The Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT) announced the details of the 2020 Tour, which once more will include the Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada. The 125-kilometer race will again be part of the competitive family of 28 major events organized in 22 countries and 5 continents such as the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail®, the Western State®100-Mile Endurance Run and the UTMB® Mont Blanc (UTMB®, TDS® and CCC®).

The confirmation of this race in Quebec, the only UTWT race in Canada, underscores UTHC’s position on the world stage and its commitment to its role as a trail-running leader in Canada.

“We are very proud to represent Canada on the Ultra-Trail World Tour,” enthuses Marline Côté, General Manager of the event. “The UTWT is a serious, professional circuit that brings together some of the most representative races from each continent, and helps structure the discipline on a global scale. It is also–and above all–a racing circuit that aims to foster collaboration and create synergies to allow the sport to develop its full potential all over the world,” says the manager.

2021 Ultra-Trail^® World Tour Circuit

In 2021, the Ultra-Trail^® World Tour will keep bringing together the best athletes by offering a real-time ranking, an annual championship title, prizes and advantageous travel arrangements. The ranking is based on the four best results of each runner over the last 36 months after the cancellation of the 2020 championship due to the pandemic. In 2021, participants will therefore be able to compete again for the title of Ultra-Trail^® World Tour Champion.

All races cancelled or postponed in 2021 due to the health context may be replaced by Virtual Races which will still be awarding runners some prizes – such as Running Stones – thus creating a system that favors both athletes and organizers. This new project will operate through the UTWT Virtual Club launched on October 22nd, which already counts 57 nations represented and nearly 1000 runners from all around the world.

Read the official UTWT press release

The Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT) announced the details of the 2020 Tour, which once more will include the Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada. The 125-kilometer race will again be part of the competitive family of 28 major events organized in 22 countries and 5 continents such as the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail®, the Western State®100-Mile Endurance Run and the UTMB® Mont Blanc (UTMB®, TDS® and CCC®).

The confirmation of this race in Quebec, the only UTWT race in Canada, underscores UTHC’s position on the world stage and its commitment to its role as a trail-running leader in Canada.

“We are very proud to represent Canada on the Ultra-Trail World Tour,” enthuses Marline Côté, General Manager of the event. “The UTWT is a serious, professional circuit that brings together some of the most representative races from each continent, and helps structure the discipline on a global scale. It is also–and above all–a racing circuit that aims to foster collaboration and create synergies to allow the sport to develop its full potential all over the world,” says the manager.

2021 Ultra-Trail^® World Tour Circuit

In 2021, the Ultra-Trail^® World Tour will keep bringing together the best athletes by offering a real-time ranking, an annual championship title, prizes and advantageous travel arrangements. The ranking is based on the four best results of each runner over the last 36 months after the cancellation of the 2020 championship due to the pandemic. In 2021, participants will therefore be able to compete again for the title of Ultra-Trail^® World Tour Champion.

All races cancelled or postponed in 2021 due to the health context may be replaced by Virtual Races which will still be awarding runners some prizes – such as Running Stones – thus creating a system that favors both athletes and organizers. This new project will operate through the UTWT Virtual Club launched on October 22nd, which already counts 57 nations represented and nearly 1000 runners from all around the world.

Read the official UTWT press release

Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada™ received the support of the Public Health.

Read the Health Guide For Athletes

Additional information

GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS AND ACCOMPANYING PERSONS

Athletes are entitled to a maximum of two accompanying persons to greet them at the finish line. These persons must present their vaccination passport before entering the site and will receive a colour-coded bracelet. If they will be accompanying another runner on the Sunday, they will obtain a new bracelet with that day’s colour.

The number of visitors will be limited to one person between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the Saturday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, on the Mont Grand-Fonds site given the greater traffic flow expected during these time periods.

Support teams will not have to present their vaccination passport to travel to Marmotte and Hautes-Gorges stations, but access to these aid stations is limited to one car per athlete as indicated in our previous communications.

ATHLETES GUIDELINES

Athletes must present their vaccination passport when being given their bibs.

Once they have finished their race, they will be able to stay at the main site for a maximum of 45 minutes to take time to rest, drink and eat. Once they leave the site, they will not be able to re-enter unless they are accompanying another athlete and have obtained a bracelet for this purpose.

Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada™ received the support of the Public Health.

Read the Health Guide For Athletes

Additional information

GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS AND ACCOMPANYING PERSONS

Athletes are entitled to a maximum of two accompanying persons to greet them at the finish line. These persons must present their vaccination passport before entering the site and will receive a colour-coded bracelet. If they will be accompanying another runner on the Sunday, they will obtain a new bracelet with that day’s colour.

The number of visitors will be limited to one person between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the Saturday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, on the Mont Grand-Fonds site given the greater traffic flow expected during these time periods.

Support teams will not have to present their vaccination passport to travel to Marmotte and Hautes-Gorges stations, but access to these aid stations is limited to one car per athlete as indicated in our previous communications.

ATHLETES GUIDELINES

Athletes must present their vaccination passport when being given their bibs.

Once they have finished their race, they will be able to stay at the main site for a maximum of 45 minutes to take time to rest, drink and eat. Once they leave the site, they will not be able to re-enter unless they are accompanying another athlete and have obtained a bracelet for this purpose.

Participants in the 28k, 20k, 10k and 5k distances are invited to participate in the “Harricana All Summer Long” event   

After several weeks of reflection, and in light of the most recent developments regarding the COVID-19 situation in Quebec, the Ultra-Trail Harricana ™ of Canada team announces that the long-distance races (65 km, 80 km and 125 km) are set to take place on September 11-12th, 2020.*

With social-distancing and sanitary rules being more difficult to enforce on the shorter distances within the time frame currently allotted to us, participants registered in the 28 km, 20 km, 10 km, and 5 km are invited to participate in the “Harricana All Summer Long” event.

*The team underscores that the hosting of the long-distance events is contingent on official Public Health authorizations, which, to date, have not yet been confirmed.

A thoughtful and responsible decision

The Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada team is confident that they can host an event that complies with the sanitary rules, which will likely still be enforced in September. The number of athletes in each distance has already been limited compared to previous editions and many protocols will be implemented to respect social distancing and limit interactions between runners, volunteers and team members. Requirements will also be imposed in an effort to curb any potential spread of the virus in the Charlevoix region.

