Frequently Asked Questions
Registration, Swag and Fundraising Questions
Registration
Where do I find my Registration Confirmation?
To search for your confirmation, please click here.
What is included in the Entry Fee?
Your entry fee includes:
- PUMA running gloves
- Exclusive finisher medal
- Personalized race bib, if registered by Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Amazing on course aid stations
- A great post-race party; with snacks, samples and activities all provided by our sponsors
- A timed race with results provided by Sportstats
- Chance to support kids with cancer by supporting POGO
When does registration close?
Registration closes on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Is registration capped?
Registration is capped at 850 participants across the 2 distances.
Is there a time limit?
The course will be open for 1 hour and 20 minutes before the finish line is dismantled.
Can I transfer from In-Person to the Virtual Run?
Transfers from in-person to virtual will be accepted until 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Please email us to initiate an in-person to virtual transfer.
Can children participate?
Yes. However, all children must be registered in the race. The minimum age for participation in the 8K is 8 years old. For the 5K, the minimum age is 6 years old.
Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered in the race.
Can men participate?
Yes! We welcome everyone to set the pace with us. Men can show their support by running in the race. But sorry guys, there are no awards for your categories and we ask that you do not cross the finish line before the first woman runner.
Are walkers allowed?
Yes, walkers are encouraged to participate. As there is no designated walker category, please be sure to choose your estimated finish time appropriately during the registration process.
Can I purchase a race entry as a gift for someone else?
I will be coming from out of town. What hotel should I stay at?
We have sourced some excellent options for you. Please click here for hotel information.
Swag
How is the running hat sized?
The PUMA running hat is one-size and sized to fit most.
Can I get my hat after the event is over?
No, you cannot pick up your hat after event day.
Are there finisher medals?
Yes. All registered participants that cross the finish line will receive a finisher medal.
What is a ``Series Finisher prize``?
Participants that complete all 3 races in the 2025 PUMA Toronto Women’s Run Series are eligible to receive an exclusive Series Finisher prize.
What is the Series Finisher prize for this year?
Our team is tallying last year’s survey results and working diligently with our creative team and suppliers to bring you something fantastic. Details will be shared on our website and social media as soon as possible.
How do I get my Series Finisher prize?
If eligible, you will receive your Series Finisher prize when you pick up your race kit at Kit Pick-up.
Fundraising
What is the charitable cause?
The PUMA Toronto Women’s Run Series has a long-standing partnership with POGO, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario.
Why should I fundraise for POGO?
The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) champions childhood cancer care. When a child is battling cancer, they ensure that the child has lifelong access to the best care for the best possible outcomes. From diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship, POGO is here for kids with cancer, for now, for life.
Are there fundraising prizes?
There are indeed bonuses in fundraising for POGO. All incentives can be viewed here.
Will I receive a charitable tax receipt?
Tax receipts are issued directly by POGO for donations of $5 or more. Please contact Cheryl, if you have any questions or are missing a tax receipt.
Race Details and Course Limitation Questions
Race Details
What time does the race start?
The 8K starts at 9:00 am and the 5K will start at 9:15 am.
Is the race ‘chip’ timed?
All distances are professionally timed by Sportstats using the BibTag timing system.
Are there finisher medals?
Yes. All registered participants that cross the finish line will receive a finisher medal.
What is the route like?
All distances in the Toronto Womens’ Run Series follow the natural, paved paths in the Toronto Park system. The out-and-back courses start and finish in Wilket Creek Park which is part of Sunnybrook Park. The course is as smooth and relatively flat with minimal natural undulation due to the natural rolling terrain.
Click here to view our route maps.
Who is the race photographer?
We have partnered with FinisherPix as our race photographer. They always do their best to photograph all athletes but we cannot guarantee that everyone will be photographed at every camera location.
Photos will be available on their website within 5-7 days after the event.
Course Limitations
Can anyone cross the finish line?
Only registered participants are permitted to cross the finish line.
Can I wear my headphones on course?
Yes. However, if you choose to wear headphones or earbuds on course, we ask that you keep the volume low so that you can be aware of your surroundings and be able to hear instructions from our course marshals on route.
Can I run the race with a baby jogger/running stroller?
Our route follows the paved park paths within Sunnybrook Park. For safety reasons, baby joggers and strollers are NOT allowed on course.
Can I run with my dog?
For the safety and comfort of all participants, dogs are NOT allowed on course.
Are bikes, scooters, skateboards, or inline skates allowed on the course?
Our route follows the paved park paths within Sunnybrook Park. For safety reasons, bikes, scooters, skateboards or inline skates are NOT allowed on course.
Are wheelchairs allowed?
The narrow roads, bridges and pathways within the park system make the route suitable for runners and walkers only. For this safety reason, wheelchairs are permitted on the 5K route only. For the safety of all participants, 3-wheeled racing wheelchairs are not permitted on course.
Volunteering and Spectator Questions
Volunteering
Do you need volunteers?
Always! We need a number of volunteers in a variety of positions to make the event a success.
How can I sign up to volunteer?
Simply complete our volunteer form and a member of our Team will contact you with more information.
Will I get high school volunteer hours?
As a charity run series, all high school students collecting volunteer hours for the Community Service component of their OSSD will indeed receive a record of their time spent with the Toronto Women’s Run Series.
What are the volunteer t-shirts like?
Our volunteer t-shirts are 100% cotton and are available in unisex sizes small to extra-large.
Spectators
Where is the best place to watch the race and cheer on the runners?
The park is open to the public and you are welcome to find a spot anywhere along the route that does not interfere with our participants, course marshals and/or cyclists.
A few excellent viewing spots include:
1. Behind the former site of the Ontario Science Centre
Take Eglinton Avenue East to Don Mills Road, go south/right down to the lights at Gateway Blvd., turn right, park at bottom of hill and walk 50 m over to the paved path.
2. Within the Park, via Thorncliffe Park Blvd.
71-73 Thorncliffe Park Blvd – proceed down the steep hill into the parking lot (this route is very accessible)
3. At the Elevated Wetlands
425 Don Mills Road
Event Cancellation and Policy Questions
What are the factors that influence whether or not the race is cancelled?
At the PUMA Toronto Women’s Run Series, we run rain or shine!
However, severe weather conditions, such as lightning, excessive heat, heavy rain, extreme winds, or active snowfall, may result in a later start time or event cancellation.
We adhere to Athletics Ontario rules and policies that outline when an event must be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather and/or unsafe conditions. Safety is our paramount concern.
Should severe or unsafe weather conditions occur on race day, the Race Director, in consultation with the medical team and course personnel, will decide on appropriate delays or course modifications, as needed. Communication will occur through on-site announcements and social media.
As always, up-to-date information will be shared on our website leading up to the day of the event.
Should severe or unsafe weather conditions result in the cancellation of an event, refunds or deferrals will not be issued.
What are your COVID-19 protocols?
As safety is our number one priority, we will continue to follow the guidelines issued by the Province of Ontario and Toronto Public Health. All participants must review and follow the recommended guidelines and COVID-19 protocols mandated by the PUMA Toronto Women’s Run Series at the time of the event.
If you have a question not listed in our above FAQ, click here to contact us.