Défi des Couleurs

CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS:
Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM: MSA Vertical (5 km, +770m / -0m)
Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 12:30 PM: MSA Classic Up/Down (10.5 km, +950m / -100m)
Défi des Couleurs Simard and its magnificent setting on Mont-Sainte-Anne have the honor of hosting the Canadian Mountain Running Championships for the next three years. You are formally invited to participate, whether you are young or old, competitive or contemplative, a trail running specialist or a newcomer to the field. Whether you aspire to become the next Canadian champion or simply wish to tackle a personal challenge with friends, our two new championship events will meet your desires.
Défi des Couleurs is a renowned trail running event that has been a staple in our community for the past decade. The last edition was a huge success, attracting nearly 6,000 runners across all distances, making it the largest trail running event in North America.
Our two new courses stand out in the Quebec trail landscape for their significant elevation gain per kilometer, including a continuous climb of 800 meters in elevation, as well as a picturesque start at the foot of the magnificent Jean-Larose Falls.
We have made sure that our mountain running courses are steep and challenging, yet also varied and accessible to athletes without a trail running background. The courses have been designed to minimize technicality as much as possible, all on rolling trails. This gives athletes from all endurance sports disciplines the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a national audience. Our mission is to enrich the quality and sports background diversity of our races.
With the region potentially housing the largest concentration of mountain athletes on the East Coast, this gives us the opportunity to organize two of the most competitive trail races in Canada’s history. Mountain running in Canada is entering a new era. Come be a part of it.