Our favourite Realtor has been giving away free race entries monthly for almost ten years (!!) and 2024 was the biggest year yet!
We’ve got some big changes for 2025 but first, a recap of a great year. Mike and Laura were there every step of the way with fun contests and lots of free entries 🙂 Thanks to all who participated and congrats to all the winners, it was a blast.
Now for 2025, we’re upgrading the contest once again. Here’s what we’re up to this year!
Free Entry Contests 2025
| Contest | Dates | Contest close date (draw to follow) | Prizes | Winners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter contest for spring races | Feb 4-10 | Online, February 11 | 5 winners for your choice of: cone5togo, endurrace, Baden Running Races | TBA |
| Spring contest for summer races | Apr 1-10 | Online, April 11 | 5 winners for your choice of: Lakeside Laps, Waterloo Classic, Runway | TBA |
| Summer contest for fall races | Jun 5-15 | Draw live at Waterloo 10 KM Classic June 15 | 5 winners for your choice of: Fall Classic, Trick or Trot, RememberRun, Santa Pur-suit | TBA |
| Special contest for memberships | Aug 15-24 | Online, August 25 | 2 memberships for Run Waterloo 2026 | TBA |
| Fall contest for winter races | Oct 1-10 | Online, October 11 | 5 winners for your choice of: Jingle Bell, Re-Fridgee-Eighter 2026, cone5togo 2026 | TBA |
That’s right: we’re cutting down on the number of contests this year (less for you to keep track of) but increasing the number of prizes up for grabs. Huge thanks to My Next KW Home Group for keeping us motivated year after year!
Now for the first contest of 2026, “winter contest for spring races”. Next week we’re picking 5 winners for an entry to their choice of our late winter/spring calendar (cone5togo, endurrace, Baden Running Races). All you need to do is let us know…
What are your thoughts on winter running?
Post it anywhere we will see it: a comment on this blog post, a comment on any contest-related post from Run Waterloo or My Next KW Home Group, or your own posts that you tag Run Waterloo and My Next KW Home Group in. Contest dates and deadlines are in the table above. Happy contesting and we want to know what you think of this winter, and what it means for spring running!
24 Comments
Winter running rocks!
We agree!
I don’t mind cold temps but I hate icy terrain! I’ve been sticking to the treadmill a lot but have ventured out for some zone2 when I can take the pace slow and safe.
The multi use trails in Kitchener are some of my favourite places to run in the winter because they are fairly well maintained. But I agree with you – ice = scary!
I love the glistening snow, the cold temps, crunchy sound of footsteps, and being the first to make footprints in the freshly fallen snow. Again, if I happen to win, please give it to someone who is running, because I won’t be!
You should run! We love seeing you behind the camera but it would be equally as great to see you out on the course!
Winter running is challenging but rewarding. It requires more preparation than other season and definitely more motivation. But the feeling of running outdoors all year round pays the price!
Agree! I find the hardest part is starting but once you are out in the cool, crisp air it is pretty great.
The best part of winter running is the warm post workout meal, even better if we have runner friends by our side. The feeling of “I deserve this warm and nourishing capuccino” is the best!
ooo yes! and a great way to explore different cafes, etc. throughout the region!
I love running especially while enjoying the naturing and nothing like admiring the terrain of Kitchner/Waterloo. I have a record of covering 5kms in 32mins back in my home country and would like to get even better here if given a chance to run. I want to win the contest to get a ticket to run for free and will make it a record run.
Sounds like a great goal!
I love winter running. Running in the cold helps me keep my breathing slow and steady. The crisp air on morning runs always feels great. And even if it’s super cold I get a great boost of accomplishment when it’s over and I get to tell my friends I just ran outside lol
It also makes me appreciate spring summer and fall running that much more
If we are lucky the groundhog was correct and we should be seeing spring temps in not that many more weeks!
Winter running isn’t all that bad. Takes a little more preparation for layering all the clothes but so much easier than the heat of summer. Only drawback is the ice and snow. Trail runners help though.
100% agreed! Not for everyday weather, but for everyrun weather!
I love Winter running. Keeping my body temperature cool is the biggest challenge I face when running, and that is very easy to achieve in the Winter. The snow also creates an interesting and challenging terrain *my attempt at staying positive for Re-Fridgee-Eighter today*…
Haha. How did it go? Yes the winter is just so much more interesting, you can follow all the footsteps in the trails. And no overheating!
I love winter running. I also love the frosty eye lashes and clothing that comes with it!
Creating puddles everywhere we go afterwards. Maybe not my favourite thing but it’s fun and worth it!!
Just completed my first-ever winter run (Re-Fridgee-Eighter) on February 9th—and I loved it! They say challenges make you stronger, and for me, winter running is the perfect way to build endurance, mental toughness, and stronger strides for faster summer runs. The cold air pushes your lungs, the snow works your stabilizers, and every step makes you a little tougher. Of course, dressing appropriately for the conditions is key, but once you get through this, everything else just feels easier.
Congrats on the first winter race! Spring will feel amazing too.
Winter running can be a bit of a challenge to get out the door (especially when the sun is not out), but it’s always worth it once you get moving.
Those first few seconds where you are doubting your clothing choice. Always worth it!
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