“We are taking the situation very seriously and everyone’s health is our priority,” said Marline Côté, general manager of the Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada. “We have a well-rounded and professional team and we are confident that we can carry out this event in an ethical and responsible manner.”

Health measures to be announced July 20th

Several technical and logistical solutions have been considered within the teams, as well in collaboration with other road race and trail running organizations. “The solutions exist and we are considering various strategies.  Over the next few weeks, we will have many decisions to make in consultation with the various teams, which will be subsequently communicated to the runners by July 20th,” explains Marline Côté.

Participants must obviously expect something very different from what they may have already experienced in the past. Priority will be given to security, logistics and timing. “We know that the runners registered as of now want above all to have an opportunity to run and challenge themselves in a safe and supervised environment. The atmosphere will be less festive than usual, but we still want to remain the heart-warming event that we have always been,” says the director.

The organization also calls upon the collaboration of participants and volunteers in order to be able to carry out the event accordingly. “It will be very important that everyone collaborates and takes the measures taken seriously. The last thing we want is for the event to become a source of spread of COVID-19. We must acknowledge that the virus is still very much part of our present reality, wreaking havoc here and elsewhere in the world,” insists Côté.

Many volunteers needed

An urgent appeal is currently being launched to quickly recruit the necessary amount of volunteers to ensure that the event unfolds in a safe and secure manner. “The recruitment of volunteers had been put on hold since last March and and we must now quickly find people who want to live this adventure with us,” continues the event director.

Those interested can register on the event website and the organization will contact them to assign a task that suits their schedule and interests. TO REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER.

An original and groundbreaking alternative

Participants in the 28km, 20km, 10km, and 5km distances are not being left behind; quite the opposite, as they will be able to transfer their registration to become members of the “Harricana All Summer Long” program, which allows access to a multitude of activities being organized throughout the summer, while respecting the evolution of the pandemic and the authorized deconfinement.

Among these activities are guided trainings, friendly competitions, discovery days on certain parts of the 125 km, 80 km and on new, never-before-seen UTHC courses! A calendar of activities, promotions and benefits will be created over the summer for members of the “Harricana All Summer Long” program.

The “Harricana Lone Wolf” Challenge

One of the main activities proposed in this summer program will be to complete the brand new “Harricana Lone Wolf 28k and 10k” challenge. Runners can strive for their best possible time on the 28k and 10k courses, which will remain marked during the entire summer season.

Participants will be able to compete against other Ultra-Trail Harricana Athletes in small groups (while respecting the maximum authorized number of people, and in accordance with social-distancing measures), or solo, whenever they like throughout the summer.

Participants will be able to record their times using a GPS watch or an app such as Strava, and official rankings will be maintained throughout the summer. For the more motivated, classifications will be compiled for those who complete the loop more than once, for a total of 54km or 84km.

Find out more about the “Harricana Lone Wolf” challenge.

Find out more about the “Harricana All Summer Long” program.

Find out more about the choices offered to athletes registered in the 28k, 20k, 10k and 5k events.

Participants in the 28k, 20k, 10k and 5k distances are invited to participate in the “Harricana All Summer Long” event   

After several weeks of reflection, and in light of the most recent developments regarding the COVID-19 situation in Quebec, the Ultra-Trail Harricana ™ of Canada team announces that the long-distance races (65 km, 80 km and 125 km) are set to take place on September 11-12th, 2020.*

With social-distancing and sanitary rules being more difficult to enforce on the shorter distances within the time frame currently allotted to us, participants registered in the 28 km, 20 km, 10 km, and 5 km are invited to participate in the “Harricana All Summer Long” event.

*The team underscores that the hosting of the long-distance events is contingent on official Public Health authorizations, which, to date, have not yet been confirmed.

A thoughtful and responsible decision

The Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada team is confident that they can host an event that complies with the sanitary rules, which will likely still be enforced in September. The number of athletes in each distance has already been limited compared to previous editions and many protocols will be implemented to respect social distancing and limit interactions between runners, volunteers and team members. Requirements will also be imposed in an effort to curb any potential spread of the virus in the Charlevoix region.

“We are taking the situation very seriously and everyone’s health is our priority,” said Marline Côté, general manager of the Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada. “We have a well-rounded and professional team and we are confident that we can carry out this event in an ethical and responsible manner.”

Health measures to be announced July 20th

Several technical and logistical solutions have been considered within the teams, as well in collaboration with other road race and trail running organizations. “The solutions exist and we are considering various strategies.  Over the next few weeks, we will have many decisions to make in consultation with the various teams, which will be subsequently communicated to the runners by July 20th,” explains Marline Côté.

Participants must obviously expect something very different from what they may have already experienced in the past. Priority will be given to security, logistics and timing. “We know that the runners registered as of now want above all to have an opportunity to run and challenge themselves in a safe and supervised environment. The atmosphere will be less festive than usual, but we still want to remain the heart-warming event that we have always been,” says the director.

The organization also calls upon the collaboration of participants and volunteers in order to be able to carry out the event accordingly. “It will be very important that everyone collaborates and takes the measures taken seriously. The last thing we want is for the event to become a source of spread of COVID-19. We must acknowledge that the virus is still very much part of our present reality, wreaking havoc here and elsewhere in the world,” insists Côté.

Many volunteers needed

An urgent appeal is currently being launched to quickly recruit the necessary amount of volunteers to ensure that the event unfolds in a safe and secure manner. “The recruitment of volunteers had been put on hold since last March and and we must now quickly find people who want to live this adventure with us,” continues the event director.

Those interested can register on the event website and the organization will contact them to assign a task that suits their schedule and interests. TO REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER.

An original and groundbreaking alternative

Participants in the 28km, 20km, 10km, and 5km distances are not being left behind; quite the opposite, as they will be able to transfer their registration to become members of the “Harricana All Summer Long” program, which allows access to a multitude of activities being organized throughout the summer, while respecting the evolution of the pandemic and the authorized deconfinement.

