Course Description

The trek starts and finishes at the Eston Community Complex. It loops east from Eston to the Lancer Ferry, cross country to the Eston Riverside Regional Park and back to Eson on Highway #30.

It is an exciting and challenging Trek that consists of sections of pavement, gravel roads, hills and cross country trails. The off-road section is about 5 miles (8km) long.

Along the way, you will see vast open plains, old homesteads, landmarks used by the pioneers, the magical prairie sunrise, wagon trails, deep cut and sloping hills that surround you, breath taking view of the South Saskatchewan River, an abundance of wildlife and natural vegetation, flocks of birds, Indian tipi rings, a bison jump and an awesome sunset to bring you home.

The Trek starts at 6:00am, the Marathon at 8:30am and the half-Marathon at 9:30am.

Marathon Map
40 Mile Event Map

An event for everyone!!

The Eston River Trek is divided into 7 different events, so runners and walkers of all ages can participate. The categories are:

Individual Event:

An individual is challenged to walk/run the 40 mile course. You start at 6:00am and travel the course until the finish line, until you can no longer proceed or until 9:00pm when all walkers will be escorted off the course. Individual trekkers please note that a ride of any distance will disqualify you from the trek.

Team Event:

Each team may consist of a minimum of 2 people and up to a maximum of 8. Registration fee for each team member will be the same as for individuals. Each team will be given one bib to be exchanged with team members at a checkpoint. The number will be followed by the letter "T". Team members can only change at the 8 designated checkpoints. Distances vary between checkpoints, so see the map for locations and distances. This is a great way to support your community and engage in physical activity!

Marathon Event:

Marathon event of 42.2 kilometers (26 miles) begins south of Eston and ends at the Eston Recreation Complex. At the end of the marathon there will be showers available and meals. If you do not have a support vehicle traveling with you on the trek, let a River Trek volunteer know, and they will help arrange a ride to Eston. Marathon start time is at 8:00am south of Eston.

Half Marathon Event:

An individual may enter this category to complete the half marathon which is 21.1 km (13 miles). The half marathoners start at the half way point of the course and start at 9:30am. The half marathon finishes at the Eston Community Complex.

Team Half Marathon Event:

A team of 2 to 4 people can participate on a team. Each member must pay the registration Fee and the whole team must register at the same time. Team members may only change at check points on the course.

Youth Trekkers:

For ages under 14 years old. This special walk around town is under 1km and the registration fee is $20 before April 15 or $25 after April 15. Participants under 14 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Golden Trekkers:

The 4km walk for the Golden Trekkers (all ages) will start at 11:00am and finish at the Community Complex.

Fees

EARLY ENTRY FEE (before April 15):   $40
LATE ENTRY FEE (April 16th and later):   $50
Youth event early entry fee (before April 15):   $20
Youth event late entry fee (April 16 and later):   $25
Entry fees are non refundable.  SORRY no Bicycles.

Regulations

  • "Trekkers" refers to all participants - walkers, teams, and marathoners.


  • Registration, where participants pick up race day bibs and other material, ends at 10:00 pm the day before the walk. Registration kits will also be available for pick up from 4:30am to 5:30am the morning of the event.


  • Starting time is 6:00 am for the 40 mile event and 8:00am for marathon and half marathon. Trekkers should be ready to go 1/2 hour prior. No late starts will be allowed. Any Trekkers remaining on the course after 9:00 pm will be escorted in.


  • Road monitors and EMTs will travel the course all day to give aid to the Trekkers.


  • Trekkers must check in at all checkpoints to officially finish the walk.


  • Trekkers may rest at any time, but are advised to use checkpoints or road monitor vehicles for this purpose. Trekkers who accept a ride will be notified that they have been disqualified from the walk.


  • Prizes and awards will be given at 6:30pm at the Eston Complex.


  • Arrangements for travel and accommodations remain the responsibility of the Trekkers.


  • Please identify all your belongings with your name and phone number so they may be returned to you following the walk.


  • Any discrepancies will be decided by the chief road monitor. That decision will be final.


  • Trekkers are encouraged to get pledges for their favorite charity or non-profit organization. Walkers who have sponsors, please present a copy of your pledge sheet at registration (NO MONEY PLEASE). All donations pledged to the Trekker must be distributed to the officially recognized charitable or non-profit organization by the Trekker. The organization must be recorded on the entry form. The charitable or non-profit organization is responsible for receipts.


  • You do not have to get pledges; you can just walk for the challenge.


  • You are encouraged to walk, walk, walk in preparation for this great challenge.


  • Each Trekker or groups of Trekkers may utilize a support vehicle. The vehicle may follow the Trekker to support their needs such as a dry pair of socks, a drink of water, an umbrella, first aid, etc. Maximum speed is 20 km/hr, with no backtracking. Drivers must approach very slowly or stop to prevent interfering with the Trekkers. Rules and restrictions for support vehicles will be available when you register. No diesel vehicles are allowed. This is a Trekkers' event so please avoid dust and throwing gravel when passing.


  • Support vehicles may depart after 7:00am for 40 mile event and 9:00am for marathon and half marathon event.


  • There are 8 checkpoints located on the course providing refreshments, first aid, washroom facilities, and lots of encouragement. Each walker is responsible to check in at each checkpoint to be able to get an official finishers' certificate. Anyone wishing to withdraw must check in at the nearest checkpoint. Any Trekker may rest at any time: we encourage you to rest at the checkpoints, or with one of the road monitors.