FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
presented by The North Face
Charlevoix, Tuesday, August 27, 2013. The race is expected to get underway with over 600 runners at the starting line on this coming Saturday, September 7 at Mont Grand-Fonds, La Malbaie (Charlevoix). Four different packs of athletes have accepted the challenge of treading the 65 km, 28 km, 10 km or 5 km course of the event. The UTHC is a major competition as well as the only outdoor sports festival in Quebec to raise money for multiple sclerosis. This sporting event is organized by Événements Harricana whose mission is to raise awareness for different social causes by organizing various sports and cultural events.
Founded merely two years ago, the organization skyrocketed following the first edition of the event in September 2012. The UTHC is up from 250 participants last year to 600 runners for this year’s event and could even jump-start from 10th position to the 2nd most popular race of its kind in Québec (Iskio ranking – trail running event participation).
The main new feature for the 2nd edition is the 65 km event, which totals 150 participants to date. Thanks to this race, the UTHC is now the most physically demanding event in Eastern Canada. AN AMBITIOUS SPORTING FEAT AND THE ULTIMATE ENDURANCE CHALLENGE! A RACE IN SEMI-AUTONOMY for which athletes will be awarded one point toward the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Event coordinators are delighted and proud to have in their pack such renowned trail runners as Blaise Dubois and Rachel Paquette, who came in 3rd in the Canadian Death Race and made the front page of Running magazine last spring. Ultra-marathon runner Sébastien Roulier will also be present after his qualification for the 2013 100 km World Championships held in Dubai with the 2nd best Canadian time.
Charlevoix, a prime location for trail runners
Charlevoix is known for its breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River. The hinterland of Charlevoix has been fashioned by glaciers and a meteorite impact dating back over 300 million years. Charlevoix boasts a rich ecosystem located in a UNESCO world biosphere reserve where the wind blows over mountain tops carrying the scent of the St. Lawrence River and the boreal forest. Dense trails in raw nature with 2,000 meters of elevation gain await trail runners at the event. Enter the forest and follow the footsteps of the Harricana wolf through an original and wild course.
Raise awareness for a treatment against multiple sclerosis
Again this year, raising funds toward further research for a treatment against multiple sclerosis is very high on Événements Harricana’s agenda. Trail runners, friends or organizing members alike should all give to this cause via yoyomolo.com. In 2012, a total of $8,000 was given to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. This year’s target is $10,000.
MOJO (Mobil Journalist) on September 7 – follow us live
It is now possible to be at two places at a time! Indeed, those who cannot make it on the day of the event can follow us on Twitter and Facebook. That way, you can follow every race as if you were there (almost). Event coordinators will remain online so as to inform you and chat with you. Photos, videos, testimonials, special interviews… we will do everything we can to make you feel part of the pack.
Événements Harricana would like to thank its main sponsors: The North Face, which presents the event, as well as Mountain Equipment Co-Op and Momentum Technologies.
For more information regarding the entire program, the conferences and workshops scheduled, the kick-off time of the various events, the honorary presidency and partners of the UTHC, please visit our website at www.harricana.info. If you are from the media and wish to be present at the event, if you have questions regarding any of the races or if you wish to schedule an interview, please contact Gabrielle LeBlanc at g.leblanc@oasiscommunication.ca.
Événements Harricana – Harricana Ultra-Trail de Charlevoix
Twitter: @EvHarricana
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dsfTDmrpzg
Source: Gabrielle LeBlanc
Oasis Communication Marketing
g.leblanc@oasiscommunication.ca