YMCA Charity 5K

Helping Kids Shine On at Camp

Each year, the YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomes thousands of children aged 4 to 15 to our overnight and day camps. At camp, they experience fun, friendship, and the great outdoors. The learning, support, and opportunities they receive help ignite their potential to Shine On all year round.

This year, our goal is to raise $245,000 to send over 600 children to camp—100 more than last year! With your generosity, we know we can make it happen!

We can't thank you enough for helping kids across the GTA experience unforgettable adventures in nature. Your contributions will help campers build lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

We look forward to seeing you on race day and celebrating your fundraising progress as you rally your supporters!

How to Get Involved

When you register for the YMCA Charity 5K, you can donate and/or fundraise to support YMCA Camps.

Fundraising Incentives

We know that helping kids make camp memories is a reward in itself, but the more you raise, the more kids can attend. We’re excited to introduce special rewards for your efforts!

*Please allow 6-8 weeks after fundraising ends for registration fee reimbursement and incentives to be processed.

Getting Started is Easy!

1. Sign in to Race Roster (top right corner).
2. Click Edit Fundraising Page below your profile image.
3. Customize your goal, write a message, upload a photo.
4. Click Save to update.

Your fundraising page includes preset buttons for social sharing—just click to spread the word!

Run Day

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 9 am

Location

Downsview Park (Festival Terrace/Circuit Path)
15 Carl Hall Road, North York, ON, M3K 2E2
Downsview Park is located at the southeast corner of Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West.

Parking

On-site parking is available at:

• Carl Hall Road (Lots D1 and D6)
• Canuck Avenue (Lot P1)

Spaces are limited.

Public Transit

The park is accessible via:

• Downsview Park GO/TTC Station
• Sheppard West and Finch West Stations
• Bus routes 41, 84, 101, 106, and 108B

Visit the Go Transit or TTC website for more details.

Route Details

This out-and-back 5K route consists of one loop along the paved paths of Downsview Park. The start and finish line is located at the Festival Terrace/Circuit Path, where pre- and post-run activities will take place.

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Pre-Run Kit Pick-Up

Location: North York YMCA, 567 Sheppard Avenue East, North York
Dates and Times:

• Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11 am – 7 pm
• Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11 am – 7 pm

To pick up your run kit, bring your bib number (emailed during run week) and a photo ID. If picking up for others, provide their bib number or confirmation email and written authorization.

Run Day Kit Pick-Up

Location: Festival Terrace/Circuit Path, Downsview Park
Date and Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 7:45 am – 8:45 am

Expect long lines. Arrive early to avoid delays. Bib number and photo ID are required. No run-day registration.

Run Kit Policy

Participants must pick up their kits at the North York YMCA or on run day. Run kits will not be mailed before or after the event and will not be available post-event.

Start Details

The run will use a corral-based mass start. Corrals are assigned based on estimated finish time provided during registration.

Corral Assignments:

If you need to adjust your estimated finish time, update it through your Participant Dashboard by Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Walkers and Families
Walkers are welcome! Corral #4 is recommended for those walking the full 5K, families, and participants with strollers or wagons. The finish line will remain open until 10:25 am, allowing 75 minutes to complete the route (15:00 min/km pace).

Safety
For participant safety, scooters, inline skates, bicycles, skateboards, and non-service dogs are not permitted.

Age Limitations

• Children must be at least 6 years old to register.
• Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
• Children younger than 6 may participate in a stroller or baby jogger but will not receive race items.
• ONLY registered participants receive a bib, t-shirt, and finisher medal.

Run Day Schedule

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Baggage Check

Baggage check opens at 7:45 am at the Run Party Site. Participants must attach the baggage tag (found on their bib) to their bag before dropping it off. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Timing

The race will use the BibTag timing system. Timing chips are placed on the back of the run bib and must remain intact.

• Do not remove the BibTag or fold your bib.
• Wear your bib on the front of your shirt.

No bib = no recorded time.

Results

Official results will be available on Enfield Timing.

Water and Aid Stations

Water will be available at the Start/Finish area and at the on-course water station.

Medical and First Aid

A Medical Tent will be stationed at the Start/Finish area. Medical personnel on bicycles will be available along the route. Participants must follow instructions from emergency services if needed.

Toilets

Portable toilets will be located at the Start/Finish area and at the water station.

Shuttle Bus Information

Round-trip shuttle busses are available for pick-up and drop-off at two YMCA of Greater Toronto Area locations. Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased for participants and their family and friends, up to a maximum of six per participant.

Due to space limitations on the school busses, only folding strollers are permitted.

Shuttle bus tickets are available for purchase until Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Schedule

• Pick-up time: 6:45 am at all locations. Please arrive on time to avoid missing your bus.
• Arrival at Downsview Park: 8 am on Run Day.
• Departure from Downsview Park: 11:15 am.

Locations

Please select your pickup location during the registration process:

• Central YMCA – 20 Grosvenor Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 2V5
• Mississauga YMCA – 325 Burnhamthorpe Road W, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3R2

Fee

• $10 – Includes round-trip transportation to and from Downsview Park, all taxes, and processing fees.

Parking

On-site parking is available off Carl Hall Road (lots D1 and D6) and Canuck Avenue (lot P1). Spaces are limited.

Public Transit

Downsview Park is accessible via Downsview Park GO/TTC Station, Sheppard West, and Finch West Station, as well as bus routes 41, 84, 101, 106, and 108B.

Visit the TTC website for more information.

Have a question?

We've created an extensive FAQ page that we hope will answer your question.