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Elite Runners

Infos » Elite Runners

The application period is over.

For any other questions regarding the elite program, contact us at: athlete@ultratrailcanada.com

Cash prize : In 2025, first three men and women of the QMT-50, QMT-80 and QMT-135 will share $12,500 in cash prize.

Offered by the organization

Free bib for the event of your choice.

Important notes:

If you are selected and already registered, a refund will be issued to you.
We will only communicate with selected athletes.
The number of elite bibs is limited.
Athletes wishing to be eligible for podiums and prize money at the Canadian Championships and to be selected in the Canadian team for the World Championships, must be Canadian citizens and be a 2025 competitive member of a provincial/territorial association recognized by Athletics Canada (for example, Athletics Quebec) and a member of ACU (Association of Canadian Ultramarathoners).

Selection criteria

Your ITRA performance index;
Your best result in a trail running race in the last two years (2023 – 2024);
Your motivation.

QMT 135

Jacob Baril-Anarson

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Highlights

Île-Perrot may not be known for its mountains, but it is home to a rising star in trail running! Jacob Baril-Arnason initially took up running to improve his cross-country skiing skills. He eventually developed a passion for the sport after participating in the Ottawa Marathon in 2019, and subsequently focused more specifically on ultramarathons. He quickly progressed to the top of the rankings in events such as the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC). A carpenter by trade, Jacob has also experienced a true fairytale during the last two editions of the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC), winning the 100 km race in 2023, followed by the 170 km event in 2024. Jacob ran his first 100 miles at the Québec Mega Trail in 2022, and will return to the region’s trails to take on the QMT-135, which he sees as “a new challenge,” he said. An avid climber, backcountry skier, and cross-country skier, Jacob is also eyeing the legendary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) for 2025.

David Jeker

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For trail running enthusiasts, the name David Jeker is far from unknown, as the athlete frequently participates in numerous podcasts on training and sports physiology. Both a coach and an exercise physiologist, David is truly a “geek” when it comes to trail running. As he himself puts it, he is a “passionate” individual! He holds a Master’s degree in Sport Movement Sciences from the Université de Lausanne (Switzerland), where he also completed a thesis on the effects of altitude and fatigue on performance during an ultramarathon. A two-time winner of the 55 km distance at the Bromont Ultra (BU) in 2021 and 2022, David also made a mark at the Trail Running World Championships in Austria in 2023. Having raced the 25 km and 50 km courses at the Québec Mega Trail, he is now set to tackle the QMT-135. And beware, he plans to add an extra challenge even before reaching the starting line. “I’ll probably ride my bike to Mont-Sainte-Anne for the QMT!” he says. A perfect warm-up, right?

Jeetesh Rao Lukea

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Highlights

“For the last to years, I’ve been on the podium of the QMT-80, and I think it’s time for me to take on the QMT-135 challenge. It will be a big help in my preparation for the 2025 World Mountain Running Championships,” says Jeetesh Rao Lukea. Enjoying technical trails, the Mauritian-born athlete based in Montréal notably made a strong impression with a 10th place finish at the Trail du Bourbon of the Grand Raid de La Réunion in 2023. He also claimed victory in the 100 km race at the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS) in both 2023 and 2024. In addition to his work as a physiotherapist, Jeetesh is also a co-organizer of the Grand Trail de l’Ouest (GTO), a mountain race offering spectacular views of the western part of La Réunion Island. And when he finds the time, he loves cooking and baking, making sure he never runs on an empty stomach!

Matthieu Saliou

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Running entered Matthieu Saliou’s life through soccer. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when he moved to Montréal, that the Frenchman developed a passion for trail running... and for the Québec Mega Trail! “It was with the QMT that my love story with trail running began, particularly with my first race in 2019. I’m coming back this year because it’s one of the most beautiful events in Québec,” he says. A lover of big challenges – he’s currently working on the REM (Réseau Express Métropolitain) rail project in Montréal – Matthieu is currently focusing on ultras ranging from 100 to 140 km. He took the third place at the QMT-110 last year, completing the distance for the very first time. He could certainly surprise on the new 135 km course. While he’s proud of his trail performances, Matthieu also takes great pride in his adventures with friends, running without a timer, on routes like the Pemi Loop (United States), the border trails, or across the Sutton Traverse.

Sébastien Camus

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Highlights

No one would guess that Sébastien Camus entered the world of running backwards, but that is indeed the case! “Originally, I hated running, and I gradually came to running through a connection with the sport in nature, running in search of orienteering markers. Orienteering allowed me to develop in this activity I didn’t initially enjoy, which eventually led to my passion for trail running and, progressively, ultra-trail,” says the professional French athlete and father of two children. His resume is filled with accomplishments that could make mountains tremble. Among them, Sébastien highlights two particularly significant performances. “My second place at the CCC of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (France) opened many doors for me, notably a realization of my potential. Then came my second place at the Diagonale des Fous of the Grand Raid de La Réunion, which marked the culmination of many investments,” he explains. Determined, disciplined, and respectful, Sébastien also achieved a solid seventh place at the 2016 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in France. Among his races from the past year, he finished just off the podium at the 100 km Restonica Trail by UTMB and won the 43 km Trail de l'Energie, both held in France. Outside of racing, the athlete enjoys spending time with his family. “These are important moments for me and my life balance. I love DIY projects, practicing other outdoor sports, and sorting Legos,” he adds. began to enjoy running while training after joining the army. It was at the age of 25 that he had more serious contact with trail running and skyrunning. The runner, who says he demonstrates “fighting spirit and impressive determination” has a stunning sports resume. Only in 2023, the athlete finished third in the 115 km event at Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT) and reached sixth place in the Ultra SkyMarathon event of the European Skyrunning Championships in Montenegro. He also obtained a remarkable 15 th position on the TDS race of the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc, in France. The runner is excited to competing in the 2024 edition of QMT-100 MILES, which will be his very first race outside the Old Continent. “The fact that QMT is part of the World Trail Majors is a motivation. This will be my second 100 miles, and I am looking forward to running it at Québec Mega Trail and discovering all the beauty of its landscapes,” he says.

