Baden Running Races is the annual road race in the Township of Wilmot out of the beautiful Wilmot Recreation Centre. Running races offered are the Neil Dunford Memorial 5k, as well as some extra spice with the Baden Back2Back (5k followed by 2.5k).
Since 2014, Baden Running Races strives to serve Wilmot by offering a fun and challenging race, and a friendly and welcoming running atmosphere for runners and walkers of all kinds.
This race is sanctioned by Athletics Ontario and for more information about this race, contact Lloyd Schmidt, Race Director.
Key 2025 info
Venue: Wilmot Recreation Complex, 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
Date: Sunday May 25, 2025
Time: The first event (5k) starts at 9:00 a.m. The 200m is at 9:55 a.m. and the 2.5k (individual and Back2Back) starts at 10:00 a.m.
Events: 5k | 2.5k | Back-2-Back (5+2.5) | Untimed 200m kids fun run
Race Cap: In 2024, this race sold out a week in advance at 325 participants. The cap for 2025 is yet TBD.
Recent event recaps: 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
Run Waterloo is a non-profit that couldn’t provide racing experiences without partners like these. Thank you!
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 Elmira & Elora |
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Participant swag
Here is our fun and springy 2024 design in bold and beautiful pink. Stay tuned for the 2025 brand.
Finisher medals are free and guaranteed to all participants.
T-shirts (unisex, ladies, and youth) are for purchase during registration. (When choosing a t-shirt, consult this guide.)
Stickers are free to the first 200 to claim kits.
Finisher medals are free and guaranteed to all participants. T-shirts (unisex, ladies, and youth) are for purchase during registration. (When choosing a t-shirt, consult this guide.) Stickers are free to the first 200 to claim kits.
Course maps and rules
This 2.5k circuit is certified by Athletics Canada.
There is one water station, at the start/finish/lap split line.
Course Rules
It is every participant’s responsibility to know the course and the race assumes no responsibility for any missed turns. Each turn will be marshaled and/or signed.
Time limit for 5k: 10 minutes per kilometre. We wish to minimize traffic disruption caused by our event, and value the support of Police services regarding participant safety.
Individual event categories and awards
Categories
During registration each timed participant (5k and 2.5k) must choose to compete in one of these four category types:
- Age Groups: Up to 12 | 13 – 15 | 16 – 19 | 20 – 29 | 30 – 39 | 40 – 49 | 50 – 59 | 60 – 69 | 70+
- Weight Categories: F160+lbs / M190+lbs
- Adaptive Athlete
- Walker
Awards
In these categories, without duplication, recognition goes as follows:
- To the top three overall, then
- To the top three masters, then
- To the top three in every other event category.
Notes
- Participants choose this during registration and it is available as editable data in Race Roster until the Tuesday at midnight before the race.
- Within a minute of finishing, participants can visit the results kiosk for a sticker printout of their time and stats, and if applicable, award plate for any of the above categories.
- The engraved plate sticks in the recess of your finisher medal. This kiosk runs while the race is still running and for a short while after, so participants don’t need to wait for anything.
- Any unclaimed stickers and medal plates will be available by participant request at a future Run Waterloo event or for pickup at Runners’ Choice Waterloo.
Team categories and awards
Categories
During registration, each timed participant (5k and 2.5k) has the option to join or create a team in any of these five category types:
- 5k and 2.5k – Parent Child (2 person team)
- 5k and 2.5k – Spouse (2 person team)
- 5k only – Open (min 5 person team)
- 5k only – Corporate (min 3 person team)
- 5k only – School (min 3 person team)
Awards
- We award engraved plates for top-3 teams in each team category.
- If applicable, participants would choose which earned award they prefer to stick to their medal (individual or team).
- Team awards are only ready after the timed event completely finishes.
Notes
- Any team can only include participants of the same timed event. For example, one spouse in the 5k and the other spouse in the 2.5k can not be counted on the same team.
- Any individual can join one team per category. Any individual can join teams in as many different categories as they want. To join multiple teams, participants can “write-in” the team name in the “Join additional teams” text box found in registration and editable data in Race Roster.
- Any unclaimed stickers and medal plates will be available by participant request at a future Run Waterloo event or for pickup at Runners’ Choice Waterloo.
Registration and kit pickup
Registration
Online through Race Roster. No refunds. Deferrals (same person, next year) and transfers (different person, same year) are limited; by e-transfer to [email protected] for a $15 early transfer fee until midnight on the Tuesday before the race, after which point entries can be deferred/transferred for a $25 late transfer fee until one hour before the race starts.
Kit pickups and race weekend registration
Saturday, May 24: kit pickup at Runners’ Choice Waterloo 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 25: kit pickup at Wilmot Recreation Centre 7:15 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Race weekend info
Post-race
Details TBA
Accessibility info
Run Waterloo would like to assist in breaking down barriers faced by runners with disabilities. In 2019, we created the position of Accessibility Coordinator, who will answer your questions regarding assistance, accommodations, and venue and course information. Contact Deirdre at [email protected].
We offer discounts for any guide runners. Please contact our accessibility coordinator at this email address for further information.
Elite info
At Run Waterloo, we value elite and sub-elite athletes that contribute to strong fields. There are a limited number of elite entry spots available for this race. Contact [email protected] to learn more about our entry standards.
Note: deadline for elite entry to this race is May 2, 2025.
Photos
Run Waterloo events include hundreds or thousands of photos posted to our Flickr page, all free for download and use. They are also tagged directly to the results.
Race history
For close to 40 years, Wilmot Township has been home to a great running tradition. With various venues, courses, distances, charities, and even names over the years, one thing has remained: the passion and community support for a great sporting event. This race was called the New Hamburg Classic Races as recently as 2013, before Run Waterloo rebooted this great institution with the first ever Baden Running Races in 2014.
