60th Annual Autumn Cross Country Classic
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Hawrelak Park | Edmonton, Alberta
🏃♀️🏃♂️ The Autumn Cross Country Classic is back at Hawrelak Park!
Formerly known as the CAPHERD Cross Country Race, the Autumn Cross Country Classic has been a highlight for generations of young runners for 60 years. We are excited to welcome schools, individual runners, families, friends, and volunteers back to Hawrelak Park for a day of competition, community, and lasting memories.
This year marks the first Autumn Classic at Hawrelak Park following its reopening. Expect the traditional cross-country experience, revitalized green spaces, upgraded park amenities, and an improved finish area.
Registration Is Now Open
Click here Register Now.
Other registration options and instructions can be found at ellistiming.ca.
Technical Package and Schedule
Registration & Pricing
All youth age categories follow the same pricing.
| Registration period | Entry fee |
|---|---|
| 💥 Early bird — until September 30 | $10 |
| Regular — October 1–14 | $15 |
| Late entry — race day only | $20 |
| Teachers and parents — register anytime | $10 |
Register by September 30 to receive the early-bird rate.
🗺️ Race Map
Event Highlights
🏁 Traditional course layout with an enhanced finish area
🎪 Centralized event hub for registration and results
🌭 Food vendors, school gathering spaces, and family-friendly spectator areas
🙌 Volunteer opportunities to support Alberta’s young runners
✅ Sanctioned and insured through Athletics Alberta
New for 2026: School Participation Awards
🏆 The three schools with the most registered participants will receive complimentary entries for the 2027 Autumn Cross Country Classic.
| Place | Prize |
| First | 7 free regular- or early-price entries |
| Second | 5 free regular- or early-price entries |
| Third | 3 free regular- or early-price entries |
Volunteers
Large events are made possible by dedicated volunteers. If you would like to help create an exceptional experience for young athletes, families, and schools, we would love to have you involved.
Questions or Ideas?
We welcome your ideas as we continue to enhance the participant experience.
We look forward to celebrating 60 years of cross-country tradition with you at Hawrelak Park!