Nelson Santos

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Highlights

Becoming a parent truly changes many things… For the Portuguese runner Nelson Santos, this is how he was introduced to running. “I used to ride my bike for long hours. With the birth of my youngest son in 2014, I decided to start running so I could spend more time with him and my family. Then, I tried my first trail race in 2015, and I fell in love with it. Trail running reminds me of my childhood and represents a return to my roots, to a time when I was so happy without even knowing it!” he says. Describing himself as a focused and low-profile runner, and someone who places great importance on the values of friendship and family, Nelson shone throughout 2024 with several second-place finishes. He placed second in the 114 km Ultra Trail Aldeias do Xisto (Portugal), the 50 km Val d'Aran by UTMB (Spain), the 100 km Oh Mon Deus (Portugal), and the 57 km Vouga Trail Ultra (Portugal). The athlete also earned a fourth-place finish at the prestigious Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT, Portugal). An IT technician and consultant, Nelson also finds time to play guitar when he's not on the trails. His goals for 2025 include running at the Québec Mega Trail while delivering the best version of himself. And, if his legs are up to the challenge, he hopes to qualify to represent his country at the upcoming World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Anthony now lives in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado (United States) and has several achievements to his credit. He notably finished second at the HURT 100 (United States) earlier this year, fourth at the Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB in 2022 and ninth in the Run Rabbit Run 100-mile (United States) in the same year.

Geneviève Asselin-Demers

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Coming from the world of road racing, Geneviève Asselin-Demers discovered a love for the mountainous counterpart in 2021, and has since been nourished by new challenges to take on each year. Naturally bubbly (she herself says she smiles 99% of the time while running), the Montréal-based athlete shines both through her vibrant personality and her many accomplishments, both on the national and international stages. Champion of the QMT-80 in 2024, Geneviève also reached the top 10 at the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (South Africa) and the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT, Portugal), earning an eighth-place in the final rankings of the inaugural World Trail Majors (WTM). A mother of twins and a structural engineer, Geneviève is driven by a thirst for achievement and is characterized by her ability to push her limits. The new QMT-135 is likely to be the perfect challenge for her. “The Québec Mega Trail is an event I hold close to my heart. I love taking part in two or three races in Québec, and the QMT is the best place to have fun, compete, and connect with others. I love the team and the vibe! Having won the QMT-80 in 2024 and the QMT-110 in 2023, I’m eager to take on the 135 km challenge in 2025,” says the runner. Her rivals better watch out: Geneviève is a regular on the podium! Champion of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada 125 km (UTHC) in 2022 and eighth at the Black Canyon Ultra 100K (United States) the same year, the athlete from Shefford, in Québec, hopes to shine through the World Trail Majors circuit. “I have always enjoyed coming to run at QMT with the best Canadian and even international athletes for several years. I really like to see the emergence of the World Trail Majors in the trail running world and I have registered for the Black Canyon Ultra 2024, which is also part of this group with QMT,” he says.

Elisabeth Cauchon

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For Elisabeth Cauchon, the mountains have been a family affair that she has been shaping since childhood. Whether following her father on hikes or during his marathon training, Elisabeth grew up with a love for nature and a mindset of pushing beyond her limits. For her, there’s no doubt that trail running, and eventually ultramarathons, was the natural progression. Claiming third place in the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2024, the nurse by profession sees this ranking as a true victory, and rightly so! “It was my first long-distance race over 100 km after having two children, and it’s an achievement I’m very proud of,” she says. Elisabeth will return to the Québec Mega Trail after a few years’ absence. “I’m particularly happy to have completed the 125 km at the UTHC, especially given my family situation with two children. This experience rekindled my desire to explore long distances again, so the QMT-135 fits perfectly into my goals for the upcoming trail season!” Elisabeth explains.

Emilie Mann

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Originally from Fernie, British Columbia, Emilie Mann has always been drawn to mountain trails. After starting out in cross-country and track, she eventually discovered trail running, where she found her true passion. In 2024, she reached a significant milestone in her athletic career by winning the legendary 100-mile Run Rabbit Run race (United States), setting a new women’s course record. “It was my first time completing a 100-mile race and running all through the night. This race was special to me because I signed up with no expectations and learned so much about what my body and mindset are capable of—of course with the support of my partner crewing me!” she recalls, grateful for the unwavering support of her partner. Her sense of adventure also led her to Mexico for Mar a Mar, a three-day stage race across Baja California. Between the remote landscapes and language barrier, the experience was both unique and enriching. A respiratory therapist at Kelowna General Hospital, Emilie successfully balances her professional life with a regular yoga practice, which she also teaches. For her, yoga offers the perfect balance—a space for support, therapy, and personal connection. Passionate and determined, yet always lighthearted, Emilie embodies an approach to both life and sport that values authenticity and joy. In 2025, she has already set an ambitious race calendar, including the Black Canyon Ultras (United States), the 100 km Desert Rats Trail Running Festival (United States), TransRockies (United States), the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (South Africa), and of course, the QMT-135.

Mylène Sansoucy

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Mylène Sansoucy has been passionate about running since childhood, first making a name for herself on the road with more than twenty marathons to her credit. A geotechnical engineer and mother of three, the Québec-based athlete has been tackling long-distance trail races since 2017, consistently delivering impressive results. Despite a challenging 2024 marked by injuries, Mylène still managed to finish second in the 100 km race at the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS) and fourth in the QMT-100 MILES, a race she was competing in for the first time. “I’m starting 2025 with confidence and motivation to regain my full running potential. I can’t wait to experience the magical atmosphere of the Québec Mega Trail at the inaugural 135 km event,” says Mylène. Tough, disciplined, and talented, Mylène has the potential to dominate in 2025, just as she did in 2023 with a first-place finish at the QMT-80, Bromont Ultra 80 (BU), and the 100 km of the UTFS.

