Railway City Road Races Reach 1,000 Runners in 2025

Photo: Establish Media

The 11th annual Railway City Road Races was definitely one to remember as we officially surpassed 1,000 registered runners for the first time ever. The 2025 event marked by this incredible milestone showcases our growing running community, with over 250 participants in each distance — 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. We were also thrilled to see a record number of students take part in the 5K and 10K Unity Run and 1k Choo Choo Challenge, making this year’s event a true celebration of local spirit, fitness, and fun for all ages.

Photo: Establish Media

Beyond the finish line, this event carried a meaningful impact again this year with proceeds helping to support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring programs for local children and youth. Every step taken, and every dollar raised, helps create more life-changing mentoring relationships right here in our community. BBBS St. Thomas-Elgin's need for volunteers has never been greater. In a time of socio-political uncertainty, the number of kids on the waitlist for mentors only grows, and kids often age out of the programs without ever having been matched. Bringing awareness and raising funds to support these vital connections is something so important to the future of this community, and every one who participated, cheered, and attended had a profound impact on changing a child's life for the better.

This year also saw a number of elevated amenities and upgrades that helped make race day smoother and more enjoyable than ever for participants and spectators alike. From new fencing and luxury washrooms to improved race route arrows and signage, every detail was designed to enhance the runner/spectator experience.

Photo: Establish Media

Adding to the excitement, we launched the brand new RCRR Fan Store, giving runners and supporters the chance to shop Railway City Road Races gear year-round, thanks to our friends at Branded by Collins! None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of our sponsors — most notably Steelway Building Systems, Run Parlour, Debbie Hamilton and The Co-operators, Masco, and Wendy’s — whose contributions help make the Railway City Road Races such a memorable experience each year.

Photo: Establish Media

We also extend our gratitude to St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston and MP Andrew Lawton for joining us and speaking to the crowd on race day, highlighting the gravity of community, and the growth that this event has seen over the past 11 years.

A huge thank you to Railway City Health Hut for hosting a fun and interactive Wellness Expo with over 20 vendors inside and out, to Establish Media for capturing the excitement and energy of the day through incredible photos, and every single supporter and spectator who lined the streets, cheered on the runners, and helped create an atmosphere more thrilling than we’ve ever experienced before.

Photo: Establish Media

From the first step to the finish line, this year truly showcased the heart of our community in all our runners, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters coming together to make something special happen.

Here’s to another amazing year and to keeping the momentum rolling as we build toward an even bigger and better Railway City Road Races 2026! Check out more photos from race day here.