Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page!

We hope you find the information you are looking for. If not, please contact us.

What is the Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race about?

Established in 1910, the 10 Mile Road Race's mission is to organize, promote, and deliver an annual not-for-profit running event that welcomes runners of all calibers, serving as opportunity for personal challenge and friendly competition.

Who organizes the race?

Behind the scenes of the Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race is a passionate team of about 12 volunteers who pour their time, energy, and heart into making this event unforgettable. From the first days of autumn through the final wrap-up weeks after the finish line is closed, their dedication fuels every detail - so you can focus on the finish line and chase your personal best.

If the race started in 1910, why is 2026 only the 90th running?

There are several years when the race was unable to continue. The race was suspended during WWI and WWII. In the 1950s, interest waned, so the event was not held consistently. The race was revived in 1963 and interest continued to increase until today. However, in 2020, due to the pandemic, the race was cancelled, and was held virtually in 2021 and 2022.

How many runners do you expect?

We usually get 700 to 1000 runners participating in the race. Over recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of runners registered.

How long do I have to complete the race?

The racecourse closes THREE HOURS after the scheduled start of the race. At 12:00 PM on race day, the roads along which the race course is located will be reopened. There will be no traffic controls or race supports in place for runners after the three hour limit.

Is there a minimum age to run in the races?

There is no minimum age to register for the race as an individual participant. Runners under the age of 18 will need parental permission to register. Younger runners are encouraged to run the relay portion of the race if they are unable to complete the full 10 miles in the allotted three hours.

For safety and liability, parents who wish to run with their child must be a registered participant and wear their own bib.

How do I confirm that I'm registered?

You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration from the race registration website. If you do not receive this confirmation email, please contact our registration coordinator at entries@10mileroadrace.org

Is my race entry transferable to someone else should I be unable to run the race?

Entries are non-transferable and non-refundable. When you registered, we prepared for you to participate. This means we incurred costs associated with your registration that are not recoverable. Given the vast number of registrations and that our timing system is outsourced, our volunteers cannot process race transfers.

Are walkers and race-walkers allowed to participate?

The Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race mandate is to provide runners with an opportunity for personal challenge and friendly competition. However, walkers and race-walkers are welcome provided they are able to finish the course within the three-hour time limit. There is no separate registration category for walkers or race-walkers. At the start of the race, walkers are expected to line up behind the runners. Race-walkers are expected to position themselves in accordance with their anticipated pace in the race. There is no award category for walkers.

Can runners with disabilities participate in the Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race?

Absolutely! We welcome runners of all abilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact the race director to ensure that your experience is safe, enjoyable, and memorable. Please email at racedirector@10mileroadrace.org

At this time, we cannot safely accommodate wheelchairs on course. However, we are working diligently on a solution for future races.

Runner Shirts

Technical short sleeved T-Shirts are included in individual runner's race kits. You will get the size requested if you register by the stated cut off date. The shirts are ordered after the cut off date and will be available at kit pick up. Shirts are ordered from the data entered at the time of participant registration and cannot be exchanged for a different size.

Timing Chips & Race Bibs

Race Bibs and Timing Chips will be given to you at kit pick up. Your bib must be worn on the front and be visible at all times while you are on the racecourse. Chips are required for your official finish time. Instructions for using the time chip will be provided to you at the time you receive your chip. Please return your timing chip after you cross the finish line.

How are the limits of race course defined?

The race course is located entirely within the paved portion of the roadways over which it passes. The official racecourse is identified by race officials, barricades, and pylons. A map of the route can be found HERE.

Is the race course closed to traffic?

Generally, the race course is closed to traffic from 9AM-12PM, although runners are required to give way to emergency vehicles. Roads along the race course are temporarily closed for the safety and enjoyment of runners, spectators and volunteers. We very much appreciate the cooperation we receive from property owners, businesses and the travelling public with this necessary road closure. Runners please remember to obey police and volunteers directions as they have are looking out for your safety.

What is the weather usually like on race day?

The average high on race day has been 19.5 degrees C, the average low has been 3.9 degrees C, and the average precipitation has been 1.3 mm. Over the years, we have had it all; snow, freezing temperatures, rain, hot and sunny skies. Weather can be unpredictable on race day. Please consult local weather forecasts, dress appropriately, and run accordingly.

What time do the races start?

Thunder Bay Police must clear the racecourse before the official start. In past years, this has caused slight delays. However, we strive to start on time. You should be prepared to start when the gun goes off at the official start time. The start time for individual runners is 9am. Start time for relay runners is 9:10am, or 10 minutes after the start for individual runners, should the individual race start be delayed. Your time will not be adjusted if you are late.

Do you have start line corrals designated for runners at different paces?

There are no official corrals at the start line for runners based on pace. Please position yourself in the starting gate where your race pace will be roughly consistent with those around you. You can determine your appropriate place at the start by looking for the pacer with the closest time you expect to finish. They will be holding signs indicating expected finish time just before the race start.

May I wear a listening device with head/ear phones?

