The following release and photos were provided by Julien Lacasse, Co-Race Director at Défi des Couleurs Simard, regarding the announcement of the Canadian Mountain Running Championships in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Mont-Sainte-Anne, Beaupré – 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 3,500 runners across all distances, making it one of the largest trail running events in the country. It is traditionally held over the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, allowing us to benefit from a magical autumn setting.
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 Quebec’s history. Mountain running in Canada is entering a new era. Come be a part of it.
Canadian Mountain & Trail Running Championships
Mountain Running
Vertical and Classic Up & Down – Défi des Couleurs (2024, 2025, 2026)
Trail Running
50km (Short Trail Race) & 80km (Long Trail Race) – Quebec Mega Trail (2025, 2026)
[Editor’s Note: You can check out our article about the Canadian Trail Running Championships in 2025 and 2026 here.]
