Event day
JOIN US FOR OUR 19TH ANNUAL EVENT!
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Years Running
route distance
Participants
Total Raised
September 12, 2026
Event Schedule
9:00
AM
Registration & Tents Open
- Check in or register for the BRIGHT Run
- Visit the Silent Auction, Pink Gear, Penny Sale, Raffle, and Kids Zone
- Take a guess at the BOOB CUBE, get a picture or two, check out the exhibitors, and don’t forget to leave a Hope Note on the Tree of Hope
- Drop off pledge sheets with cash/cheque donations
10:00
AM
Opening Ceremonies
- Hosted by Sunni Genesco (LEGEND 102.9) and Monica Graves
- Welcome from BRIGHT Run Committee
- Survivor recognition and tributes
- Guest speakers: Dr. Jenna Smith-Turchyn (BRIGHT Run 2026 Survivor Spokeswoman), Dr. Marc Jeschke (VP Research and Innovation at HHS), Anissa Hilborn (HHS Foundation President), Victoria Mancinelli (LiUNA), Dr. Chris Hillis (VP Oncology at HHS)
- Warm Up with YWCA ENCORE program led by Anne Marie Collingwood
10:30
AM
Ribbon Cutting & Run Begins
- Official 1km/5km walk/run
- Route through scenic waterfront path
- Volunteers will guide you through the run
11:30
AM
Walk/Run Ends
- Finisher medals distributed at the finish line
- Photos at the finisher arch
- Enjoy lunch and snacks, available for purchase from Harveys, The Ice Cream Truck and CHARScuterie Cart.
12:00
PM
Closing Ceremonies
- Closing ceremonies hosted by Sunni Genesco
- Cheque presentation and announcements of top fundraisers
- Silent auction closes
- Stay a while and enjoy an afternoon at the Conservation Area
What to pack
Bring
- Rain gear, regardless of forecast. Also protect all electronic devices; resealable plastic bags work well
- Comfortable walk/running shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Layers for changing weather
- Your leashed, well-behaved dog. Remember to bring some poop bags as well
- Bug spray
- Morning coffee
- Cash, debit and/or credit card
- Wagon or stroller for young children. Short legs tire quickly
- Medical mobility devices are welcome
Don't Bring
- Feather boas. They shed feathers that harm the Conservation Area’s natural environment. Try leis instead
- Latex balloons
- Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters. Only medical mobility devices are permitted
Getting there
Parking & Location
Christie Lake Conservation Area
1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E2
free parking on-site
Arrive early – parking lots will fill up quickly
Highway 5w entrance
Turn left at the sign for Christie Lake
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available for those with an Ontario Disability permit. Golf carts will be available to get you to the event site if you need assistance.
More to explore
Silent Auction – something for everyone; place your bid. 50/50 raffle and Penny Sale – buy your lucky ticket. Photos – check out the Smartbooth and Fido Foto Frame. SMILE! Exhibit tent – lots of breast cancer services and products. Tree of Hope – leave a Hope Note. BOOB Cube – take a guess!
Food & Drink
Refuel with a wide variety of eats and drinks—from classic snacks to local Hamilton favourites.
Don’t forget to bring some cash & your DR/CR card!
If you have not registered yet, it's not too late!
Health & Safety
We prioritize your well-being with on-site First-Aid, Volunteer staff, and clearly marked areas for the trail.
- Be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately (rain or shine).
- If it is going to be hot and sunny do your best to avoid heat stroke by maintaining sun protection (sunscreen, hat and sunglasses), hydrating with plenty of water.
- Consider wearing appropriate closed-toe footwear, preferably running shoes, these are more comfortable and safer compared to open-toe footwear, especially in rainy and muddy conditions.
- Please follow all safety protocols as outlined by the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
- Be considerate of others during your walk/run. KEEP RIGHT and let others pass.
- Keep track of your little ones and keep your pets leashed.
Exhibitors
Explore a wide variety of local exhibitors—check out our community partners on-site and learn more about exciting businesses and services.
Got questions?
FAQ
What is the BRIGHT Run?
Bright Run is a non-competitive, family friendly 1 km/5 km walk or run that raises awareness of breast cancer research being done right here in Hamilton at Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster. BRIGHT also raises much-needed funds to ensure it continues. To date, the BRIGHT Run has raised $6.6million and funded 30 breast cancer research projects. See www.brightrun.ca for information.
Where is the BRIGHT Run?