Camille Girard

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A resident of Clermont, nestled between the hinterlands of Charlevoix and the St. Lawrence River, Camille Girard has the perfect playground in her surroundings to fully embrace her passion for trail running. And to say the least, she makes the most of it! A building technician for the Centre de services scolaire de Charlevoix and a mother of three, Camille notably took on the Traversée de Charlevoix, completing it in just 16 hours and 11 minutes. This is a remarkable achievement that adds to a long list of performances, including second-place finishes in the 125 km at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and the 88 km at the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC) in 2024, as well as a fourth-place finish at the latest edition of the QMT-80. “Since 2018, the Québec Mega Trail has held a special place in my heart. Every year since, I’ve had just as much fun living the event both as a volunteer and as a runner. What wonderful memories I’ve shared with family, friends, and all the inspiring and passionate people I’ve had the chance to meet,” she says. After participating twice in the QMT-25, three times in the QMT-50, and once in the QMT-80, she is now taking the next step with the QMT-135! Philippe is from Beauceville, Québec, and has notably won a gold medal in his age category during the 2023 Ottawa International Marathon. Having finished in third place in the previous QMT-100 MILES, Philippe Poulin has fond memories of his experience. His goal for 2024: “to relive the trip I had in 2023 and beat my time from last year”.

Amanda Nelson

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Proving that nothing is impossible, Ontarian Amanda Nelson began running 10 years ago while pushing her children in a stroller. A decade later, she stands atop the podium at prestigious events, holds national records in her discipline, and now coaches runners of all levels to help them reach their goals! In addition to pursuing her athletic career, Amanda works on a dairy farm. She describes herself as an approachable and optimistic athlete, always ready to put in the hard work necessary to achieve her goals. One thing is certain: she is relentless! Her national records speak for themselves: 135 km in the 12-hour run, a 100-mile race completed in 14 hours and 45 minutes, 248 km in the 24-hour run, and 60 laps at the recent Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship. Having claimed victory at the 100-mile Sulphur Springs Trail Race last year and finishing second overall, Amanda aims to replicate this success at the QMT-135.

Maryline Nakache

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Maryline Nakache started running for fun with her office colleagues, covering short road distances, before venturing into the forest. Now fully dedicated to trail running, which has become her main passion alongside her career as an athlete and coach, she made a complete career shift from engineering after 10 years in the field. Perceiving herself as somewhat “solitary” and “wild,” the French athlete has been living for two years in a small van named Poppy, converted to allow her to be in total harmony with nature. When she's not running, she’s cycling, ski touring, or embarking on mountain expeditions. In short, she is always ready for the next adventure! Among her notable performances, Maryline recalls her first-place finish at the 2018 French Long Trail Championships, her victories at the Marathon des Sables (Morocco) and the TDS of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) in 2023, and finally her second-place finish at the Diagonale des Fous of the Grand Raid de La Réunion last year. She aims to surpass this recent achievement in 2025. Additionally, she will take part in World Trail Majors events, including the Transgrancanaria (Spain) and the Québec Mega Trail.

QMT 80

Mead Binhammer

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Highlights

Attracted to trail running three years ago when she wanted to adopt a more active lifestyle, the Portuguese Maria Fátima Buchas not only got hooked, but she quickly climbed to the top of the rankings. She finished fourth in the 2022 Campeonato Nacional de Trail Ultra Endurance (Portuguese Ultra National Championship), which represented her very first participation in a 100 km race. Also in Portugal, she won the 110 km event of the EPIC Azores and finished seventh in the 115 km of the legendary Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT) in 2023. She also took seventh place in the 126 km event at the last edition of the Transgrancanaria, in Spain. “It’s a daily challenge to reconcile family life, training and work, but the truth is that trail running is a part of me,” says the runner. Maria Fátima, who is currently dedicated to ultras, is excited to run the wonderful trails of QMT, discover the local culture and experience an epic race. Maria Fátima Buchas will set off on the QMT-110 and already says she can't wait to return to Québec to carry out “the biggest test” on the QMT-100 MILES.

Victor Larocque

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Victor Larocque was introduced to the Hash House Harriers at a young age while living in Indonesia with his family. This outdoor team and racing game involves runners chasing leaders along a course with different marks. Some of these marks are false leads designed to confuse runners, requiring them to decide whether to follow them or not in order to catch up with the leaders. Victor has always been a runner, but his passion for trail running truly ignited when he participated in the Trans-Vallée in 2019. Competing regularly in recent years, Victor claimed victory in the 125 km race at the 2024 Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and also secured a third-place finish at the QMT-50 in the same year. A fan of endorphins, Victor enjoys doing interval training and focusing on specific paces, but he also relishes immersing himself in nature, exploring varied terrains, and taking on the logistical challenges that trail running presents. He considers these two very distinct disciplines as combining into a third version of the sport: chasing after his young child at the park! Excited to take part in the QMT-80 and the Canadian Trail Running Championships, the Québec City resident will focus primarily on these distances in the 2025 season. “I’m aiming for the QMT-80 and the 88 km Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC). I’ve never done the QMT-80, but this linear course offers a great elevation gain-to-distance ratio and a variety of trails. Having completed the QMT-50 in 2024 and aspiring to run the QMT-135 one day, the QMT-80 is a perfect stepping stone towards the main event of the Québec Mega Trail,” he says. Her latest sporting achievements include first place the Catamount Ultra 50 km 2023 in Vermont and first in the Mt. Toby Ultra 50 km in Massachusetts. Competing in races of different distances, especially between 50 and 160 km, she will be at the start of the QMT-110.

