It's that time of year again!

We are excited to welcome runners and community members back for the annual Summer Solstice Run, taking place June 20, 2026 in Millbrook, Nova Scotia, in celebration of the Summer Solstice & National Indigenous Peoples Day.

10K RUN • 5K RUN/WALK • 2K RUN/WALK

We'll see you at the start line!

We would like to thank our sponsors and everyone who joined us for the 2026 Summer Solstice run held June 20th in Millbrook, NS. As always, it was amazing to see everyone who participated and helped out with the 5K, 10K, and kids 2K run and post-run breakfast social.   

This year’s event once again offers a 5K, 10K, and 2K run, followed by a welcoming post‑run breakfast social. The day begins with our Opening Ceremony at 7:45 a.m., bringing participants together to start the run in a shared spirit of community, celebration, and respect. The event also highlights cultural elements from our community and concludes with a post‑run breakfast social and awards ceremony. All activities will wrap up by 10:30 a.m.

We are proud to share that our 5K is an official Run Nova Scotia Performance Series race, recognizing it as a competitive and high-quality event within the provincial running calendar. Both our 5K and 10K are also part of the Run Nova Scotia Road Race Series, welcoming runners of all levels to take part.

Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, seeking community connection, or simply celebrating the day, we invite you to join us.

Please note: Member of Run NS use a discount code RUNNS2026.

2026 Summer Solstice Run Photos

The Summer Solstice Run Highlights Two Major Causes:

Healthy Lifestyle – In its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, Ulnooweg continues to support physical activity in Indigenous communities by sponsoring and organizing a major run each year while offering the opportunity for each community to participate virtually. 

Community Healing – In addition to promoting an atmosphere of healing, Ulnooweg hopes to capture the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation by inviting non-Indigenous communities to join our community and cultural hospitality at the Summer Solstice Run each year.

Ulnooweg Summer Solstice Run 2026 Medals

Meet the Artist: Dwight Isaac 

Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, QC

Dwight Isaac is a Mi’gmaw graphic designer and illustrator whose work is inspired by the natural beauty, culture, and stories of his home community in Listuguj, Quebec.

 

Driven by a curiosity about the world around him, Dwight has lived across Atlantic Canada, studying subjects including Biology, Metal-smithing, and Graphic Design in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. His art reflects the interconnectedness of all things and often explores the relationship between science, culture, and the natural world.

 

As the 2026 medal designer for the Ulnooweg Summer Solstice Run, Dwight is honoured to share his artwork, inspiration, and experiences with participants at this year’s event. We are deeply grateful for his contribution and proud to have his artwork represent this year’s Ulnooweg Summer Solstice Run.

We're looking for an Illustrator to design the 2026 Medals!

Do you or someone you know love to design logos or create digital art? This paid opportunity comes every year as we place a call out to select an Indigenous artist to design our three run medals. Click the button below to learn more!

Congratulations to all the Award Recipients

Following the run, we host a post-run breakfast and awards ceremony for the participants. Families are welcome to attend, for those who would like to eat, can purchase a breakfast meal ticket upon check in. Registered runners registration includes meal ticket.

Here are the follow categories of awards that will be presented:

Awards are presented based on official chip time, with participant age determined as of race day.

🏆 Youth Awards (18 & Under)

🥇 1st Male- Matteo Gloade

🥈 2nd Male – Jack Flemming

🥉 3rd Male – Landon Brooks

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🥇 1st Female – Elsa Bachiu

🥈 2nd Female – Lauren Flemming

🥉 3rd Female – Kenzlie Paul

 
The 2K Family Fun Run celebrates participation and
encourages youth to get active.

🏆 Overall Awards

🥇 1st Overall Male – Oliver Hubka

🥈 2nd Overall Male – James Burke

🥉 3rd Overall Male – Connor Cornwell

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🥇 1st Overall Female – Beth Horne

🥈 2nd Overall Female – Cindy O’Donnell

🥉 3rd Overall Female – Juniper Harding

 

🌱 Youth Recognition (12–18)

⭐ Top Youth Male – Emersen Lengema

⭐ Top Youth Female – Callie Murray

 

🪶 Elder Recognition Awards (65+)

🥇 1st Elder – William Lovett

🥈 2nd Elder – Terry Morris

🥉 3rd Elder – Peter Marshall

🏆 Overall Awards

🥇 1st Overall Male – Mark Joudrey

🥈 2nd Overall Male – Dave Espeseth

🥉 3rd Overall Male – Joel Taylor

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🥇 1st Overall Female – Alexandra Finless

🥈 2nd Overall Female – Katelyn McDow

🥉 3rd Overall Female – Vivian Diaz

We want to hear from YOU! 

Click the button below to complete our participant post-run survey to help us to continue to improve this event. Wela’lin! 

Summer Solstice Route Map - 2k, 5k, 10k

Wela'liek to our 2026 Sponsors & Run Partners

Volunteer at the Ulnooweg Summer Solstice Run

Are you passionate about health, wellness, and community events? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team and help make the Ulnooweg Solstice Run a huge success!

As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful event that promotes health and well-being in our community. You’ll also gain valuable experience, connect with like-minded individuals, and have a great time participating in this exciting event.

How to Sign Up as a Volunteer

Signing up to volunteer is easy! Just visit our Solstice Run Volunteer Signup Form to provide your contact information, availability, and any specific areas of interest or expertise. We’ll be in touch to discuss volunteer opportunities and confirm your participation.

Together, we can make a difference in our community and create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved in the Ulnooweg Solstice Run. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – sign up to volunteer today!

Enjoy a few special moments from past years.