The Trail Runners Are Coming to Charlevoix
Montréal, August 15, 2017 – This is a race you won’t want to miss. Some 1,400 runners will attack the backcountry trails of Charlevoix in the sixth edition of The Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada (UTHC), presented by The North Face, on September 8 and 9.
One of the largest trail-running races in the country and the only Canadian trail race in the international Ultra-Trail World Tour, the UTHC promises intense competition in the heart of the boreal forest.
A new 42-kilometre race will join the other six distances this year. The new course balances speed and technicality, and is perfect for runners who are ramping up their distance in trail running. Only 200 runners will take part in this inaugural marathon distance.
The crown jewel of all the distances is unquestionably the 125-km race (4,000 metres of positive elevation) that will pit several headlining trail runners against each other. While most participants are Canadian, the UTHC’s growing reputation is attracting an increasing number of international competitors, from countries such as the United States, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Japan, Portugal, Peru and Chile.
A battle of the titans is taking shape between 2015 winner David Jeker and Florent Bouguin, winner of the 65-km race in 2013 and the 80-km race in 2014. Bouguin is only missing the top podium step for the 125. This duel will be exciting to watch! The rest of the competition will also be fierce, involving 175 runners, including the impressive Vivien Laporte of France who is among the favourites.
Eyes will also be on Annie Jean, who will be defending her title for the 65-km distance among the women. Her athletic skills set her in a class apart.
The 125-km event is also a qualifying race for the prestigious Western States 100 and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).
In symbiosis
The theme of the sixth UTHC is “In Symbiosis.” It reminds everyone involved—athletes, volunteers and organizers—of the importance of experiencing and respecting nature, of being aware of the cycle of life. Trail running is a way of reconnecting with our wild roots and finding the “wolf” within each of us.
Besides the athletic challenge, the UTHC is also a trail-running party, bringing together the vast community of trail runners in Quebec. There will be exhibitors onsite, and attendees can again expect the family-friendly, fun, festive atmosphere the event is known for.
Where: Mont Grand-Fonds ski centre
1000 chemin des Loisirs, La Malbaie
When: September 8 and 9, 2017
Interviews can be scheduled with President/Co-founder Sébastien Côté and Executive Director Marline Côté.
About The Ultra-trail Harricana of Canada
In just six years, The Ultra-Trail Harricana has become a leading trail run in Canada. For many runners, the UTHC is the ultimate race of the season, the one they spend months training for. It offers runners breathtaking views of Charlevoix’s backcountry and a healthy physical challenge. The race is part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour, a family of legendary races around the world that athletes dream of participating in. Many runners in Quebec have taken to using the UTHC slogans on social media (#jesuisloup, #freeyourwild).
The UTHC race distances are 1, 5, 10, 28, 42, 65 and 125 kilometres.
Visit our photo gallery here!
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Source:
Magalie Boutin magalie.boutin@harricana.info
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