Samuël Poher

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With a strong background as an athlete with the Rouge et Or de l’Université Laval Samuël Poher has dedicated himself to trail running in recent years, approaching the sport with passion and commitment. He has enjoyed excellent seasons, winning the 34 km race at the 2024 Trail du Coureur des Bois, the 20 km at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), and the 23 km at the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC) in 2023. He also finished second in a heated battle at the QMT-25, which remains one of the event's highlights since its creation. Additionally, he claimed first place in the ITRA National League Canada in 2023, along with numerous other remarkable accomplishments. A proud representative of the CUTE espresso team from Québec, Samuël is undaunted by competition, in fact, he thrives on it. “The reason I’m signing up for the Québec Mega Trail is to compete at the trail event with the toughest competition in Québec. To challenge myself at home is an incredible opportunity, and the fact that QMT hosts the Canadian Trail Running Championships makes it even more exciting,” says Samuël, who will be running his very first 80 km race at the QMT. Dedicated, driven, analytical, methodical, and outgoing, Samuël’s goals include qualifying for the national trail team, improving in the distances he competes in, and reclaiming some FKT (Fastest Known Time) records in the province. Second in the 2023 edition of the Oisans Trail Tour 40 km (France), in addition to having reached first place for Québec runners at the 2023 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:29:25, David Savard-Gagnon looks forward to the QMT-110 with great optimism. “I want to improve my time and position achieved in 2019, improve my performance on a technical terrain and represent my region,” he says Among his other great performances, he won the Marathon de Montréal in 2013 and the 125 km event of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2020.

David Savard-Gagnon

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A sports enthusiast from a young age, David Savard-Gagnon has always been deeply involved in the athletic community of Baie-Saint-Paul and is driven by the desire to inspire the people of the Charlevoix region through his achievements. A family man, he enjoys having the Charlevoix trails close to home, allowing him to train in the mountains while marveling at the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The 2024 QMT-110 champion and runner-up in the 88 km race at the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC), David consistently performs at a high level both on the trails and on the road. He also secured first place among Québec runners at the 2023 Boston Marathon (United States) with a time of 2:29:25. When asked about the result he is most proud of, he says, “My first-place finish at the 125 km race of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2020 really stands out because it took me four attempts to succeed, and it was in my home region.” For David, running comes first, almost above all else! Committed and determined in his sport, he admits he doesn’t have other passions. “I’m working on it,” he says. A regular on the podium, Benoit Gaillard also seems to excel in new courses challenges since he triumphed in the first edition of the 160 km of the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (Québec) which took place in 2023. During the same year, he was also the winner of the 50 km of the Trail du Grand-Duc (Québec) and finished 10th in the Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB, in the mighty Pyrenees.

Jean-Philippe Thibodeau

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Originally from Baie-Saint-Paul, Jean-Philippe Thibodeau spent his youth escaping into the woods, where his games took root among the trees. The outdoors has always been a part of his life, and trail running and ultrarunning naturally followed as the next step in his journey. Now living in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, he considers the mountains as his backyard, a perfect playground for the athlete he is. Jean-Philippe has the ability to excel in all distances and challenges he sets for himself. At the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), he won the 28 km race in 2024 and shared the victory in the 125 km race in 2023. He has also represented Canada at the World Trail Running Championships in Patagonia, Thailand, and Austria. What motivates Jean-Philippe to participate in the QMT-80? “Running at home during the Canadian Trail Running Championships,” he says. Having already won the event in 2021 and the QMT-50 twice, in 2022 and 2023, Jean-Philippe is certainly a familiar face on the trails of the Québec Mega Trail, and one to watch closely. Yannick distinguished himself in 2023 by winning the Gaspesia 100 miles and setting a course record. He also took part in the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc (France), which represents an achievement in itself.

Claudine Soucie Amos Clark

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Like mother, like daughter, Claudine Soucie entered the world of running after seeing her parents train for the Ottawa Marathon. Her family can be proud of the influence they've had on her, as she now excels in every trail she runs. The Gatineau runner secured third place in the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and won the Jigger Johnson 50-Mile (United States) in 2023. She also claimed victory in the 80 km at the Bromont Ultra (BU) in 2022, finishing third overall. Describing herself as an optimist who loves intensity and nature, Claudine will be at the Québec Mega Trail “to compete against some of the best runners in the country,” she says. Also an avid road cyclist and gravel bike enthusiast, her goal for 2025 is to qualify for the Up and Down World Championships. Among her best performances, she won the 100 miles of the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (California) in 2023, the HURT 100 2023 (Hawaii) and the Moab 240 (Utah) in 2022. She will be at the starting line of the QMT-100 MILES. “I was a cross-country skier in high school. We went several times to Québec to do training camps and races at Mont-Sainte-Anne and I loved the area as a child, so I am excited to go back and race in such a beautiful place,” she says.

Jenny Quilty

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Jenny Quilty started running in high school before transitioning to trail running later in university. “When I found trails, I felt like I found a new sport,” she says. Viewing her discipline as a way to connect with friends, Jenny was encouraged by her peers to try new distances. “This has led to me wanting to take part in deeply competitive fields and also celebrate the great places we get to see when running the trails,” she adds. The Abbotsford, British Columbia, runner earned an impressive 11th place at the Western States Endurance Run 2023 (United States). She also secured a fourth-place finish at the 60 km Black Canyons Ultras (United States) in 2024 and won the 100-mile Doi Inthanon by UTMB in 2022 (Thailand). Her motivation to participate in the QMT-80 is driven by the fact that the Québec Mega Trail is part of the World Trail Majors, as well as the fact that it hosts the Canadian Trail Running Championships. For Jenny, 2025 marks her tenth year in trail and ultrarunning. She hopes to participate in a variety of events both nationally and internationally and is crossing her fingers for a spot on Team Canada. Also a running coach, Jenny enjoys cross-country skiing and cycling. When she's not participating in sports, she gardens or plays with her two huskies.

