The top spring running events in Toronto offer a range of distances to kick off the 2016 running season. Personal bests should be a cinch after the beauty of a winter we've had, with spring-like temps hopefully on the way soon to usher in an early start to every runner's favourite season.

Here are my picks for the top running events in Toronto this spring.

Around the Bay 30K - Sunday, April 3rd
This Hamilton-area run separates amateurs from seasoned runners with a distance that's just between a half and a full marathon. It's fan favourite for runners and their fans/supporters.

Race Roster Spring Run Off- Saturday, April 9th
Formerly Harry's Spring Run-Off, the run remains relatively unchanged, the 8K or 5K route still cuts through the rolling hills of High Park, which makes for quick leg-burner. Maple syrup prizes make victory even sweeter.

MEC Toronto Race Two - Sunday, April 10th
MEC hosts a bounty of runs throughout the city, with race number two taking over the waterfront featuring routes from 5-15K in length.

Fork in the Road 5K - Saturday, April 30th
If you think maps are for the weak, this Uxbridge run is for you. One dogleg the wrong way will see you add kilometres to the route, while a swerve the right way can secure a sneaky shortcut.

Goodlife Toronto Marathon - Sunday, May 1st
This full or half marathon (and 5 and 10K) will see you hiking north of Sheppard only to run completely south, finishing at the CNE grounds for one of the biggest races of the year.

Mississauga Marathon - Sunday, May 1st
This popular race packs throngs of runners just west of the city, courting cardio fiends with a downhill drop before winding things around for a picturesque lakeside finish.

Wings for Life - Sunday, May 8th
If running is a mental sport, then tackle a new beast and run with no set finish line. Niagara Falls is home to this international race, which ends only when you get dusted by the pace car.

Sporting Life 10K - Sunday, May 8th
Run for Camp Ooch with a similar map as the Goodlife race, minus the yucky York Mills hills. It's clocked in as one of the speediest runs too, boasting a mostly downhill route.

Terroir Run - Saturday, May 28th
Bust out of the Toronto area for this one. The vistas of Prince Edward County and all their wineries make for scenery that rivals Napa Valley (even if the wines don't quite...yet).

Toronto Women's Run Series - Sunday, May 29th
The first run in their women's series, this goes as either a half marathon or 5K route around Sunnybrook Park, all in benefit of POGO. Sign up for all three races and nab nifty prizes for finishing.

Becel Ride for Heart - Sunday, June 5th
For the first time ever, (and much to the chagrin of some cyclists) The Gardiner will open to runners for the annual Becel Ride (and run!) for Heart. Sign up soon for this guaranteed sellout.

Unionville Festival Funky 5K - Sunday June 5th
Cutesy Unionville gives you that destination feel just a Viva ride away. The Rouge River (and maybe Markham Firefighters) offer natural rugged beauty just a stones throw from the 6.

Mud Hero- Friday June 10 & Saturday June 11th
Mud Hero is going uptown, taking over Downsview Park this spring. The soggy 6K will be peppered with more than 20 obstacles and a muddy party-like atmosphere after.

Spring Fling -Sunday, June 12th
Sunnybrook Park is a hotspot with this 15, 10 or 5K family-friendly run taking over the park in support of Holland Bloorview Hospital.

The Color Run- Saturday, June 18th
Head to Woodbine Racetrack for the Color Run (still no u?) this spring. Don't worry, there's no need to sport your blinders for this one; the puffs of colour bombs are (mostly) harmless.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite spring run in the comments.

Writing by Libby Roach.

Photo by PLTam in the blogTO Flickr pool.