Among these activities are guided trainings, friendly competitions, discovery days on certain parts of the 125 km, 80 km and on new, never-before-seen UTHC courses! A calendar of activities, promotions and benefits will be created over the summer for members of the “Harricana All Summer Long” program.

The “Harricana Lone Wolf” Challenge

One of the main activities proposed in this summer program will be to complete the brand new “Harricana Lone Wolf 28k and 10k” challenge. Runners can strive for their best possible time on the 28k and 10k courses, which will remain marked during the entire summer season.

Participants will be able to compete against other Ultra-Trail Harricana Athletes in small groups (while respecting the maximum authorized number of people, and in accordance with social-distancing measures), or solo, whenever they like throughout the summer.

Participants will be able to record their times using a GPS watch or an app such as Strava, and official rankings will be maintained throughout the summer. For the more motivated, classifications will be compiled for those who complete the loop more than once, for a total of 54km or 84km.

Find out more about the “Harricana Lone Wolf” challenge.

Find out more about the “Harricana All Summer Long” program.

Find out more about the choices offered to athletes registered in the 28k, 20k, 10k and 5k events.

Press Release
 /For Immediate Release

 THE 2020 YEAR OF THE ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA™ OF CANADA WILL BE HELD UNDER THE THEME OF SOLIDARITY

La Malbaie, April 23, 2020— More than just an event, but an organization that works year round with the trailrunning community, the Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada team is happy to announce that 2020 will take place under the very meaningful theme of Solidarity.

With the slogan “Ensemble, plus loin / Together Further”, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ wishes to reflect on the ways in which members of the trail running community can collectively help one another in getting through the COVID-19 pandemic. This theme will be an opportunity to put forward the values that are already part of the very DNA of trail runners; sharing, openness, mutual help and respect.  

In addition to participating in the set-up of a large mobilization of organizations that work in the Quebec trail running environment, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada will be producing content with the purpose of motivating and inspiring athletes throughout the season. An example is the podcast series called “Free Your Wild – COVID-19 Special”.

Other measures will be announced throughout the season in line with the evolution of the pandemic and its impacts on our lives.

It is important to remember that, every year, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ chooses a theme that allows it to develop new aspects of the event or to emphasize certain current issues in the world of trail running. That is how it came about that the theme of sustainable development and the actions they led to allowed for our event to be awarded the “Reconnait” prize at its 2017 edition. This prize by Gala Charlevoix, is a recognition of our eco-responsibility and our ambition to become a leader in the organization of races that are respectful of the environment.

ABOUT THE ANNUAL VISUAL

Produced by Carol-Anne Pedneault, an artist from Isle-aux-Coudres, the 2020 Ultra-Trail Harricana™ yearly visual symbolizes the solidarity of the UTHC with the wolf pack and their communion with other members of the forest such as birds, whose cries are sent high and far into the skies. Ensemble, plus loin. Together, Further. 

“An accompanied lone wolf becomes solidarity of sorts. Because it is in times of hardships and difficulties that we show our true selves, our oneness, together with our connection to others. When every comfort blurs out of its layout, our own fragility and strength are uncovered. In this solo that has morphed to become solidary, we gain in riches, depth and solidarity.” Translation of the original text by Isabelle Bernier.

ABOUT THE ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA™

Since its creation nine years ago, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada has established itself as a true trail running leader in Quebec. The event offers runners breathtaking scenery in the backcountry of Charlevoix, as well as a physically stimulating challenge. The 125 km event is part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit, placing it on the international scene in a way unequalled by any other race of its kind in Quebec.

– 30 – 

Medias, 581-996-6400

Press Release
 /For Immediate Release

 THE 2020 YEAR OF THE ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA™ OF CANADA WILL BE HELD UNDER THE THEME OF SOLIDARITY

La Malbaie, April 23, 2020— More than just an event, but an organization that works year round with the trailrunning community, the Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada team is happy to announce that 2020 will take place under the very meaningful theme of Solidarity.

With the slogan “Ensemble, plus loin / Together Further”, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ wishes to reflect on the ways in which members of the trail running community can collectively help one another in getting through the COVID-19 pandemic. This theme will be an opportunity to put forward the values that are already part of the very DNA of trail runners; sharing, openness, mutual help and respect.  

In addition to participating in the set-up of a large mobilization of organizations that work in the Quebec trail running environment, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada will be producing content with the purpose of motivating and inspiring athletes throughout the season. An example is the podcast series called “Free Your Wild – COVID-19 Special”.

Other measures will be announced throughout the season in line with the evolution of the pandemic and its impacts on our lives.

It is important to remember that, every year, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ chooses a theme that allows it to develop new aspects of the event or to emphasize certain current issues in the world of trail running. That is how it came about that the theme of sustainable development and the actions they led to allowed for our event to be awarded the “Reconnait” prize at its 2017 edition. This prize by Gala Charlevoix, is a recognition of our eco-responsibility and our ambition to become a leader in the organization of races that are respectful of the environment.

ABOUT THE ANNUAL VISUAL

Produced by Carol-Anne Pedneault, an artist from Isle-aux-Coudres, the 2020 Ultra-Trail Harricana™ yearly visual symbolizes the solidarity of the UTHC with the wolf pack and their communion with other members of the forest such as birds, whose cries are sent high and far into the skies. Ensemble, plus loin. Together, Further. 

“An accompanied lone wolf becomes solidarity of sorts. Because it is in times of hardships and difficulties that we show our true selves, our oneness, together with our connection to others. When every comfort blurs out of its layout, our own fragility and strength are uncovered. In this solo that has morphed to become solidary, we gain in riches, depth and solidarity.” Translation of the original text by Isabelle Bernier.

ABOUT THE ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA™

Since its creation nine years ago, Ultra-Trail Harricana™ of Canada has established itself as a true trail running leader in Quebec. The event offers runners breathtaking scenery in the backcountry of Charlevoix, as well as a physically stimulating challenge. The 125 km event is part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit, placing it on the international scene in a way unequalled by any other race of its kind in Quebec.