Julie Lesage

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“I live in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. The trails of Mont-Sainte-Anne are where my love for trail running began and are now my playground. I love my local race [Québec Mega Trail] from the bottom of my heart, and my whole family participates. It’s a technical race, as we do so well in Québec, and this challenge has become an annual meeting for me,” says athlete Julie Lesage. A soccer player since childhood and a triathlete in university, Julie turned to trail running during the pandemic and fell in love with the sport. In 2024, the name Julie Lesage was everywhere! Champion of the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) with a stunning performance, she also won the 100 km race at the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS), finished second at the QMT-80 and the 70 km Ultra-Trail Whistler by UTMB. She also made a mark internationally with an impressive fifth-place finish in the 85 km race at the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT, Portugal). In short, her achievements make her a formidable competitor in the QMT-80 again this year, and she will undoubtedly be determined to claim the top spot on the podium. A mother of two and a nephrologist specializing in kidney transplantation, Julie will be keeping busy this summer, as she will also travel to France to compete in the CCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).

Alex Castonguay

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Former soccer player, Alex Castonguay took up running in 2013, setting herself the challenge of running the Montreal Marathon. Despite the painful experience, the athlete rolled up her sleeves and came back three years later, completing the 42 kilometers with an hour shaved off her previous time. Since then, her achievements have been impressive, including notable rankings such as first place among Québec women at the Boston Marathon (United States) in 2017, third place at the Montreal Half Marathon in 2023, and her exceptional victory at the QMT-50 last year, which she coupled with a course record. “It’s the race I’m most proud of! I was coming back from an injury, and my confidence was not at its peak. So, I chose to start farther back. I’m really proud of how I gradually caught up with the other competitors and managed to hold onto that first place. My family and friends were there that day, and I’ll always remember that finish line,” she says. A remarkable athlete full of humility, Alex always gives her best. Returning for her fourth consecutive year at the Québec Mega Trail, she will be taking on the 80 km distance this time, and there's no doubt that she will once again deliver an outstanding performance!

Britta Clark

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Initially a cross-country skier, Britta Clark naturally transitioned into trail running and ultramarathons after completing her studies. Growing up in the heart of a national forest in Vermont (United States), trail running became a beautiful way for her to connect with her surroundings. Her passion for nature permeates every aspect of her life, as Britta is a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University (United States), where she studies the ethics of large-scale climate interventions such as solar geoengineering. Among her impressive trail performances, Britta took fifth place at the JFK 50-Mile in 2024 in Maryland (United States). She also finished just off the podium in the 120 km Lavaredo Ultra Trail (Italy). The race she is most proud of, however, remains her participation in the CCC, the little sister of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) in 2022. “It wasn’t my best result, but it was my first international race and first true mountain 100 km, and I kept high spirits the whole time despite my body not feeling good,” she admits. She will be a runner to watch at the QMT-80 and later this year at the UTMB.

Arielle Fitzgerald

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A jack of all trades and master of none, that’s how Arielle Fitzgerald describes herself, though her performances suggest otherwise. The Albertan, who specializes in running and obstacle course racing, has competed in endurance events both locally and internationally. She will take part in the QMT-80, aiming to make her mark just as she did in 2022, when she finished fifth at the 52 km Broken Arrow Skyrace in California (United States) and won the 21 km Spartan Trail World Championships. Dealing with a knee injury, Arielle was sidelined from competitions last year, which prevented her from participating in the Québec Mega Trail. She is not only motivated to return to the circuit this year but also eager to honor her bib while discovering the region’s trails. Resilient, adventurous, and versatile, the professional nutritionist also works in business development for an educational technology company. She enjoys climbing, cycling, and skiing, and strongly believes in the importance of having a sports community. She believes that there is room for everyone in running, and most importantly, a pace for each person.

Kelsey Hogan

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At Québec Mega Trail, Kelsey Hogan needs no introduction! The Newfoundland athlete, now residing in New Brunswick, claimed the QMT-100 MILES title in both 2022 and 2023. A true fighter, she finished second in the same event in 2024, becoming the first woman to complete the 100 miles three times, and in three consecutive years. Above all, she crosses every finish line with a radiant smile, expressing her gratitude for the time spent in nature surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Her participation in QMT and the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT, Portugal) earned her an impressive fifth place in the World Trail Majors (WTM) 2024 ranking, adding to a list of remarkable international results accumulated over time. “QMT has been at the heart of my journey as an athlete. [...] The challenge of the courses, the beauty of the trails, the ethos of the organization, and the energy of the community are unparalleled. I’m thrilled by the announcement of the new QMT-135 pinnacle event and will be back to race this new course someday, but for 2025, I have my sight set on the QMT-80. I’m excited to see what I can do with this ‘shorter’ and speedier distance on familiar trails, and look forward to the excitement and competition of the Long Distance event at the Canadian Trail Running Championships,” she says. Making it her goal to keep the joy of running at the center of her experience in 2025, she will also take part in the 100 km Black Canyons Ultras (United States). Also a mental performance consultant and holding a master’s degree in kinesiology in sport psychology, Kelsey has a wide range of interests. “I also work part-time in a local cafe, consult with nonprofit organizations to support mission-driven work, and create art inspired by the natural landscapes that I run in,” she shares.

Robyn Mildren

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A PhD candidate in neuromechanics with a thesis on the role of leg muscle reflexes in balance control, Robyn Mildren believes in the importance of movement for both physical and mental health. Currently conducting postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland (USA), she applies her expertise in human biomechanics to both road and trail running. Having finished second last year in the QMT-50 and second in the 10 km race at the 2019 Canadian Trail Running Championships, which were held during the Québec Mega Trail, Robyn Mildren will return to Mont-Sainte-Anne this year to tackle the QMT-80. It is also worth noting that she won the women's category at the 2023 Squamish 50 (50 km) in British Columbia. The runner has undoubtedly, as she confirms with each of her performances, significant potential in the challenging elevation gains of the Côte-de-Beaupré!

