26km to 2026

26km to 2026 - 4th Annual

Runners' Choice Waterloo and Altra have teamed up to celebrate going into the new year in style with 26km to 2026! A fun, social event happening on New Years Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 at 8:30am EST. This event is a fundraising initiative to support Sanguen Health Centre.

Enjoy an exclusive collaboration with Wave Maker Craft Brewing for participant swag, along with draw prizes from Altra, Stance, and Fractel. Limited to 200 participants.

Note: This is a social run/walk, not a sanctioned race. No road closures will be provided. Participants should practice caution when crossing roads.

The run/walk will be completed on a 5km loop starting and ending at Runners' Choice Waterloo (105-55 Erb Street East, Waterloo, ON). The route can be found via Strava.

The first 180 registrants will receive a limited edition 26km to 2026 16oz. Ale Glass Can and one collaboration beer called The Celebratory Cerveza courtesy of Wave Maker Craft Brewery, Runners' Choice Waterloo, and Altra. Registrants under 19 will not receive the beer. Merchandise pick-up is in-person at the store between December 31st, 2025, and January 31st, 2026.

Altra will be providing a demo fleet of shoes for participants to use. There will be draw prizes from Altra, Stance, and Fractel.

Shoe Drive: A shoe drive will be hosted in support of Sanguen. Donated lightly-used running shoes, boots, and casual wear will go to Sanguen's Waterloo Region Mobile Community Health Van program to support WINS Peer Outreach Workers.

Post-run, participants can pick up their 16oz. Ale Glass Can and The Celebratory Cerveza in-store at Runners' Choice Waterloo. Snacks and coffee will also be available.

Registration Fees

You repeat the 5km loop (x5) for a total distance of 25.2km, and then do an out-and-back of 400m to complete 26km. You can complete the 5km loop as many times as you would like.

• $25.00 (Dec 1 - Dec 29): Register for 26km

Virtual Option

Not in town? Run 26km to 2026 wherever you are located. Merchandise pick-up details apply.

• $25.00 (Dec 1 - Dec 29): Register for 26km Virtual

Contact Information

Event Contact: Alex Ullman

Phone: (519) 884-5361

Website: Visit website