– 30 – 

Medias, 581-996-6400

Cancellation of All Events in Quebec Until August 31: Ultra-Trail Harricana Canada Remains Solution-Oriented

Press Release for Immediate Diffusion

La Malbaie, April 11th 2020 – The Harricana Events team has acknowledged the Quebec government’s request to cancel all events organized in Quebec up until August 31, as a preventative measure against the propagation of COVID-19. The team is actively investigating all possible scenarios for Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada, scheduled for September 11 to 13 in Charlevoix, so that the event may comply with government regulations, and act in a responsible manner that prioritizes the best interests of both the participants and the general population.

“Our thoughts go out to the events that may directly suffer from these measures and we sincerely hope that we will collectively manage to find the best possible solutions that will allow all organizations to survive this very difficult period,” said Marline Côté, Executive Director of Harricana Events. “We ask for your empathy and understanding regarding the complexity of this multitude of events, each providing its own unique set of circumstances, which requires difficult and extraordinary choices.”

The Harricana Events team is monitoring the situation very closely and is committed to regularly communicating with its community regarding the future of the 2020 event. 

On behalf of the team, the Executive Director wishes to thank all of Harricana’s participants, partners, volunteers, and the many collaborators for their continued support, advice and willingness to help them best overcome this crisis. 

To subscribe to the Ultra-Trail Harricana Canada newsletter, email us at info@harricana.info.

ABOUT ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA

Since its inception nine years ago, Ultra-Trail Harricana Canada has established itself as a leader in trail running in Quebec. The event offers runners breathtaking scenery in the hinterland of Charlevoix, as well as a physically rigorous challenge. The 125 km race is part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit, making it an event of international caliber like no other in Quebec.

-30-

Média, 581-996-6400, info@harricana.info

#jesuisloup #freeyourwild

Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada :: UTHC

Presented by The North Face 

Twitter | Facebook | Web

Cancellation of All Events in Quebec Until August 31: Ultra-Trail Harricana Canada Remains Solution-Oriented

Press Release for Immediate Diffusion

La Malbaie, April 11th 2020 – The Harricana Events team has acknowledged the Quebec government’s request to cancel all events organized in Quebec up until August 31, as a preventative measure against the propagation of COVID-19. The team is actively investigating all possible scenarios for Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada, scheduled for September 11 to 13 in Charlevoix, so that the event may comply with government regulations, and act in a responsible manner that prioritizes the best interests of both the participants and the general population.

“Our thoughts go out to the events that may directly suffer from these measures and we sincerely hope that we will collectively manage to find the best possible solutions that will allow all organizations to survive this very difficult period,” said Marline Côté, Executive Director of Harricana Events. “We ask for your empathy and understanding regarding the complexity of this multitude of events, each providing its own unique set of circumstances, which requires difficult and extraordinary choices.”

The Harricana Events team is monitoring the situation very closely and is committed to regularly communicating with its community regarding the future of the 2020 event. 

On behalf of the team, the Executive Director wishes to thank all of Harricana’s participants, partners, volunteers, and the many collaborators for their continued support, advice and willingness to help them best overcome this crisis. 

To subscribe to the Ultra-Trail Harricana Canada newsletter, email us at info@harricana.info.

ABOUT ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA

Since its inception nine years ago, Ultra-Trail Harricana Canada has established itself as a leader in trail running in Quebec. The event offers runners breathtaking scenery in the hinterland of Charlevoix, as well as a physically rigorous challenge. The 125 km race is part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit, making it an event of international caliber like no other in Quebec.

-30-

Média, 581-996-6400, info@harricana.info

#jesuisloup #freeyourwild

Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada :: UTHC

Presented by The North Face 

Twitter | Facebook | Web

Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada and The North Face renew partnership for three more years

La Malbaie, March 12, 2020 – Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada and The North Face Canada are proud to announce that they have renewed their partnership for the next three years (2020-2021-2022).

The athletic wear and accessory company, mostly targeting mountain and trail activities, will continue in its role as the event’s title sponsor, as it has done since the race’s creation in 2012.

“This long-term commitment is a wonderful mark of recognition and trust by a valued partner who makes great contributions to the development of the trail running discipline in Quebec and in Canada,” says Marline Côté, Executive Manager of the event. “Not to mention the great pleasure we have of collaborating with their creative and dynamic team, which has made all the difference in the success of the event over the last nine years!” 

As title sponsor for Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada (UTHC), The North Face will continue to support the innovative initiatives the event is known for, in addition to contributing to its success by enhancing the arrival site and welcoming internationally renowned athletes.

Maxim Turcotte, title, applauds this partnership with UTHC for its strategic fit with the company’s vision. “The North Face is very pleased to be associated with this popular and prestigious trail race. This partnership reflects our commitment to continuously pushing our limits, motivated by our instinct for exploration.”

ABOUT ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA OF CANADA

Since its beginnings nine years ago, Ultra-Trail Harricana has become a leader in Canada trail running. The event offers runners the chance to compete in Charlevoix’s breathtaking backcountry and to take on an exciting physical challenge. The 125 km is part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit, positioning the event on an international level unlike any other race of its kind in Canada.

ABOUT THE NORTH FACE 

The North Face® fundamental mission remains unchanged since 1966: provide the best gear for our athletes and the modern day explorer, support the preservation of the outdoors, and inspire a global movement of exploration.

Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada and The North Face renew partnership for three more years

La Malbaie, March 12, 2020 – Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada and The North Face Canada are proud to announce that they have renewed their partnership for the next three years (2020-2021-2022).

The athletic wear and accessory company, mostly targeting mountain and trail activities, will continue in its role as the event’s title sponsor, as it has done since the race’s creation in 2012.

“This long-term commitment is a wonderful mark of recognition and trust by a valued partner who makes great contributions to the development of the trail running discipline in Quebec and in Canada,” says Marline Côté, Executive Manager of the event. “Not to mention the great pleasure we have of collaborating with their creative and dynamic team, which has made all the difference in the success of the event over the last nine years!” 

As title sponsor for Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada (UTHC), The North Face will continue to support the innovative initiatives the event is known for, in addition to contributing to its success by enhancing the arrival site and welcoming internationally renowned athletes.

Maxim Turcotte, title, applauds this partnership with UTHC for its strategic fit with the company’s vision. “The North Face is very pleased to be associated with this popular and prestigious trail race. This partnership reflects our commitment to continuously pushing our limits, motivated by our instinct for exploration.”

