Elite Runners

Amanda Nelson

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Proof that anything is possible: Ontario's Amanda Nelson started running ten years ago while pushing her kids in a stroller. A decade later, she is standing on the top step of the podium at prestigious events, holding national records in her discipline, and coaching runners of all levels to reach their own goals! Amanda describes herself as a friendly and optimistic athlete, willing to put in whatever effort it takes to reach her goals. To say she is determined would be an understatement! She claimed victory at the 100-mile Sulphur Springs Trail Race in 2024. In 2025, she finished sixth at the QMT135, and she returns to that same event in 2026 with the podium firmly in her sights. She also put together a strong top-20 finish early in her 2026 season at the 100 km Black Canyon Ultras (United States). Her exploits don't stop at the trails: she holds the Canadian record for the 24-hour run with a total of 248 km, and the Canadian Backyard Ultra record with 60 hours (loops) for an impressive 402 km. In 2026, she will also compete at the Backyard Ultra Team World Championships, determined to raise her game to a whole new level. A big year ahead, and clearly, she is not afraid of hard work.

Anne Champagne

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Anne Champagne made recent history at the Québec Mega Trail by winning the QMT100 MILES in 2024, where she also set a new course record. For the athlete, this performance marked a pivotal moment. “Beyond the result, it was my return to competitive running. It was my first completed 100 miles, and since then it has given me wings. It reminded me of all the reasons why I love this sport,” she recalls. Trail running entered her life in 2018, while she was involved in obstacle course racing. Curious to explore longer distances, she took her first steps on the trails and hasn’t left them since. Over these longer distances, she has built an impressive record, including a victory in the 160 km Grand Raid des Pyrénées (France) in 2024, and a third-place finish at the Diagonale des Fous of the Grand Raid de La Réunion in 2025. Anne describes herself as “a passionate human, intense both in my actions and my emotions.” Drawn to powerful experiences and human connections, she enjoys fully embracing everything trail running brings her. In 2026, she aims to achieve a strong ranking in the World Trail Majors (WTM) circuit and hopes for a top-10 finish at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France).

Antoine Jolicoeur-Desroches

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From Sherbrooke, Antoine Jolicoeur-Desroches has a strong athletic background. He competed in triathlon at a high level for more than 15 years, including a decade as a professional, before dedicating himself more fully to trail running. The athlete has also accumulated several notable results, including a victory accompanied by a course record in the 80 km event at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2020, as well as a win at the 2022 Canadaman, an extreme Ironman-distance triathlon, where he also set a record. In 2024, he placed second at the Marathon du Mont-Mégantic. Last year, Antoine demonstrated his tenacity by completing the 125 km at the UTHC despite significant back pain that appeared as early as the 15th kilometre. After a 2025 season that he considered more difficult, the runner is approaching the year with great determination. “It motivates me to work very hard to have a great 2026 season!” he says. A PhD in sports science and a coach, Antoine adopts a scientific approach to training, while maintaining a deep attachment to the simple pleasure of running in nature. “I like to analyze performance, but I also simply enjoy running very long distances in the forest and exploring the trails,” he explains. This season, he is aiming for nothing less than a podium finish at the QMT135 and the 125 km at the UTHC, in addition to hoping to achieve a strong ranking in the World Trail Majors (WTM) circuit and to take part in another race in this series.

David Savard-Gagnon

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Passionate about sports since childhood, David Savard-Gagnon quickly developed a passion for running. “When I was a kid, the whole family would run a local race every spring. I didn’t like taking the bus to school, so I started running to get there instead,” he explains. A father and resident of Baie-Saint-Paul, he enjoys training on the Charlevoix trails, in the mountains, while taking in the surrounding landscapes. As the 2024 QMT110 champion, he reflects: “I managed my race well. I was able to perform despite my difficulties on technical trails.” That same year, he also finished second in the 88 km race at the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC). Excelling on both road and trail, he was also the top Québec finisher at the 2023 Boston Marathon (United States). David enjoys exploring new trails, climbing mountains, and taking on challenges to push his limits. In 2026, he will line up for the QMT135, the UTHC 125, as well as the Boston Marathon, to continue testing himself against the elite and to inspire the Charlevoix sporting community. 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.

