More Changes Afoot for the 132nd Around the Bay Road Race; Takes Place on Sunday, April 12, 2026

By Gazette Staff

February 4th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

New Date, New Routes and a New Face Running the Full 30K While Raising Funds for St. Joe’s.

  The Around the Bay Road Race has undergone many changes over the past few years, and the 132^nd iteration of the oldest road race in North America will continue this trend. Here’s a summary of what runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators can expect from the iconic Hamilton event in 2026.

New Race Date, Routes and Start Line Location:

For decades, the Around the Bay Road Race has traditionally been held on the last Sunday in March. This year, race organizers have shifted the date back by two weeks to occur on Sunday, April 12, 2026. It’s a change that could bring more favourable spring temperatures to participants, but the new start and finish line location near the Hamilton Harbour is likely to keep temperatures brisk.

The classic 30K course will start in front of Pier 4 Park on Leander Dr., near the Hamilton waterfront. Long-distance runners will then head east into the city to catch Burlington Street, where the course follows its traditional route around the bay.

The 15K distance will start on the Burlington side of the lift bridge on Eastport Drive, while the 10K runners will be lined up to start on Northshore Boulevard in Burlington.

The 5K event will start near Pier 8 by the Harbour, follow Guise Street into Pier 4 Park, out Bayfront Park, then head out to Strachan before catching James St. N., up to the universal finish line that will be located on the Waterfront Trail near Pier 7.

Further details on race locations and routes can be found at BayRace.com.

PJ Mercanti: “I’m excited to take on the 30K route.”

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation will return as the official charity partner of the Around the Bay Road Race as well-known Hamiltonian, PJ Mercanti, takes on the role of Community Champion. Mercanti serves as the CEO of Carmens Group, one of Southern Ontario’s most dynamic hospitality, entertainment, food service and development companies and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. Mercanti is training for the full 30K event while bringing together a team of family, friends and colleagues to help him raise $100,000 to support vital equipment needs at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

“The Bay Race is a point of community pride, just like St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and the care the hospital has provided to our community for more than a century,” says Mercanti. “I entered the world at St. Joe’s, and now I have the privilege of giving back to it. Serving as Community Champion while running Around the Bay is a true full circle moment. I’m excited to take on the 30K route and bring Carmens Group, my family, and my friends together to support a hospital that has shaped so many lives — including mine.”

Race Registration:

The 30K and 15K race categories are currently sold out, but there is still space available to register for the 10K and 5K races. The deadline to register online is March 22. To register your spot in the Bay Race, please visit BayRace.com

Raising Funds for General Equipment at St. Joe’s:

This year, funds raised through the Bay Race will support much needed healthcare equipment at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. While the province provides operational funding for hospitals, the fact is, many pieces of equipment used at St. Joe’s are funded by donations and monies raised through events like the Bay Race. To learn more or donate to the Bay Race, visit stjoesfoundation.ca.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating another year as the Around the Bay Road Race’s charity of choice,” says Sera Filice, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. “With the support of PJ Mercanti and a host of other fundraising teams and individuals, we hope to raise $450,000 to help our hospital purchase equipment that’s essential to our ability to care for this community. The Bay Race really is Hamilton’s race for Hamilton’s hospital.”