Photo Scott Webb / Unsplash
- Half
Canada Life Forest Road Races
Canada Life Forest City Road Races
Ontario's third-most populous city (after the GTA and Ottawa), midway between Toronto and Detroit, is London, aka the 'forest city.' It…
Follow for alerts on every edition: dates, ballots, entries.
2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
216
days to 6 Jun 2027
- Distance
- Half Marathon
- Course
- —
- Climb
- —
- Entry
- —
About
The race
Ontario's third-most populous city (after the GTA and Ottawa), midway between Toronto and Detroit, is London, aka the 'forest city.' It bears little resemblance to its English namesake, short of its substantial collection of fine Victorian homes, River Thames and a plethora of leafy parks and gardens. Aside from a smattering of beautiful art-deco buildings, London's downtown core is predictably turn-of-the-millennium, if not, a little bit 1970s. London is home to the University of Western Ontario in the city's north, favored by wealthy Toronto families as the spot to send their kids. The student population ensures a young, upbeat vibe.This will be the backdrop of the Forest City Road Races!!The certified 21.1k course starts downtown, flows through the University of Western Ontario, the Old North residential district and then back downtown via Richmond Street and the Park System. The Half-Marathon finishes at Victoria Park in the heart of downtown London.
Before you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Downtown start and finish
The certified 21.1k course starts downtown and finishes at Victoria Park, so you can warm up and cool down in the same area. Expect a downtown start with possible congestion.
From the description
- 02
University and Old North turns
The route flows through the University of Western Ontario and Old North residential district. Be ready for turns and changing surfaces in these early sections, so don't get caught in a tight pack.
From the description
- 03
Richmond Street return
The return leg goes downtown via Richmond Street and the Park System. Save energy for this stretch, especially if the sun is out, as typical race-day temperature is 18.6C.
From the description, temperature
- 04
Park System finish
The final kilometers wind through the Park System before finishing at Victoria Park. Use the leafy park setting to stay relaxed and finish strong.
From the description
- 05
Mild but watch the sun
Typical race-day temperature is 18.6C. That's mild, but open stretches like Richmond Street can feel warm if sunny, so pace accordingly.
From the temperature, description
In London
Getting around downtown
Downtown London is compact and walkable, so spectators can easily move between Victoria Park and the Richmond Street area on race day.
Spectator spots
Victoria Park at the finish and the Thames Valley Parkway along the river offer good views. The Richmond Street corridor is another spot to catch runners.
Post-race recovery
London's leafy parks and the Thames Valley Parkway provide shaded paths for a cool-down walk. The city's student energy and Victorian homes make for a pleasant stroll.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
Every year
Editions
Ballot, charity and tour places
Getting in
Charity place
Run for a partner charity and commit to a fundraising pledge.
Charity places
Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Boys and Girls Club of London Foundation
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
London Down Syndrome Association
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Make-A-Wish® Southwestern Ontario
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Thames Valley Children's Centre
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request
Fundraising target on request