virtual distance are amongst some of the rare individuals to now be owners of the purple 2020 PYP socks. In 2022, conditions were finally favourable to hold the race in person and we haven't looked back. We love hosting an annual spring trail race with 450 of our closest trail friends at the beautiful Copeland Forest, just north of Barrie in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. So shake that winter rust off, and get ready for the summer race season with one of the first trail races of the year.

"Our race is not for profit so we do this to have fun and give back to the community. We want you to have fun too and at the end of the race, we always donate whatever we can to local charities." - Trish Mintz, Race Director

Our Values

Inclusion in sport

There is a significant gender participation gap in mountain, ultra and trail running. While the barrier to entering these sports is low, the environment must lead to enjoyment of the sport so that inspiring stories encourage others to participate. Races are events that define the spirit and culture of their sport and this means that race operators have the responsibility to create a more inclusive culture where women are treated equally.

PYP is proudly women owned and operated by Race Directors Trish Mintz and Rhonda Marois. They ensure equal representation in every facet of the event including:

Equal prizes and recognition in awards for women.
Gender specific shirts for swag.
Feminine hygiene products in our aid station supplies.
Equal representation in our marketing imagery.
Deferral policy for expecting mothers

"For the first time ever, in our 15th year of racing, we have over 50% female athletes representing in the field." - Rhonda Marois, Race Director

Other-Abled Athletes

We are happy to facilitate other-abled athletes (previously referred to as athletes with disability) participate with the type of assistance they need. Race guides can participate free of charge to enable a runner. Just contact us to let us know how we can help you participate in sport.

Non-Binary Race Category

We are happy to celebrate diversity, promote equality, and break down barriers in the world of trail running and are pleased to offer a Non-Binary category open to all individuals who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. It's your chance to showcase your strength, determination, and love for the great outdoors while running alongside a supportive and welcoming community.

Meet the Race Directors

PYP is organized and operated by two families: the Mintzes and the Marois. PYP is race directed by long time trail running friends, Trish and Rhonda.

Trish Mintz

Race Director

Experienced ultra-runner Trish had run PYP several times before being asked to step into the race director role. She reached out to some friends and built a team around her that could keep the race going for those who knew it while modernizing it for a whole new generation of female trail runners.

Rhonda Marois

Race Director

Experienced ultra-runner Rhonda brings her detail oriented approach to making sure things go smoothly. She makes sure all our runners have an amazing experience from registration to getting their socks and builds a strong, skilled volunteer team to help our runners get to that finish line.

Chris Mintz

Creative Director

Experienced ultra-runner Chris brings creativity and chainsaws to the team. He's the talent behind the marketing and sponsor relationships but he also puts on his saw chaps and steel toed boots to tackle clearing the trails every spring. Chris' role is to keep the race fresh, and keep the trails clear!

Terry Marois

Operations

Experienced outdoorsman and avid mountain hiker, Terry is our critical man on the ground on race day. He makes sure everything goes smooth as a glacier river and keeps an eye on the big picture needs of the event as a whole. If you watch real closely you may see Terry for just an instant on race day as he moves around the course, helping with the little things that need adjusting to make your race day experience be perfect.

PYP is in support of mental health awareness and charitable organizations

Our race operates financially as a not for profit and we proudly donate to organizations like CMHA in our region in support of the betterment of mental health for all. We celebrate the work that CMHA does in this space in creating programs like Talk Today, one of the most comprehensive sports mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs in Canada, Talk Today aims to promote suicide prevention, the mental health of young athletes and spread awareness about the benefits of positive mental health throughout communities across the country.

Our values align with CMHA's initiatives like the Mood Walks program which promotes green exercise to support mental wellness and encourages people from all walks of life to experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of spending time in nature. 79% of the participants noticed the physical and mental benefits of physical activities and 75% of participants noticed an improvement in their mood.

For more information, check out the Simcoe County CMHA website >

If you are in crisis, there is help available. Call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline.