Flowerpot Island 5K – SUNDAY Sept 13th, 2026
Flowerpot
Island
5km of scenic trail Difficulty : Moderate to High
Minimum Age Requirements
All racers must be age 12yrs or older. If you would like to race underage you will need to contact us to be considered for an exception, certain restrictions may apply.
DISCLAIMER
Running on trail is not for the faint of heart. This trail is rugged, slippery and requires runners to adapt to scrambling and slower pacing where safety dictates.
Download map
A map of Flowerpot Island can be downloaded here.
Parking Passes
FPI 5K Participant Sunday Parking Passes can be downloaded here.
schedule
Check out the race day schedule here.
weather warning
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
In case of the small craft weather warning of such strength that the Boat Captains (Blue Heron Company), Parks Canada, or the organizers deem it unsafe to proceed to the island, the race course will be changed to the Burnt Point Loop on the mainland. Racers will be notified as early as possible of such a change, and if severe weather is forecasted, racers will be notified at check-in. There are no refunds of entry fees, or ferry fees if the event is cancelled, or moved to the mainland due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Ferry services are donated to the event by Blue Heron Cruises as the event is being run to raise funds for the Tobermory Primary Place Child Care Centre.
RACE RULES/GUIDELINES
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Trail Conditions – The Bruce Trail is a fabulous hiking trail but it can be incredibly strenuous, runners should accept the fact that they may occasionally have to walk or even scramble due to trail conditions.
Trail conditions include:
Brief gravel packed trails
Root and rock covered trails
Obstacles:
High cliff edges
Uneven footing
A map of Flowerpot Island can be seen at this link. Participants will run two loop of the “Loop Trail”
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All racers must check-in Race Kit pickup time is Sunday 5:30am-6:15am at the Blue Heron Dock. Ensure all online forms have been filled out prior to arrival.
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All racers must be at the Dock in Tobermory at 6:15am Sunday. The boats departs for Flowerpot Island at 6:30am sharp and waits for nobody!
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All racers must attend the Race briefing at 6:45am on the Dock at Flowerpot Island.
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The race will begin AT SUNRISE (approx. 7am) and will be in waves of 5-10 racers. Start is on a rocky beach close to the dock at Flowerpot Island where the boat will disembark. Details on Flowerpot Island Terrain are here.
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The Finish Line is at the same location as the start. Runners will complete two loops of the main trail on Flowerpot Island for a total of 5.3km
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There will be a race cutoff time of 8:30am so that everyone finishes in time to be on the return ferry ride. Return transportation to Tobermory is again by boat and will depart at 9:15am.
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At all times runners must follow the directions of race officials.
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Due to the narrow trails and steep drop-offs, slippery rocks, etc. no dogs, push buggies, supporters or bicycles are allowed. Take care with and be courteous to other trail users. These are public trails and other users can use the trails while the race is underway. If you see a hiker or a biker, let them know you are coming and try to avoid disrupting their trail experience.
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Runners are expected to be courteous and respectful to volunteers, other racers and visitors.
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Exercise care and caution and common sense on trails. Especially when passing other runners on the trail. Let others know you are coming and that you intend to pass.
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Safety on this course requires racers look out for one another:
If you leave the race for any reason, make sure you tell the nearest race volunteer.
If you encounter a runner in distress, offer assistance and/or report the situation to the nearest aid station.
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Racers are expected to pack in and pack out or make use of the garbage receptacles provided. Any racers found littering will be disqualified from the race.
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Headphones/earbuds must not be worn while on the course.
The Tobermory Trail Race Weekend supports the Tobermory Primary Place Child Care Centre. In 2024 the event raised $14,815.17 with donations from participants, sponsors & event proceeds! Thanks to everyone who participated and our generous sponsors!