Eric Lipuma

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Eric LiPuma is a trail and ultra runner living in northern Vermont, USA. A multiple-time member of Team USA and a former national champion, he has excelled in races of 5 km to 160 km and everything in between. Seventh in the 100 km Black Canyon Ultras (USA), eleventh in the CCC of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), and the 2024 QMT-50 champion, the runner and coach will be lining up at the QMT-80 this year. With the podium in sight, he will compete against top Canadian runners taking part in the Canadian Trail Running Championships. “Québec Mega Trail is a fantastic competitive event that is close to home and in a beautiful area.” Very familiar with muddy trails, steep climbs and descents, as well as the humidity and heat of Vermont, the athlete will feel right at home!

QMT 50

Martin Dagenais

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For Martin Dagenais, running at Québec Mega Trail means “performing on his favorite mountain in Québec.” The Laval native, now residing in Lac-Beauport, has carved out a prominent place in the Québec trail running scene, despite not having followed a path through university athletics. His passion for sports, long hikes, and mountain travels has certainly fueled his consistency and dedication in achieving his goals. The physical education teacher won the 50 km Trail La Clinique du Coureur in 2024, a victory he is extremely proud of, as the event took place in what he considers his “backyard, with very technical trails.” In the same year, he also claimed honors in the inaugural QMT-32 and achieved third place in the 28 km of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC). An enthusiast of both cooking and the game Catan, Martin always keeps the spontaneity of practicing other sports throughout his training. He will be one of the competitors to watch at QMT-50. He is also eyeing La Mascareignes, one of the five races organized as part of the Grand Raid de La Réunion. Mother of twins and structural engineer, the runner is thirsty for achievement and is known for surpassing herself. 2024 has a strong chance of meeting her quest for challenges: she will participate in the QMT-80 to relive last year’s experience over a shorter distance and thus prepare for the Dacia Ultra-Trail Mont-Blanc, in France, for which she recently qualified.

Benoit Gaillard

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Benoit Gaillard, the champion of the very first edition of QMT-100 MILES in 2021 and second place finisher at QMT-110 last year, will now aim for victory at QMT-50. Describing himself as “rather calm and patient in both racing and life,” Benoit is looking to shift toward shorter, faster, and more dynamic formats, after being accustomed to ultramarathons. Familiar with the podium, the software developer triumphed at the inaugural 160 km of the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS) in 2023 and claimed first place in the 50 km of the Trail du Grand-Duc that same year. He also put on an impressive performance at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), finishing 38th, especially against a highly competitive field of athletes. How does he unwind from trail running? “I've been sewing for just over a year,” he responds. Let's hope he doesn't sew as quickly as he runs... the needles can sometimes be dangerous! “The atmosphere volunteers, organization and competition are always incredible at QMT!” says Francis, who will have family and friends at his side to encourage him and share his passion.

Pierre-Charles Gendron

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Pierre-Charles Gendron started running at Mont-Bellevue during university. “This small mountain quickly became my favorite playground for trail running! Running there allowed me to relieve stress during my years of study,” he shares. An electrical engineer by profession, he prefers to run at an easy pace to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains or explore the various neighborhoods of his city. “I have the same curiosity for new people I meet. […] I am genuinely interested in others, which makes me an approachable person,” he adds. A young runner who has made a remarkable rise in the trail rankings in recent years, Pierre-Charles finished third in the 50 km of the Trail La Clinique du Coureur and second in the 42 km of the Saint-Siméon race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2024. The athlete will be one to watch at the QMT-50.

Antoine Jolicoeur-Desroches

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Québec Mega Trail will welcome Antoine Jolicoeur Desroches from Sherbrooke for the very first time, as he takes on the 50 km distance. “I've wanted to participate in the QMT for several years. I'm drawn both to the course and the level of competition. I’ve competed at a very high level in triathlon for the past ten years, and now I’m fully dedicated to trail running,” he explains. Highly competitive and self-demanding, Antoine finished second in the Mont-Mégantic Marathon in both 2023 and 2024, and earned sixth place at the Ironman Lake Placid (United States) in 2023. He also won the 80 km at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2020, surprising many at the time. His athletic goals for 2025 are to make the podium at the QMT-50 and win the main event at the UTHC. A PhD student, coach, and Director of Research and Development at Krono Nutrition, Antoine is also a vegan runner who emphasizes the promotion of this lifestyle. “I want to show that you can be a high-level athlete and eat without meat,” he highlights. The athlete from Québec appreciates his sport, which combines his love for the outdoors and speed, while providing him with a connection to nature. “In mountain biking, I was used to the mud. That said, running shoes are quicker to clean than a bike,” he adds. The engineer and father of two children will be back at Québec Mega Trail for a third time and also emphasizes that he never gets tired of listening to Rush at the starting line. Having finished third in the 80 km event of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2023 and the QMT-80 in 2022, Samuel Audet will be one to watch this year, hoping to surpass himself in what he considers to be the most beautiful trail route, in its raw and wild state.

Patrick Lehoux-Gagnon

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Patrick Lehoux-Gagnon was drawn to trail running during his university years when he wanted to diversify his training, which primarily took place on the track and in cross-country events. Even today, the athlete enjoys both trail and road running, and he consistently achieves excellent results by mixing different types of competitions. Whether finishing in the top 20 at the Québec 10 km Championships or in the top 50 at the highly competitive 2024 Mont-Blanc Marathon (France), Patrick demonstrates his ability to manage his races, whether long or short, flat or mountainous. Patrick had a stellar 2023 season, with wins at the 30 km Trail La Clinique du Coureur and the 28 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC). He also took second place at the QMT-50, a race he will return to this year. As a road and trail running coach, and also working in the education sector, he will aim to, as he puts it, “run fast while having fun.” A great goal for the upcoming season!

