Event day
JOIN US FOR OUR 19TH ANNUAL EVENT!
Saturday, September 12, 2026
BRIGHT RUN 2026 – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
BRIGHT RUN WILL TAKE PLACE AT CHRISTIE LAKE CONSERVATION AREA (1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E2)!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SITE MAP
Bring
- Rain gear, regardless of the forecast. Also, protect all electronic devices; resealable plastic bags work well.
- A hat, sunscreen and water bottle, as well as a backpack to carry your stuff, plus any purchases you make on-site.
- Cash is your best friend! Debt and Credit cards are welcome too! There will be food and pink merchandise available for purchase, and you may be the highest bidder on some silent auction items.
- A wagon or stroller for young children.
- Your leashed, well-behaved dog. Remember to bring some poop bags, too.
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.
Parking
- There is ample parking on-site at the Christie Lake Conservation Area.
- Arrive early to avoid parking delays.Â
- Watch for our parking attendants for instructions.
- For patrons with Ontario Disability permits, we have reserved a number of spots on-site. We also have golf carts to help you travel from the main parking lot to the event.
When You Arrive…
- Check in at the New Registration area, OR if you have already registered, go directly to the T-shirt Pick Up area.
- Drop off your pledge forms and donations when you get your T-shirt.
- Visit the Penny Sale, Raffle Tickets, Exhibits, Children’s area, Silent Auction, and Pink Gear.
- Get your pictures taken: SmartBooth, Team Photo Area and the Fido Foto Frame.
- Keep an eye out for some surprise visitors!
Safety Notes
- Be considerate of others during your walk, run or stroll. KEEP RIGHT. We want everyone to have a fun day.
- First aid volunteers (healthcare workers and nurses) will be strategically positioned along the trails as well as in the first aid tent. First aid responders can be identified by their light blue volunteer t-shirts as well as a black or blue backpack with the red first aid logo.
- Please follow all safety protocols as outlined by the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
We can’t wait to see you! Let’s have some BRIGHT, pink fun!
19th ANNIVERSARY BRIGHT RUN EVENT DAY PLAN
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00
AM
Registration Area Opens
- Tents Open – Silent Auction, Pink Gear, Penny Sale, Raffle and Kids Zone
10:00
AM
Opening Ceremonies – Celebrate BRIGHT Run!
- Hosted by Sunni Genesco of LEGEND 102.9
10:30
AM
Ribbon Cutting
11:30
AM
Walk/Run Ends
- Visit the tents and get your raffle & penny sale tickets, 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.
12:00
PM
Closing CeremoniesÂ
- Closing ceremonies hosted by Sunni Genesco
- Cheque presentation and the announcement of top fundraisers
- Silent Auction Closes
- Stay a while and enjoy an afternoon at the Conservation Area
BRIGHT Run 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 24 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.Â
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 complementary 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!Â
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 onsite 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 onsite 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 (10:00 am – 6:00pm) 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!
A TYPICAL BRIGHT RUN DAY
There is a special spirit at the BRIGHT Run, an exhilarating feeling of excitement, hope and inspiration. It’s the day when we all come together after months of fundraising, it’s the day when the BRIGHT family shines its brightest for the best BRIGHT day of the year.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Before Event Day
- Give your fundraising one last push by asking family, friends, neighbours and coworkers to sponsor you.
- Remember to enter your cash and cheque donations to your online total.
Keep your eye on your email leading up to Saturday, September 12, 2026 for event details!
Hungry on event day?
Delicious options will be waiting for you! Check out the fantastic local vendors who were on site in 2025:
Stay up to date On all BRIGHT Run news and events.
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