ABOUT ULTRA-TRAIL HARRICANA OF CANADA

Since its beginnings nine years ago, Ultra-Trail Harricana has become a leader in Canada trail running. The event offers runners the chance to compete in Charlevoix’s breathtaking backcountry and to take on an exciting physical challenge. The 125 km is part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit, positioning the event on an international level unlike any other race of its kind in Canada.

ABOUT THE NORTH FACE 

The North Face® fundamental mission remains unchanged since 1966: provide the best gear for our athletes and the modern day explorer, support the preservation of the outdoors, and inspire a global movement of exploration.

Événements Harricana produces highly favourable results in 2019

As 2019 is now behind us, Événements Harricana is drawing up highly positive results for the past twelve months.

• Marked increase in Quebec-based, elite and foreign participants, as well as in the media coverage for Ultra-Trail Harricana;
• Consolidation of the Trails in Motion film Quebec tour;
• First edition of La Virée Nordique de Charlevoix under the coordination of Événements Harricana;
• Holding of conferences and training sessions within various organizations;
• Development of the Free Your Wild podcast;
• Election of Sébastien Côté as national ITRA representative;
• Structuring of organizational governance (meet our team);
• Different Missions abroad;
• Nominations for prestigious awards.

The Événements Harricana team worked hard to improve the organization and contribute to developing the discipline within the population in a unique and progressive way.

Most importantly, the team is bursting with ideas and visions on how to keep pushing the trail running discipline towards new horizons in Quebec.

2019 Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada

The 8^th edition of UTHC was held under the theme of consolidation, after a year (2018) of transitioning towards a more enriched programming now spread over three days, and two sites (La Malbaie and Mont Grand-Fonds).

Rather than seeking to develop innovations, the team prioritized continuous improvement measures and growth management in a context where trail running is exploding in popularity.

The event hosted a record number of athletes, with most distances selling out, and included a large number of foreign participants with 2,200 runners from 26 different countries for a total of forty or so different nationalities.

Note that Ultra-Trail Harricana has mobilized 82 participants in fundraising for the MS Society of Canada, an organization associated with UTHC since its creation in 2012. Together, they have raised $59,593.97 to support research on multiple sclerosis.

Improved services

On the organizational level, special attention was paid to further improving after-race meals, residual material management, refuelling station coordination, media coverage of the event, and pre-race communication with participants. The measures introduced were efficient, leading to great organizational improvements on these different levels when compared to previous years.

A key theme

With its year under the theme of health featuring the slogan, “Finding balance” and the collaboration of Honourable President Simon Benoit, the organization sought to implement actions for raising awareness and spreading communications on subjects that might help athletes practise their passion in a healthy manner, and properly prepare for their challenge.

Each year, Ultra-Trail Harricana selects a theme which allows it to develop new event components or place an emphasis on certain current issues within the ultra-trail discipline.

An emphasis on safety

Lastly, UTHC was marked by its commitment to ensuring enhanced safety during the event by revising procedures and processes, raising awareness, better informing stakeholders and adopting the best practices seen in other world-class races.

2019 Trails in Motion Quebec film tour

For a fifth consecutive year, the Trails in Motion film festival travelled around the province, with as many sold-out projections as ever, and an increasing number of new visitors.

A total of 20 projections were held across 17 cities for a total of nearly 1,500 participants, making it the largest regional film festival tour in the world.

We wish to thank the following local promoters:

• Val-Morin: Jean-Louis Doss
• Rimouski: Cédric Bouillon
• Saint-Georges: Nicolas Bélanger
• Sherbrooke: Benoit Talbot
• Saguenay: Marie-Christine Dion
• Percé: Jean-François Tapp
• La Malbaie: Erika Potvin
• Quebec City: Catherine Mercier
• Rouyn-Noranda: Tania Rancourt and David Robitaille
• Val d’Or: Michel Désy
• Montréal: Sébastien Côté, Marilyne Tremblay and Marie-Josée Hotte
• Carleton-sur-Mer: Gaston Berthelot and Vincent Landry
• Laval: Mountain Equipment Coop
• Gatineau: Louis Sabourin
• Shawinigan: Mario Villemure and Peggy Juneau
• Longueuil: Mountain Equipment Coop
• Bromont: Audrey Larocquette

This year, the tour was marked by a consolidation of major partners of the event, presented by Québec Mega Trail and supported by Gaspesia 100 and The Running Clinic.

Once again this year, a total of $2,000 was given to Courir pour la vie in order to support its mission of suicide prevention. An another 885$ was given to The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) as well as 3 290$ for the Centre de pédiatrie sociale de Gatineau.

Portraits de Loup podcast

Since the summer of 2018, Événements Harricana has presented their Free Your Wild podcasts, which feature inspiring personalities from the trail running community both at home and abroad.

Produced by Curiozidée, twelve French episodes have been broadcast to date, for the year 2019 alone. An English version of the podcast was launched this fall, thanks to the collaboration of What’s Really Good.

These podcasts, in no way promotional, do not specifically discuss Ultra-Trail Harricana, but aim to offer trail stories by passionate runners, who share their best memories on the trails, their initiation to the discipline, their juicy anecdotes, their vision and their life philosophy.

To listen to all the UTHC podcasts, click here — > Free Your Wild

* The Free Your Wild podcast is available on all popular apps (Spotify, Google, CastBox etc.)

La Virée Nordique de Charlevoix

The year 2019 was marked by the first collaboration between Événements Harricana and La Virée Nordique de Charlevoix, which hired the Ultra-Trail Harricana team to ensure the proper coordination and communication for the event, held from February 14^th to 17^th.

This collaboration offers both organizations the opportunity to create synergies that are highly profitable for the region of Charlevoix: sharing human and material resources, and exchanging expertise.

La Virée Nordique is also a rapidly growing event in terms of participation and notoriety, with double the number of participants in 2019 compared to 2018, and a significant increase in media coverage.

Conferences and training in 2019

The UTHC team is called upon more and more to offer conferences and training sessions on event organization, ecological event management, work-family-sports balance, and practising run-commuting and trail running.

