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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:

  • 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

"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.

© 2024 by Pick Your Poison Trail Race

Pick Your Poison (🅿️☠️🅿️) is a not for profit ultra trail race held annually in April in the Copeland Forest in Barrie, Ontario, Canada

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