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 375 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:
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Equal prizes and recognition in awards for women.
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Gender specific shirts for swag.
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Feminine hygiene products in our aid station supplies.
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Equal representation in our marketing imagery.
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Deferral policy for expecting mothers
"I am so proud to announce that for our 2024 race year we have completely equal gender registration. There are 50% male and 50% female registrants across all distances." - 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.
About the RACE
About the course
Start your race in front of the majestic arches of The Heights and head 100m out of the parking lot onto a tree lined service road. Find your spot in the pack because in another 750m you will drop into the woods near a small stream where you will continue into the beautiful winding single track of the Copeland forest. This race is 85% wooded single track, 5% service or logging roads, 5% cross country ski double track and 5% running up and down ski hills. Be prepared for climb with 345m of elevation from each loop! Say hi to Little Katie for us.
Who is Little Katie?
Little Katie is a wonderful hill near the 2/3 mark of the course. This hill is named on the winter cross-country ski trail map and we imagine they go down it, because they sure wouldn't want to go up it - but you get to! We pictured Little Katie as a menacing little girl, so say hi to her as you make the climb and tell her how you really feel on that last time you have to see her hill.
What's the weather like?
Drastically unpredictable Canadian spring weather can make it challenge to plan your day in the woods. All we can do is let you know what the weather has been like and let you know that during extreme hot or cold years we support runners with either warm soup or ice at aid stations on course. The Heights is always a good place to warm up, but don't get too comfortable and forget to run your last loop or you'll miss out on the finisher's socks!
2023 Weather
Temperature: 0-2 degrees
Precipitation: All day
Trail Conditions: Trails were wet but draining well.
Ski Hill Condition: All snowpack had melted and the mud pit was in full effect!
Most runners wore a lightweight waterproof shell as cold rain fell all day.
2022 Weather
Temperature: 18-20 degrees
Precipitation: None
Trail Conditions: Trails were dry and fast.
Ski Hill Condition: All snowpack had melted and the mud pit was restricted to areas where water was flowing off the hill.
Most runners wore shorts and light clothing as it was a sunny and warm day.
2021/2020 - COVID Virtual Runs
Weather was dependent on the location you ran your race in.
Finishers Socks
Our congratulatory prize to you when you finish the distance you signed up for are the well known PYP finisher socks. A volunteer will be standing at the finish line, making sure you're ok, then handing you your finisher socks. No finish, no socks.
Is the race Chip timed?
We are so pleased to have the professional team from Chip Timing provide us with race timing. We have a single mat at the head of the loop where a chip attached to your bib will provide you with a chip timed race result. Don't like to start at the front of the pack? No problem! Your chip time reflects when you crossed the start mat to when you finished and crossed the finish mat. Please note that top 3 podium finishers are based on gun time. Volunteers enumerate your bib at each aid station in the event of any surprisingly fast finishes.
Is there on course photography?
You betcha! We're proud to have the best race photographer in Ontario join us in rain or shine and capture your photos. Sue Sitki will be capturing your glorious moments and regrets as you race through the woods.
About the Venue
We are pleased to be able to continue to be hosted by The Heights Ski & Country Club. This venue boasts a majestic hall that helps shelter us for years when wet, cold spring weather doesn't allow us to celebrate outside (2023). The Heights has a full service bar and pub if you want to celebrate your finish with a beverage, or if your family wants to grab a lunch while you're out on course! There are also washrooms in the downstairs portion of the building. We do not have porta-potties on site as The Heights has full service bathrooms available - please use them when near the start/finish. The Heights sets out tables and chairs inside the hall so you can keep your gear safely within the venue during the race. Google map location here.
Lunch
As part of your race entry you will receive a voucher for a meal. The Heights provides each runner a meal with these vouchers. During registration we track any dietary restrictions and work with The Heights to accommodate. Family members can get a meal and drink from the pub in The Heights.
Our Environmental Commitment
Each year we try to continue to reduce our footprint on this beautiful planet of ours. In unwavering support of the environment, we are a fully cupless race event. We continue to reduce single-use plastic waste by eliminating disposable drink cups at aid stations. We encourage participants to bring their reusable containers and hydration systems and can fill them with fresh water or electrolytes at each of the aid stations positioned about 4km from each other. This sustainable initiative not only champions the protection of the beautiful natural landscapes we run through but also inspires runners to be mindful of their ecological footprint. We have taken cues from many cupless races and if the weather is cold, we will still have a cup available for warm liquids like soup.
What is the current race waste impact?
We are proud that as of 2022, we had reduced our total waste of our race to a single garbage bag. Aid station volunteers are instructed to separate out recycling and waste undergoes a second sorting post-race to remove organics and properly route them to composting treatment. With your help we look forward to continuing to remove as much from the landfill waste stream as possible.
"When I sorted the post race garbage in 2022, it was 80% cups so that seemed like an easy next step to reducing our environmental impact." - Chris Mintz, Creative Director on the PYP Environmental Plan
Our Commitment to Local Economy
PYP is proud to work with local vendors to source race materials and swag. We encourage runners to come spend the weekend amongst the rolling hills of beautiful Oro-Medonte and Barrie area and turn your race day into a family getaway weekend to support local establishments.