In 2019, these conferences and training sessions were mainly offered in several secondary schools within the Fillactive program, as well as the continuing education centre in Charlevoix, and as part of the Zero Waste Festival.

Election of Sébastien Côté as national ITRA representative

Sébastien Côté, Co-Founder of Ultra-Trail Harricana and current Chairman of the Board of Directors, was elected by his peers to represent Canada within the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) during the elections held from March 30^th to April 5^th.

An active member of ITRA since its creation, Sébastien had already been a national representative for Canada and a member of the Steering Committee from 2015 to 2017.

As the national representative for Canada, Sébastien Côté will be responsible for actively listening to the runners and organizers of his country and sharing his exchanges with ITRA, informing runners and organizers in his country of actions and services offered by ITRA as well as promoting them, representing the association during sports events and gatherings in Canada, and acting as a mediator within his community.

Ultra-Trail Harricana named best Cross/Trail competition organization of the year

It is with great pride and humility that the Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada team received the title of best cross-trail competition organization of the year by the Fédération québécoise d’athlétisme on November 16^th, during its annual awards gala.

The prestigious prize highlights all the efforts the organization made to offer a high-quality event through the variety and quality of services offered to participants, as well as its contribution to developing athletics.

Volunteer involvement with Distances+

Ultra-Trail Harricana’s executive manager, who is trained in journalism, has also written a number of articles for Distances+ on a volunteer basis, and revised several articles by other collaborators throughout 2019.

• Beth Pascall fracasse le record du 100 km à l’Ultra-Trail Cape Town
• La grande finale de l’Ultra-Trail World Tour se joue cette fin de semaine en Afrique du Sud
• Yvan L’Heureux, premier Québécois à prendre le départ du Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra
• Mike Néron sera-t-il le champion du Trail du Grand-duc?
• Nathaniel Couture fonce sur la Western States après l’annulation de la Hardrock
• Objectifs atteints pour la première édition de l’Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs
• Un bilan positif pour la première édition du 34 km du Trail du Coureur des bois
• Le Trail du Coureur des bois Duchesnay inaugure la saison de course en sentier au Québec ce weekend
• Pentathlon des neiges 2019 : un 15e anniversaire réussi
• David Savard-Gagnon : la saison de la consolidation
• Le volet scolaire du Pentathlon des neiges a le vent dans les voiles
• De grosses pointures à surveiller sur la Coupe du monde de triathlon du Pentathlon des neiges
• Claudine Soucie : la saison pour cibler ses forces en ultratrail
• Clare Gallagher : l’athlète qui carbure à la performance et au crémage à gâteau

Sprinting into 2020

The team at Événements Harricana is heading into 2020 with a head full of exciting ideas.

For the Ultra-Trail Harricana, the organization shared its desire to reach a higher operational level and to enhance the event by improving the circuits. Announcements will be made at the beginning of the year.

The Trails in Motion tour should see new developments, especially in other French-speaking regions of the world. The goal is also to reach new clienteles to participate in projections: road runners, outdoor and adventure lovers, etc.

Many great surprises are in store for all Événements Harricana projects. Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss a thing!

• Site web de l’Ultra-Trail Harricana
• Site web de Trails in Motion Francophone
• Facebook de l’Ultra-Trail Harricana
• Facebook de Trails in Motion Francophone
• Instagram de l’Ultra-Trail Harricana
• Site web de la Virée Nordique de Charlevoix
• Twitter des Événements Harricana
• Infolettre : info@harricana.info

The Événements Harricana team would like to take this opportunity to thank all the partners and collaborators who help make these promising projects possible for the trail running community!

Ultra-Trail Harricana confirms place in Ultra-Trail World Tour

At the closing ceremony in Paris on December 12, the Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT) announced the details of the 2020 Tour, which once more will include the Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada. The 125-kilometer race will again be part of the competitive family of prestigious international races such as Vibram® Hong-Kong 100, Transgrancanaria HG, Madeira Island Ultra-Trail®, Ultra-Trail Australia®, Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Western State®100-Mile Endurance Run and UTMB® Mont-Blanc (UTMB®, TDS® and CCC®).

The confirmation of this race in Quebec, the only UTWT race in Canada, underscores UTHC’s position on the world stage and its commitment to its role as a trail-running leader in Canada.

Marline Côté, executive director of the UTHC event, said, “It’s an honour to continue our relationship with the Ultra-Trail World Tour. It opens the door to communicating with an extensive network of runners from all over the world. But even more importantly, it’s a tour of races that want to work together and build synergy to develop the sport’s full potential.”

UTWT: New in 2020

The Ultra-Trail® World Tour 2019 Awards Ceremony – presented by Volvic – also saw the announcement of significant improvements for the 2020 Ultra-Trail® World Tour season which will feature an expanded, simplified and unified race calendar, involving all historical events alongside new venues in China, France, Spain, Russia and Oman. 

Equally important are the changes announced to the ranking and points systems. From January 1st the existing World and Annual rankings will be unified into a single ranking based on each athlete’s best four Ultra-Trail^® World Tour results over a rolling 24 month period.

Runners need to have taken part in a minimum of four Ultra-Trail^® World Tour races in the last 24 months to be included, with the overall ranking recalculated from the new results from each completed event. On January 1st 2020 the single Ultra-Trail^® World Tour ranking will be based on results between January 1st 2018 and December 31st 2019. The first update will follow the Vibram^® Hong-Kong 100, the opening race of the 2020 season.

Also unveiled for regular participants on the Ultra-Trail^® World Tour are the introduction of an e-passport (by the summer 2020), which will open the door to a number of benefits for the runners, and ‘Running Stones’ which are designed to fast-track entry to the heavily over-subscribed UTMB^® Mont-Blanc races. Starting in January 2020 runners who complete Ultra-Trail^® World Tour races will be awarded Running Stones (1 Running Stone per ITRA point), which can be retained and used to gain direct entry to UTMB^® Mont-Blanc races, avoiding the lottery.

Visit the UTWT website for more details

Signup for Harricana 2020

Ultra-Trail Harricana confirms place in Ultra-Trail World Tour

At the closing ceremony in Paris on December 12, the Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT) announced the details of the 2020 Tour, which once more will include the Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada. The 125-kilometer race will again be part of the competitive family of prestigious international races such as Vibram® Hong-Kong 100, Transgrancanaria HG, Madeira Island Ultra-Trail®, Ultra-Trail Australia®, Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Western State®100-Mile Endurance Run and UTMB® Mont-Blanc (UTMB®, TDS® and CCC®).

