The Golden Horseshoe Race

The Golden Horseshoe Race traces a spectacular loop around Lake Ontario, taking riders on a self-supported journey through Canada and the United States. Combining quiet rural roads, the rolling terrain of the Niagara Escarpment, and the vibrant landscapes surrounding one of North America’s Great Lakes, it offers a true cross-border ultra-distance adventure.

The route covers 1,657 kilometres, starting and finishing in Toronto, Ontario, with the 2026 Grand Départ taking place on 26 September. Riders follow a fixed GPX through Ontario and New York State, circling Lake Ontario while passing vineyards, farmland, lakeside roads, and historic canal towns. The event is designed for road bikes, with a focus on efficient pacing and long-distance endurance rather than technical terrain.

The Golden Horseshoe Race follows a strict self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, border crossing requirements, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. Solo and pair categories are available, rewarding careful planning and resilience over several days of continuous riding.

Blending international travel, scenic roads, and the challenge of circling one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, The Golden Horseshoe Race delivers a unique ultra-cycling experience. It is an ideal event for riders looking to combine endurance, exploration, and the freedom of self-supported adventure.