Christie Lake Conservation Area (1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E2)!
Can I get to the BRIGHT Run event by public transit?
There is no direct public transit that drops you off at the gates. The nearest practical bus routes are the HSR Route 5 Delaware or Route 52 Dundas Local, which leave you in downtown Dundas. From there, you would need to take a taxi/rideshare to the park entrance.
Is the BRIGHT Run event accessible?
Yes, medical mobility devices are permitted, and golf carts are available to help you travel from the main parking area to the event.
Can I register as an individual?
Yes! Go to https://hhsf.akaraisin.com/ui/BRIGHTRun26/pledge/registration/start and scroll down to “Register as an individual”.
Do I have to raise a certain amount of money to participate?
Every dollar counts, so you are encouraged to do as much fundraising as you like. There is no minimum requirement.
Where do I drop off my pledge sheets and cash donations?
Pledge sheets can be dropped off at Kintec when you pick up your t-shirt or at the registration table on Event Day.
Are there any activities for my kids?
Yes, we have a special KIDS ZONE with face painting, crafts, games, special guests and more.
What do I do when I arrive?
Check in at the New Registration area OR if you have already registered, go directly to the t-shirt Pick Up area. You can drop off your pledge forms and donations when you get your t-shirt.
Is there First Aid if I need it?
First aid volunteers (healthcare workers and nurses) are positioned along the trails and in the first aid tent. They will be wearing light blue volunteer t-shirts as well as a black or blue backpack with the red first aid logo.
Who sponsors the event?
Local community partners provide direct financial support to cover organizing and hosting costs, as well as discounted and/or complimentary goods and services. Because of those valuable contributions, every dollar raised by our participants goes directly to research. If you are interested in becoming a community partner, please email michelemandryk127@gmail.com
Can I donate to the BRIGHT Run (without attending)?
YES! Every dollar you give goes directly to local researchers at Hamilton’s Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster University.
To make a donation, click here!
To donate to a team, click here!
When is the BRIGHT Run?
Saturday, September 12; rain or shine. Registration & check in opens at 9:00am. Opening ceremonies are at 10:00am, and closing ceremonies at 12:00pm.
How do I get to Christie Lake Conservation Area?
From downtown Hamilton: Take King Street West to Highway 6N/Highway 403E toward Toronto. Take the left exit 74 toward Guelph onto Highway 6N. Turn left onto Highway 5W. Turn left at the sign for Christie Lake Conservation Area.
Is there on-site parking at the BRIGHT Run? Is it free?
Yes, there is plenty of parking, and it’s free. Look for our parking volunteers if you need help. Spots are reserved for people with Ontario Disability permits.
How do I register?
Go to https://hhsf.akaraisin.com/ui/BRIGHTRun26/pledge/registration/start
How much does it cost to register?
Registration fees cover your t-shirt, medal and on-site expenses. Until Sept. 11, adult registration is $35. On Sept. 12, registration is $40. Youth age 16 and under pay $10.
What do I need to bring?
Rain gear, regardless of the forecast; a hat, sunscreen and water bottle. Running shoes or hiking shoes are recommended for the trails. Bring cash, debit and credit cards to buy food, penny sale and raffle tickets and pink merchandise, and participate in the silent auction. You can bring a wagon or stroller for young children.
Is my dog welcome?
Yes, you may bring your leashed, well-behaved dog, and don’t forget poop bags.
What shouldn’t I bring?
Please don’t bring feather boas, latex balloons or bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards or scooters.
Can I pick up my t-shirt before event day?
Yes. There will be two t-shirt pick up days on Aug. 29 (9am – 5pm) and Sept 10 (10am – 6pm) at Kintec (in the Blinds to Go plaza), located at 1024 Upper Wentworth St., across from Limeridge Mall.
Is there food at the event?
Yes, BRIGHT Run offers complimentary apples, water and granola bars. You can buy food from the fantastic local vendors. We are planning on having hamburgers, ice cream, charcuterie cups and more for purchase.
Can I volunteer?
YES! BRIGHT Run depends on 200+ volunteers to make it all happen all year round. This is a 100% volunteer-driven event. No one is paid to organize the BRIGHT Run. There are lots of volunteer experiences to choose from on Event Day, at community events or in the Juravinski Cancer Centre lobby. High school students are welcome. If you are interested in volunteering, please email cornelia.brightrun.volunteer@gmail.com or go to www.brightrun.ca/volunteer and sign up today!
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