The confirmation of this race in Quebec, the only UTWT race in Canada, underscores UTHC’s position on the world stage and its commitment to its role as a trail-running leader in Canada.

Marline Côté, executive director of the UTHC event, said, “It’s an honour to continue our relationship with the Ultra-Trail World Tour. It opens the door to communicating with an extensive network of runners from all over the world. But even more importantly, it’s a tour of races that want to work together and build synergy to develop the sport’s full potential.”

UTWT: New in 2020

The Ultra-Trail® World Tour 2019 Awards Ceremony – presented by Volvic – also saw the announcement of significant improvements for the 2020 Ultra-Trail® World Tour season which will feature an expanded, simplified and unified race calendar, involving all historical events alongside new venues in China, France, Spain, Russia and Oman. 

Equally important are the changes announced to the ranking and points systems. From January 1st the existing World and Annual rankings will be unified into a single ranking based on each athlete’s best four Ultra-Trail^® World Tour results over a rolling 24 month period.

Runners need to have taken part in a minimum of four Ultra-Trail^® World Tour races in the last 24 months to be included, with the overall ranking recalculated from the new results from each completed event. On January 1st 2020 the single Ultra-Trail^® World Tour ranking will be based on results between January 1st 2018 and December 31st 2019. The first update will follow the Vibram^® Hong-Kong 100, the opening race of the 2020 season.

Also unveiled for regular participants on the Ultra-Trail^® World Tour are the introduction of an e-passport (by the summer 2020), which will open the door to a number of benefits for the runners, and ‘Running Stones’ which are designed to fast-track entry to the heavily over-subscribed UTMB^® Mont-Blanc races. Starting in January 2020 runners who complete Ultra-Trail^® World Tour races will be awarded Running Stones (1 Running Stone per ITRA point), which can be retained and used to gain direct entry to UTMB^® Mont-Blanc races, avoiding the lottery.

Visit the UTWT website for more details

Signup for Harricana 2020

Left to right : Denis Thiboutot (Salomon, presentator of the award), Sébastien Côté (president and co-founder of UTHC) and Marilyne Tremblay (UTHC)

UTHC named “best cross/trail competition organization of the year”

It is with great pride and humility that the Fédération québécoise d’athlétisme awarded Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada with the title of best cross/trail competition organization of the year” on November 16 th , during its annual awards gala.

The Gala Athlètas honours the most exemplary stakeholders in the world of athleticism during the last year.

Sébastien Côté, UTHC president and co-founder, says that 2019 was a pivotal year for Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada, and for trail running in Quebec in general. “While the discipline has greatly grown in popularity over the last few years in Quebec, the UTHC team hopes that it will be taken more seriously by the media, the general public, and by athletes,” explains the president.

That’s why, this year, special attention was given to the application of race rules, fairness among runners, and safety. The actions implemented were bold, but were all done in order to promote constructive and positive reflection among the entire running community.

The Fédération québécoise d’athlétisme award received this week also highlights all the efforts the organization has made to present a new high-quality event through the variety and quality of services offered to participants, as well as its contribution to developments in the field of athleticism.

“We are very proud that the Fédération québécoise d’athlétisme recognizes Ultra-Trail Harricana’s leadership but also, and especially, the potential for development of the trail running discipline in Quebec. We would like to thank all the volunteers, teams and partners who are involved with us in making the UTHC a success, and who are also working on consolidating and professionalizing the trail running community. The award we received also belongs to you,” says Sébastien.

Photo : Alexis Berg

Simon Benoit Named Honorary President of Ultra-Trail Harricana

This year, under the theme of Health, Ultra-Trail® Harricana of Canada (UTHC) can count on the presence of Honorary President Doctor Simon Benoit, or “Doc Benoit.” The ultramarathon athlete, lecturer, collaborator for Distances+ web magazine, ambassador, teacher as well as consulting physician for The Running Clinic has become a key reference in endurance race medicine in Quebec.

The importance of “finding balance”

The president is very pleased with the choice of the annual theme for the 2019 UTHC under the slogan, “Finding Balance.”

“Finding balance is a huge challenge these days,” says Simon Benoit. “On one hand, there are still too many people who are sedentary and think that in order to be active, they have to give it their all and train for a marathon every day. On the other hand, there are those who go to the extreme and over-train.” According to Simon, the message that needs to be conveyed and understood is to differentiate between “active” and “athletic.” To be healthy, a person should be lightly active every day.

For Simon, trail running quickly became a daily workout, “At the end of my work day, I run home through the Mont Royal trails. It helps me recharge in nature. It’s a healthy kind of escape from my stressful and slightly hectic job,” he says. He runs every day, twelve months out of the year, to go to work at the Centre Hospitalier de Verdun, approximately 7 km from his home.

Before completing his specialization in medicine, the ambassador of active travel completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Doctorate of Chiropractic. Simon explains, “It’s the best way for me to remain active on a daily basis and to achieve my athletic goals while maintaining a healthy life balance.” He says that physical activity should be seen as a stress management tool, and not as a source of stress.

Simon Benoit on the 125 km course in 2015

A safe discipline

He also believes that ultra-trail running is a very safe sport when compared to other “extreme” sports. Most injuries occur due to overtraining too quickly, “Healthy and balanced runners are not influenced by anything other than what they have to do. They are indifferent to the opinions of others or of those found on social media.” According to Simon, this outside pressure is a runner’s number one enemy, as it can lead to burnout and other mental injuries.

Simon also stresses that it’s possible to put in the exact same number of hours when training for a 10 km or a 125 km: “What’s important is the process behind the race. It’s what you do in the months leading up to it to prepare for your challenge. And it’s this process that helps a runner grow. In running, there is no technology that can significantly improve your performance, like in other sports. It all depends on your training.”

Hiking: a passion that runs in the family

Simon Benoit developed his love for nature and the mountains when he was just a teenager. At the time, he would join different outdoor and hiking camps in Maine, in the heart of the Appalachian Trail. That’s where he met Julie Emond, who would later become his wife and the mother of his children. Julie herself is also an avid trail runner.

