Events for 2026

JANUARY

January 31, Saturday

APRIL

Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Bunny Run, Arnprior

An early-season run, the 2^nd Annual Arnprior Bunny starts at Robert Simpson Park, with a 2km, 5km, and, new this year, a 10km route. Registration includes snacks, medals and timing. The events travel over a mix of paved trails, sidewalks, roads and nature trails (Gillies Grove for 5km/10km).

Details: https://calendar.arnprior.ca/Default/Detail/2026-04-04-1200-The-Bunny-Run-2026 or Eventbrite 

TBD April 2026 – Gravel Cup Experience Calabogie

For gravel riders, this one is not to be missed. The Gravel Experience starts in Calabogie and wanders through the backwoods, rail trails and rolling backroads of the area. There are three distances to choose from: 120km, 80km, and 40km, with an awards ceremony and meal post-ride.

Website: https://gravelcup.com/gravel-cup-events

MAY

Sunday, May 3, 2026 – Heroes Run for Healthcare, Pembroke

The Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation is the beneficiary of these fundraising runs. Run or walk the 2km hero-themed run with hero meet-and-greets for kids, or a 5km timed run. Funds raised go towards purchasing the highest priority equipment for the Regional Hospital.

Website: https://prhf.akaraisin.com/ui/HeroesRun2025

TBD May – BORCA Spring Chicken, Beachburg

This mountain bike or gravel bike event offers two choices: 32km or 60km of mixed gravel and single-track trails starting from the River Barn, one of the most popular trailheads in the Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association (BORCA) network. After your ride, enjoy the grilled pork loin or veggies on a bun, and salads. It's a popular event that attracts up to 300 riders annually from across Ontario, Quebec, NY, Maine, and the Maritimes.

Website: https://borcatrails.com/events

JUNE

Sunday, June 14 – Krista Johnson Memorial Run, Pembroke

The Krista Johnson Memorial Run includes a 2km walk/run, 5, 10, and 21km runs, as well as a nature obstacle course race. It's a fundraiser in memory of Krista Johnson, who was passionate about health and youth, and raises funds for the Elevate Youth Wellness Centre. All events are timed, there's a raffle with prizes, and baking and food truck refreshments. Over 450 people participated last year.

Website: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102117/krista-johnson-memorial-run

TBD June –Deep River Run for Home

Starting at the Deep River Arena, this run alternates between trails and roads, and raises funds for the new 96-bed long-term care home currently under construction at the Deep River & District Health Centre. Choose from 2km, 5km, 10km, or half-marathon options, and it includes a prize draw post-event.

Website: https://drdhfoundation.com/RunForHome

TBD July 1, 2026 - Matawatchan Canada Day Run

This 1km and 5km run, walk, or stroller jumpstarts Canada Day. It begins at the Matawatchan Hall, and registration opens at 8:00 am the morning of the run, in front of the Hall. The handmade medals reflect the area's logging history and it’s a fundraiser to maintain the Hall for the community.

Website: Check the Matawatchan Hall FB Page or the Greater Madawaska Canada Day FB page.

JULY

Sunday, July 5, 2026 – Tour de Beavertails, Killaloe

This cycling and walking event is in support of the Killaloe Food Bank. With road and gravel options, easy to hilly, there's something for everyone, from 10km to 100km. There's also a walk through historic downtown Killaloe. You'll receive a t-shirt, a delicious Beavertail pastry, and a big welcome from this friendly little town.

Website: charitybiketour.ca

TBD July – Petawawa Kids of Steel Triathlon

Starting at the Garrison Petawawa, this event features a swim-bike-run for kids aged 4-17 and a duathlon for kids aged 3-5. It's a fun event where kids get to swim in a heated pool, bike an out-and-back route, and run on a fast, flat course.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/737390179713389/

Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Tour de Whitewater, Westmeath

With numerous road and gravel events, there is a distance for everyone, from family-friendly to 100km. This event highlights the Valley’s farm country, historic barns and the Ottawa River and attracts over 350 riders every year. Post-event, enjoy a burger, chips, drinks and live music at the Community Centre.

Website: https://www.webscorer.com/register?pid=1&raceid=380908

AUGUST

TBD August 2026  - Deep River 40th Annual Triathlon

It is a fun and competitive triathlon through the Deep River area. There are categories for individuals, males, females, and teams, and this chip-timed event welcomes everyone with a swim in the Ottawa River, a cycle on local roads, and a run.

Website:https://www.deepriver.ca/departments/recreation/deep-river-40th-annual-triathlon/

August 8-16th, 2026 - Petawawa Water and Dirt Festival

Pick a few events and sign up for this multi-day festival. Try a kayak fishing tournament, paddling races and regatta, a paddle with your pup fundraiser, gravel cycling event, gravel run, triathlon and swim across the river. And so many more activities celebrating the land and water of the Valley.

Website: https://www.wateranddirt.ca/  

Saturday, August 29, 2026 – Grand Depart, Almonte/Mississippi Mills,

A much-loved 800km bikepacking route that starts in Almonte and loops through the gravel goodness of the Valley, then up to Renfrew and crosses over to the Quebec shores of the Ottawa River. The Log Driver's Waltz can be cycled at any time, in stages or the full distance, or register for the Grand Depart, and cycle it with others.

Website: https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/2026-grand-depart.html

Sunday, August 30, 2026 - Tour de Bonnechere, Eganville

With five different routes, pick a family cruiser, gravel route or road rides at this fun event, ranging from just over 20km to 100km. These routes travel through flat farmland to the Valley's hilliest, most challenging terrain. There's live music, prizes and a BBQ at the finish.

Website: https://tourdebonnechere.blogspot.com/p/virtual-ride-details.html

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Tour de Poutine 2025, Arnprior

This event is for those who love fries with their bicycle ride. It's approximately 25km long and finishes at Betty's Chips in Braeside along the Ottawa River. Starting at 10:00 am, it's a fantastic community-inspired event that's mainly flat and scenic along the River.

Website: https://www.mcnabbraeside.com/play-he

SPRING-FALL

Every Wednesday: Deep River Riders do a different road route in Renfrew County, moderate length and difficulty. Info: hagberg@sympatico.ca