Headphones or ear buds are not recommended for safety and emergency reasons. If you choose to wear headphones or ear buds, we recommend that you wear them only in one ear. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to hear other runners, race officials, traffic, etc. Be aware of your surroundings. It may be necessary for emergency vehicles to use the race route and delays in their progress could seriously impact the health of another person, including a fellow runner.

Will there be pacers to help me run for a particular finish time?

Yes, pacers will be participating in the race in association with Fresh Air Training Group. A pacer is a volunteer runner who carries a sign indicating the pace at which he/she will run the race. A pacer leads a group of runners who are interested in running at that pace. Pacers attempt to run at a steady pace, although they will slow down at aid stations to ensure that everyone in the pace group has an opportunity to hydrate.

Can I check and retrieve my gear bag at the start/finish line?

The Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race has no gear check area. However, the start and finish line are at the same location. Parking will be available close to the start/finish line. We suggest that runners stow their gears in their vehicle or the Columbus Centre shortly before the race. We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen gear.

Where are the AID STATIONS located? What products and services are available at these stations?

Water and portable toilets are available at aid stations located every two miles along the course. They are available for runners, race officials and volunteers. If you are not a registered runner, please give runners priority in the use of portable bathrooms. See the Racecourse Map for more details on the location of the aid stations.

Will there be electrolytes at the Aid Stations?

Occasionally we have a race sponsor donate electrolyte solution or nutritional support. If so, it will be available on the racecourse at the aid stations. However, this is subject to availability and at the discretion of our sponsors. We suggest you bring your own if you require specific nutritional support during the race.

Where will medical support services be positioned during the race?

Emergency medical support will be located in the finish line area. Emergency vehicles will be poised should they be needed. If you need medical attention during the race, please find one of our racecourse marshals or volunteers who will be able to contact medical support to assist you. Volunteers will be located at each of the aid stations and at barricades along the route.

What services will be provided at the finish line?

Services available to runners at the finish line will include water, beverages, fruit, light snacks, medical response, and portable toilets. There are also washrooms and limited showers in the Columbus Hall.

How are the winners determined?

When it comes to awards, a winner, and the subsequent finishing order of a race, is determined by who crosses the finish line first. Therefore, overall and age category results are based on GUN TIME. Gun time is the official time that is recorded from the exact moment the gun sounds (when the race begins) to when you cross the finish line. This time may differ from your chip time and GPS watch. Your chip time starts when you cross the start line, thus may be faster than the gun time if you are further back when the gun goes off.

Why did my GPS record a distance that is different from the official race course distance?

The race course is measured along the inside of all corners to reflect the shortest possible distance a runner could cover in completing the race without being disqualified. If your GPS recorded a longer distance, it probably includes wide corners, weaving through the field, and diversions to aid and relief stations.

What if I am unable to complete the race in the allotted three hours?

The race course will be closed three hours after the scheduled start of the race. If you have yet to finish when the course is closed, race services will no longer be available to you. Should you elect, at that time, to complete the course, you may choose to do so, however you must move over onto the sidewalk as the road will be re-opened to vehicular traffic. Keep in mind that the race is officially over and traffic controls are no longer in place. You also will not receive an official finish time or medal, as the finish line and race supports will be taken down.

What if I need to drop out of the race?

If you believe you may be unable to finish the race, or if your doctor has advised against your participation, we strongly recommend that you do not start. Each entrant is responsible for determining whether they are fit to complete the event and for running in a way that does not compromise their health. Should you decide to withdraw and require medical assistance, please inform the nearest race official, who will direct you to the appropriate support.

Is there a Lost and Found site where I can recover a lost personal item?

Personal items that are recovered during or following the race can be claimed by contacting us. If you are still at the race site when you discover that an item is missing, please check at the Columbus Hall where found items will be placed in a marked tub. The race organization is not responsible for recovery of lost items. We do, however, make every effort to get found items back to their owners. Items not retrieved in a reasonable time will be donated.

Can a family member or friend cross the finish line with me?

No. For the safety of all participants, as well as spectators, non-participants are not permitted to enter any portion of the racecourse or finish line chute. Your bib must be visible to be on any portion of the racecourse, including the finisher's chute.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are not permitted on the racecourse during the event.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are not permitted on the racecourse during the event.

Can I ride a bike, use roller or in-line skate alongside the runners?

No bikes or skates are allowed on course. For safety reasons, and to optimize the race experience of all those involved, the race course is reserved for registered participants and race officials. The only bikes allowed on course during the race are the official race volunteer lead cyclists.

Are showers available following the race?

Limited shower facilities are available in the Columbus Centre.

Will photographs of runners and the race be available?

The Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race is fortunate to have a team of volunteer photographers along the course. Any photographs taken will be available after the race on the website. The photos are usually uploaded and available within a few days to a week post-race. These are free to download. If you share any photographs, please give credit to the photographer. Photos are arranged in albums by the photographer's name.

I'm with the media. Can I Interview the race winners?

Yes. Members of the media should contact the race director at racedirector@10mileroadrace.org to secure a media resource kit and ensure that they're on a circulation list for the latest background, news and developments.