And it’s thanks to Julie that Simon enjoys trail running so much today. She challenged him to start running in 2014, during a period of his life when he was not active, and not in very good shape. In order to motivate himself, he joined the Club de trail de Montréal, which had just been formed.

After completing a 5 km track race, a 15 km at the Tour Mont-Royal Brébeuf, and a 30 km at Mont Gosford, he signed up for the UTHC 28 km, transferring instead to the 65 km, since his training was going so well. “That was the year I fell in love with running. It was magical. I ran a good part of the race with Lucile Besson, who finished in first place in the women’s category. It helped me relive my love for hiking from my younger days,” says Simon. He then went on to complete the 125 km three times, in 2015, 2016 and 2018. Together with his family, he is an active volunteer for the event.

Simon Benoit at the arrival of the 65 km with Lucille Besson in 2014

Ultra-trail running as a research topic

This immersion into the world of running made him want to take a closer look at treatments and injury prevention in ultra-endurance and trail running. He even chose to swap one work day per week in the ER for an office day, in order to treat his sports clientele.

Simon completed several training programs offered by The Running Clinic, closely monitors medical news on the subject, discusses the topic with runners, and tests out several different techniques on his own. “The scientific aspect of it is really interesting to me. I enjoy following new publications, dissecting quality studies and analyzing them. But I believe the truth lies somewhere between field experience and published works. Several elements in the field are still subject to debate,” he says. He’s tried minimalist and maximalist running shoes, several different hydration bags, various eating plans, and many more techniques.

In addition to his columns in Distances+, which will be shared on the Ultra-Trail Harricana social media platforms between now and the event, Simon will also share informational videos to help UTHC athletes prepare for their challenge in a healthy and balanced way.

Photo : Alexis Berg

Simon Benoit Named Honorary President of Ultra-Trail Harricana

This year, under the theme of Health, Ultra-Trail® Harricana of Canada (UTHC) can count on the presence of Honorary President Doctor Simon Benoit, or “Doc Benoit.” The ultramarathon athlete, lecturer, collaborator for Distances+ web magazine, ambassador, teacher as well as consulting physician for The Running Clinic has become a key reference in endurance race medicine in Quebec.

The importance of “finding balance”

The president is very pleased with the choice of the annual theme for the 2019 UTHC under the slogan, “Finding Balance.”

“Finding balance is a huge challenge these days,” says Simon Benoit. “On one hand, there are still too many people who are sedentary and think that in order to be active, they have to give it their all and train for a marathon every day. On the other hand, there are those who go to the extreme and over-train.” According to Simon, the message that needs to be conveyed and understood is to differentiate between “active” and “athletic.” To be healthy, a person should be lightly active every day.

For Simon, trail running quickly became a daily workout, “At the end of my work day, I run home through the Mont Royal trails. It helps me recharge in nature. It’s a healthy kind of escape from my stressful and slightly hectic job,” he says. He runs every day, twelve months out of the year, to go to work at the Centre Hospitalier de Verdun, approximately 7 km from his home.

Before completing his specialization in medicine, the ambassador of active travel completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Doctorate of Chiropractic. Simon explains, “It’s the best way for me to remain active on a daily basis and to achieve my athletic goals while maintaining a healthy life balance.” He says that physical activity should be seen as a stress management tool, and not as a source of stress.

Simon Benoit on the 125 km course in 2015

A safe discipline

He also believes that ultra-trail running is a very safe sport when compared to other “extreme” sports. Most injuries occur due to overtraining too quickly, “Healthy and balanced runners are not influenced by anything other than what they have to do. They are indifferent to the opinions of others or of those found on social media.” According to Simon, this outside pressure is a runner’s number one enemy, as it can lead to burnout and other mental injuries.

Simon also stresses that it’s possible to put in the exact same number of hours when training for a 10 km or a 125 km: “What’s important is the process behind the race. It’s what you do in the months leading up to it to prepare for your challenge. And it’s this process that helps a runner grow. In running, there is no technology that can significantly improve your performance, like in other sports. It all depends on your training.”

Hiking: a passion that runs in the family

Simon Benoit developed his love for nature and the mountains when he was just a teenager. At the time, he would join different outdoor and hiking camps in Maine, in the heart of the Appalachian Trail. That’s where he met Julie Emond, who would later become his wife and the mother of his children. Julie herself is also an avid trail runner.

And it’s thanks to Julie that Simon enjoys trail running so much today. She challenged him to start running in 2014, during a period of his life when he was not active, and not in very good shape. In order to motivate himself, he joined the Club de trail de Montréal, which had just been formed.

After completing a 5 km track race, a 15 km at the Tour Mont-Royal Brébeuf, and a 30 km at Mont Gosford, he signed up for the UTHC 28 km, transferring instead to the 65 km, since his training was going so well. “That was the year I fell in love with running. It was magical. I ran a good part of the race with Lucile Besson, who finished in first place in the women’s category. It helped me relive my love for hiking from my younger days,” says Simon. He then went on to complete the 125 km three times, in 2015, 2016 and 2018. Together with his family, he is an active volunteer for the event.

Simon Benoit at the arrival of the 65 km with Lucille Besson in 2014

Ultra-trail running as a research topic

This immersion into the world of running made him want to take a closer look at treatments and injury prevention in ultra-endurance and trail running. He even chose to swap one work day per week in the ER for an office day, in order to treat his sports clientele.

Simon completed several training programs offered by The Running Clinic, closely monitors medical news on the subject, discusses the topic with runners, and tests out several different techniques on his own. “The scientific aspect of it is really interesting to me. I enjoy following new publications, dissecting quality studies and analyzing them. But I believe the truth lies somewhere between field experience and published works. Several elements in the field are still subject to debate,” he says. He’s tried minimalist and maximalist running shoes, several different hydration bags, various eating plans, and many more techniques.

In addition to his columns in Distances+, which will be shared on the Ultra-Trail Harricana social media platforms between now and the event, Simon will also share informational videos to help UTHC athletes prepare for their challenge in a healthy and balanced way.