While the Toronto Carnival Run is not a professionally certified course, it is a sanctioned event by Athletics Ontario, which means we adhere to official guidelines for safety, course management, and race operations.

As a grassroots event focused on promoting fitness and health, we operate on a limited budget, so full course certification isn't feasible at this time. However, our sanctioning ensures that the event is fully insured and held to standards set by both Athletics Ontario and Athletics Canada — offering participants a safe, fun, and well-organized experience.

We recognize that for safety, age, or other requirements, an adult may want to run with their child and we leave this to the parent/guardian’s discretion. If there are no special requirements, we encourage adults to cheer for all youth run participants from the sidelines. Please note:  Parents who accompany their children on the run DO NOT REGISTER AS A RUNNER, nor receive a T-shirt and/or finisher’s medal. Only the child will receive an event bib to be worn while on the course and a finisher's medal along with post-race refreshments.

Yes! The Toronto Carnival Run welcomes participants of all ages in the 5K and 10K races. Children are encouraged to take part, provided they can complete the distance safely. Please note that the 1K Kids Race is reserved for children under 12 years old.

Absolutely! Make sure they have a copy of your Race Entry email confirmation. They must also bring along with them ID so we can note who picked up your kit.

Participants who reside more than 100 kilometers from the designated Race Kit Pick-Up location (i.e. outside of the Greater Toronto Area) qualify as “out of town” and may pick up their kits on race day.

With the exception of those that register for the Refund Protection Program during registration, entry fees are non-refundable and non-deferrable. Once online registration is complete, a refund will not be issued for any reason and you will not be able to defer your entry for another year. Toronto Carnival Run, in accordance with management executives, city officials and local law enforcement has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, extreme weather conditions or threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for Race Day.

Yes. A transfer is to be used if you can no longer run and you wish to transfer your entry to another person or if you wish to change your distance.  Transfers can be completed up until July 21, 2026 at 11:59PM. A transfer can be completed by going to your confirmation email and clicking on the link at the bottom. Transfer fees applicable.

You may upgrade from 5K to 10K or downgrade from 10K to 5K. If upgrading, the cost difference at time of transfer (not initial registration) will be applied.  If downgrading, no refund will be issued for the difference.  A transfer can be completed by going to your confirmation email and clicking on the link at the bottom. Transfer fees applicable.

Yes. We ask that those running with strollers start at the back of the race corral to allow faster runners to clear. We also ask that you stay to the right of the trail as not to block passing runners.

As much as we think your dog would be adorable, this may cause issues for those who have phobia issues, allergies and may pose as a safety hazard with other runners. For those reasons, this is a pet free run.

Yes. However, please keep the volume at a level that you can hear instructions from Race Marshalls.

A group discount of 10% per person is applied to online orders of 5 or more people.  Discount is applied to a single transaction.  Not applicable on multiple transactions of under 5 people.  Select "Add Participant" to add additional people to your order.  Discount will automatically be applied at checkout when you add a minimum of 5 people to your order.

A virtual race is a race that can be completed from any location you choose. You have complete control to go at your own pace indoors or outdoors. Completion of your virtual race can be done on or before Race Day up until 30 days afterward.

• You can run/walk at any location, at your pace, outside or on a treadmill, alone or with a group of friends.
• Use a running or performance app to track your results.
• A link will be provided race day week where to submit your results.
• Post your race pictures on your preferred social channels using #TOCarnivalRun #VirtualRun and tag us @TOCarnivalRun.

The Toronto Carnival Run is a not-for-profit fundraising event to promote health and wellness. Additional prizing is an add-on benefit depending on sponsorships from community partners and not a guaranteed feature of participating in the Toronto Carnival Run.

Proceeds from the Toronto Carnival Run support the Simunye Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the African Canadian diaspora. Their goal is to build a museum and cultural centre that showcases the contributions, stories, and heritage of the community. Your participation and donations help bring this vision to life, creating a space for education, empowerment, and cultural preservation for future generations. Thank you for making a difference!

We truly commend your interest in participating and being part of the Toronto Carnival Run community — that spirit is what keeps this event going strong! 💛

As a grassroots, not-for-profit event, we rely heavily on registration fees to cover essential costs such as permits, insurance, race materials, and more. Unfortunately, we’re not able to offer free entries at this time.

However, there are several ways to make participation more affordable:

• Register early to take advantage of our discounted early bird rates
• Seek a sponsor, such as a friend, family member, or local organization who may be willing to support your wellness journey
• Join our Promoter Program to earn cash back by referring others
• Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on special contests or discount codes that may be released

We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you at the start line!

• Wear comfortable athletic clothing
• Get in the Carnival Spirit! Wear all or part of a carnival costume! Decorate your face and body with carnival glitter! Bring your rags and flags! Have fun!
• Anti-Chafe Stick or Vaseline
• Tissue
• Bandages
• Hair accessories (i.e. Headband, Elastic)
• Race Bib and Safety Pins
• Race Gear Accessories (i.e. sunglasses, arm warmers, compression socks, hat, etc)
• ID, Keys, Phone, Small Amount of Cash
• Flip Flops or other slip on shoes to wear after the race
• Antibacterial wipes, deodorant, towel
• Clean, dry change of clothes
• A SMILE and great attitude!

Yes, washroom facilities are available at the following locations:

• Start/Finish Area – Portable toilets will be provided on-site
• Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool (Parkside area) – Public washroom
• Budapest Park – 1675 Lake Shore Blvd W (west of Budapest Lane) – Public washroom
• Argonaut Rowing Club (next to tennis courts) – 1225 Lake Shore Blvd W – Portable toilets (payment required)
• Coronation Park – 711 Lake Shore Blvd W – Public washroom

Yes, water stations will be available approximately every 2.5 km and at the finish line to keep participants hydrated throughout the course.