Christopher Lévesque-Savard

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Encouraged to run by his teacher Éric Lévesque, who organized the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC) when he was in high school, Christopher Lévesque-Savard admits he might never have taken up the sport without him. The athlete from Les Méchins, in the Gaspé region, has certainly found his place in the sport, racking up impressive results. In 2024 alone, he finished 6th at the 50 km Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB (Mexico), 4th at the 28 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), and then 1st in the 20 km of the same event the following day. Christopher is also very pleased with his 8th place at the Up and Down event of the Canadian Mountain Running Championships, which took place during the Défi des couleurs. “I’m proud because I managed to bounce back from a poor performance the day before in the Vertical race and still made it into the top 10 against a very strong field,” he says. While he sees himself as both a fierce competitor and a humble runner, he also enjoys encouraging those who pass him, as he believes every runner races for themselves. Aiming for a podium finish at the 50 km Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (United States) in 2025, which would qualify him for the OCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (France, UTMB) next year, the electrical technician and trail running coach also plans to secure a top-three finish at the QMT-50. “I’ve participated in the event three times since my debut, and I want to come back as often as possible,” he says.

Dany Racine

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Dany Racine has been involved in running since his teenage years. “A physical education teacher introduced me to cross-country running at the beginning of high school. He sparked my curiosity to explore my limits and instilled in me a passion for trail running,” he explains. This sport has always been a part of him, and he now works as a running and triathlon coach. Dany secured 1st place at the Breakneck Point Half Marathon (United States), 3rd place at the Long Distance event of the Canadian Trail Running Championships held at the Squamish 50, and 4th place at the Up and Down event during the Défi des couleurs 2024. While he participates in races outside the province and country, Dany enjoys the local trails. “I love taking part in our events and supporting the races and community here. I also love our technical courses! I enjoy competing against the best, so it’s only natural for me to choose the Québec Mega Trail in 2025, especially as it will host the Canadian Trail Running Championships,” says the resident of Victoriaville. Describing himself as a passionate and empathetic person, he will be competing in the 50 km event.

Mélodie Gilbert

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After being part of the athletics and cross-country teams at the Université de Sherbrooke, Mélodie Gilbert discovered trail running during the pandemic. “I completely fell in love with trail running. I read everything, listened to all the podcasts, and researched every possible race,” says the Bromont resident. “For me, being a runner is an integral part of who I am. Mélodie doesn’t exist without running,” she adds. It’s worth mentioning that she is also a physiotherapist and a running coach. In short, the sport is at the heart of her daily life! “Many aspects of my personality are reflected both in my sport and in my life. I am very passionate, rigorous, and hardworking in everything I set out to do,” she affirms. Winner of the very first edition of the QMT-32 and 2nd in the 69 km of the Istria 100 by UTMB (Croatia) in 2024, she has also become comfortable on French trails. She claimed victory in the 31 km of the Trail de la Cité des Pierres, in addition to representing Québec at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc and the OCC of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Aiming to participate again in the OCC this year and compete at the World Trail Running Championships, she will be at the QMT-50 start line.

Elisa Morin

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Elisa Morin, an athlete originally from France and now based in Québec since 2020, is primarily a road racing and cross-country specialist. Shortly after arriving in Québec, she claimed the Coupe Québec Viens Courir title. In 2022, she discovered trail running and has been impressing with her results ever since. In 2024 alone, she won the QMT-25 and the 20 km Trail La Clinique du Coureur, and finished second at the 42 km Saint-Siméon at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC). Her versatility on the national circuit was outstanding, as she took second place at the Short Distance event of the Canadian Trail Running Championships at the Squamish 50, and secured a double victory at the Canadian Mountain Running Championships at the Défi des couleurs. “I’m particularly proud of this, as it was the first edition of these championships. I completed the double by winning two events I wasn’t familiar with, all during the weekend of my birthday,” she recalls. An engineer by profession, Elisa successfully combines road and trail running, continuously improving in all formats. She also posted a time of 2:36 in the Valencia Marathon in December 2024. In 2025, she will be one to watch at the QMT-50, during her first participation in the OCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), and at the World Trail Running and Mountain Running Championships.

Lisa Perrett

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Vancouver’s Lisa Perrett has plenty of reasons to be at the Québec Mega Trail this year. “For the past two years, I've competed in the Canadian Trail Running Championships with increasingly strong results. This year, I'm aiming to compete for a place on the Canadian team! As a bonus, QMT has a great reputation and I love running on technical, new-to-me trails! As a final bonus, I was born in Québec and have never had the chance to run on Québecois trails! I can't wait to discover them, say hello to the Québecois trail running scene and practice my French,” she explains. “Trail running called my name for a long time before I finally dove in it,” says Lisa, who previously played soccer and still coaches young girls. “When my competitive years came to an end, I wondered if I would ever find a sport that I loved and that challenged me so much. In 2020, I raced my first ever trail race, and the camaraderie, challenge and delight of pushing myself to run further than I ever had! Through the challenges of working as a nurse through the pandemic, the trails became a place of peace for me through the subsequent years, and they have remained so since!” Energetic and vibrant, Lisa placed fifth in the 50 km race at the Squamish 50, which hosted the 2024 Canadian Trail Running Championships. For the 2025 season, she has two major events in mind: the QMT-50 and the 100 km Kodiak Ultramarathon by UTMB (United States).

Laurie Proulx

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When asked how trail running came into her life, Laurie Proulx’s answer is very simple: “By deciding to live in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges,” she states. The physiotherapist excels not only in trail running, but also practices mountain biking and cross-country skiing. In short, her location is perfect for her wide range of outdoor activities! Having earned an impressive second place at the 50 km Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB, as well as victories in the 42 km Saint-Siméon at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and the 50 km Trail La Clinique du Coureur in 2024, Laurie’s greatest passion is exploring new trails while running and wandering along routes she discovers in other countries. Laurie will be at the starting line of the QMT-50 and will also participate in the OCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) later in the summer of 2025.

