Held on the last weekend in September every year in Mattawa. Crazy fun fact here I have raced this one 6 times and the first time was 2011! That’s a 15 year spectrum right there! Jenn and Tzach are the owners of the property and organizers of this gem of a race! They are passionate about eco conservatism and truly ambassadors of the leave no trace limiting impact on Mother Earth. Their business is called Nature’s Harmony, it’s on a massive plot of land that is run solely off grid hence the name of the race. They have solar tech and hydro tech to power all their needs and run horticulture and other programs throughout the year to educate and coach citizens to lower carbon footprints but also to be good humans and paying respect for the forests and nature watersheds and etc.
They have distances from 12.5 k, 25 k, 50 k. it’s a 12.5 k loop course. There are two other aid stations on course not including the start finish so every 4 k you have nutritional needs met. I’d say the coolest thing about this race is you go the opposite direction every other loop. Two reasons why this is such an amazing point and why I wish other races would take note! you will run by every single runner on course in opposite directions, so you not only see every one, but you get to cheer on and have that shared celebratory exchange all day long! The second major cool point here is if you’re competitive you will know exactly how far or behind you are from other racers. So it becomes a very cool game of cat and mouse chase as sometimes you don’t know where competitors are on course and you put your head down and assume they are only steps ahead of you, but here you know precisely there is no guess game!
They cater in the food locally and also have local coffee on site. The main centre piece of the event is the fire, and they tend and keep it ablaze throughout and people gather and converse and share stories and meet new friends. It’s truly a family and bonding event as much as a running race.
The 12.5 k course is a little bit of every terrain in one. grass, dirt, sand, creak crosses, mud pit, single track, double track, you name it! each loop has maybe 350 metres of vert. So yes it’s challenging haha, but yes it’s also one of the funnest courses in all of Ontario.
I’d say hands down if you have spoke to anyone that has run this event, they’ll tell you it is treasurable. There’s something about this race that you really can’t find words to elicit its true magic. it could be the ambiance and small town charm, the race directors charisma and warm soulful energy, and or the property that sits in the middle of remote wilderness that really gives that rugged feel and it’s entirely peaceful and perhaps it allows you to find that groundedness in your soul and connect with the land and people around you that seems timeless.
If you haven’t done this one yet, get out there, it’s a masterpiece. Again even if you don’t run it, you can rent yurts on their property year round and spend a few nights in gods country with a limitless clear sky as there isn’t an obstruction in sight and quietude is maximum quality! Jenn is probably one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met, she cares deeply about earth and humankind and is a role model for all future generations to follow. Side bonus here, if you wish to get a little extra kick half way in the race sometimes a notorious man in a big white beard offers you a shot of fireball or other to make you laugh and send you off on a high note! haha happy trails!