Maïka Lamoureux

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Maïka Lamoureux is steadily pursuing her ascent in the world of trail running with unwavering discipline and consistency. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she is a PhD candidate in decision sciences, focusing her research on critical issues related to the environment, energy, and climate. This same analytical mindset also guides her approach to sport. “When a task needs to be done, I make sure it gets done,” she says. It is this determination that led her to represent Canada in the 80 km event at the World Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022, and to complete her very first 100 km race at the HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race (USA) this past January—an event she embraced, despite a major course change just three days before the start. Since discovering trail running during the pandemic, Maïka has found in the forest a training ground and source of renewal that perfectly suits her. She has stood out on a variety of distances, including at the Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada (UTHC) and the Bromont Ultra (BU), and has twice placed in the top 5 at the QMT-50. She will return to that distance again this year, guided by the same steady mindset that defines her. Also passionate about gravel biking and optimization in all its forms, Maïka has set a simple yet meaningful goal for 2025: “discover as many trails in the Outaouais as possible.”

Robbie Simpson

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Robbie Simpson is a professional trail runner from the United Kingdom, known for his versatile approach to competition. He discovered running at the age of 12 through a local athletics club, where he trained in track and cross-country. Quickly drawn to natural environments, he soon took the opportunity to participate in a local trail race, gradually leading him toward his sport of choice. He now competes at a high level, representing the Adidas TERREX team, while also coaching athletes in road and trail running. Robbie has distinguished himself in several iconic races, including Sierre-Zinal (Switzerland), where he has reached the podium multiple times and placed in the top 10 on ten occasions, and the Ultra-Trail Cape Town (South Africa), where he has won the 55 km event three times. Over the years, he has maintained a wide variety in the events he chooses. “I’ve been running for over 20 years so it’s more important for me to do races that excite me rather than turning up to events only for a result,” he says. Alongside racing, Robbie places great importance on his outdoor lifestyle. He enjoys spending time in the mountains and also fishes in rivers and lakes. In 2025, he will take part in new events, including the Québec Mega Trail and two other races in the World Trail Majors series. He will also be on the start line of the Skyline Scotland (Scotland) and the Otter African Trail Run (South Africa).

QMT 25

Timothée Courtois

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A French athlete, Timothée Courtois is currently pursuing a research master's degree in mechanical engineering at the École de technologie supérieure (ETS) in Montréal. Passionate about sports equipment design, he is working on creating a component for the skates of the Canadian short track speed skating team. Having grown up in Annecy, in the French Alps, Timothée has always been accustomed to spending time in the mountains. He gradually took up trail running, starting with short vertical formats, then moving on to skyrunning events, featuring highly technical and rugged courses. As Timothée has only been able to compete in road races or cross-country events since arriving in Québec, he plans to remedy this by racing against Quebecers in the QMT-25. He is also considering participating in the Montréal Half Marathon at the end of April, before moving on to trail races such as the Trail La Clinique du Coureur, the QMT, and the Ultra-Trail des Chics-Chocs (UTCC). A great way to explore the forests here in depth! With two parents who were involved in running, sport quickly entered the young woman’s life. Having started participating in trail events around the age of 13, the trail runner also enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. “Trail running allows me to have good times with family and friends. It allows me to reduce my anxiety and enjoy nature,” she says.

Benoit Didier

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Benoit Didier started athletics in 2004 after watching the Athens Olympic Games. It was, in fact, this event that allowed him to move from France to Québec and later obtain his Canadian citizenship. He came to study at Université Laval and joined the Rouge et Or club. “I specialized in middle-distance running. With the pandemic, I began to enjoy increasing my volume and discovering trail running,” he mentions. A resident of Lévis, Benoit excels in all Québec trail events. Winner of the 30 km at the Béluga Trail and the 20 km at the Trail La Clinique du Coureur in 2024, he also claimed victory in the 42 km classic at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada in 2022 and 2023. Fifth place in the highly competitive QMT-25 in 2023, Benoit will aim to reach the podium at the same distance in 2025. And Québec Mega Trail will not be his greatest challenge this year, as he is expecting a baby in June. “QMT remains a great option to maintain a few races in my calendar,” he says. A physical education teacher in Québec at a school with a regional mandate for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Benoit views his profession as a true passion. “Every day, I face numerous challenges that vary with each of my 57 students,” he asserts. A dog lover, particularly of his two huskies, he also practices harnessed sports such as bikejoring, skijoring, canicross, and canitrail.

Olivier Gagnon

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Olivier Gagnon has been practicing trail running for 12 years, maintaining passion, dedication, and consistency. The resident of Chicoutimi had a great sports season last year, finishing second in the 25 km at the Québec Mega Trail and the 20 km at the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS). He also secured fifth place in the 28 km at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and was selected for the Canadian team for the 2025 Canicross World Championships after achieving eight victories on the circuit. Olivier describes himself as “very relaxed, but extremely motivated and competitive.” A vascular surgeon by profession, Olivier hopes to qualify for the 2026 OCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) during the summer of 2025.

Anne-Marie Comeau

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Anne-Marie Comeau is an experienced athlete, accustomed to high-level competitions and podium finishes. A former cross-country skier, she was still a teenager when she made her debut on the World Cup circuit. She proudly represented Canada in her discipline at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang (South Korea) before turning her focus more seriously to a career in athletics, particularly in long-distance events such as the half marathon and marathon, as well as trail running. The athlete from Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges has won the QMT-25 in back-to-back editions, in 2022 and 2023, and added the 28 km title at the 2024 Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada (UTHC) to her impressive resume. On the road, she triumphed at the Montreal Half Marathon last September, finishing nearly five minutes ahead of her closest competitor. She also placed tenth at the prestigious Toronto Marathon the following month. What motivates Anne-Marie to return to the Québec Mega Trail this year? “Running at home,” she says simply, as she aims to win back her title at the QMT-25.