Elisabeth Cauchon

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For Elisabeth Cauchon, the mountain is a family story she has been shaping since childhood. Following her father on hikes or during his marathon training, Elisabeth grew up immersed both in a love of nature and in a mindset of pushing her limits. For her, there is no doubt that trail running, and later ultra-trail, was the natural next step. Finishing third in the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2024, the nurse sees this result as a real victory and with good reason. “It was the first long-distance race over 100 km that I did after my two maternities, and it’s an achievement that makes me very proud,” she says, having successfully found a balance between her sport, her work, and her family life. She will be back at the Québec Mega Trail, having raced the same distance last year. Her goal for 2026 is simple: to finish the QMT135 healthier than in 2024. Elisabeth describes herself as a positive runner, always excited to get out and discover new trails, while enjoying meeting new people. “Above all, I run for myself, to push my limits,” she emphasizes.

Jesus Gil Garcia

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Jesus Gil Garcia has been running trails for so long that his race résumé would barely fit on a single page. The Spanish athlete, now in his fifties, has competed across all kinds of distances and terrain over the decades, driven by a simple and deep passion: discovering nature through sport. A physical and sports activity teacher by profession, he passes that same passion on to younger generations every day. His recent highlights clearly demonstrate his talent. In 2024, he claimed second place at the Skyrunning World Championships in the SkyMarathon event held at the Desafio Urbion (Spain). That achievement, one he is tremendously proud of, adds to a Spanish Olympic merit medal and another Skyrunning World Championship appearance. In 2025, he won the 40 km Destroyer event at the Sierre Blanca Trail (Spain), before finishing second at the same race the following year. In 2026, he also took the win at the 40 km Malagón Trail Quesos Don Apolonio (Spain). “My motivation for racing at Québec Mega Trail is to get to know the regions of Charlevoix and Côte-de-Beaupré and participate in the most prestigious ultra-trail race in Canada,” he says. It is on the QMT135 that he will take on that challenge, eager to discover Québec and its people.

Julie Lesage

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For Québec runner Julie Lesage, the trails of Mont-Sainte-Anne are the cradle of her love for trail running and a true playground. “I love my local race [Québec Mega Trail] with all my heart. It’s a technical race, just the way we do it so well in Québec, and this challenge is an annual must for me,” says Julie Lesage. A soccer player since childhood and later a university triathlete, she turned to trail running in the midst of the pandemic and it was love at first run. In 2025, Julie Lesage’s name was everywhere. She won the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) with a stunning performance, placed second in the 110 km Istria 100 by UTMB (Croatia), third in the Trail du Bourbon at the Grand Raid de La Réunion, first in the 100 km Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS), and second in the 48 km Trail Coureur des Bois. At the Québec Mega Trail, she was second in the QMT80 in 2024 and delivered an impressive top-six finish over the same distance last year, despite a highly competitive elite field. In short, her record makes her a formidable contender on the QMT135 this year, and she will undoubtedly be determined to claim the top step of the podium. A mother of two and a nephrologist specializing in kidney transplantation, Julie won’t have a moment to rest this summer, as she will also race at Transvulcania La Palma Island (Spain) and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France).

Philippe Poulin

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From a family of athletes, Philippe Poulin has always run for the joy of it. As a child, he took part in one-kilometre races, gradually discovering a passion for running. At just 23 years old, the trail and road runner thrives on new challenges. The Beauceville native experienced last year the victory he had long hoped for, a first major win at the Bromont Ultra (BU) 160 km. “I was very happy with my race. The year had started badly with an ankle sprain in June, so I had to abandon my spring objectives, but my performance more than made up for it and brightened my 2025 season,” he recalls. Philippe also stood out in 2023 at the QMT100 MILES, finishing third. “It was my first 100 miles, and I didn’t really expect to perform that well. I even managed to make the podium,” he remembers. The young athlete approaches training with a lighthearted, fun attitude. “I prefer having fun and doing a lot rather than optimizing training and following programs. I go with whatever I feel like doing. I prefer quantity over quality in training” he says. This summer, he will take part in the QMT135 and also has his sights set on the 125 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), with the goal of constantly pushing his limits.

Simon Withers

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Simon Withers only took up running four years ago, after moving to the countryside in Cornwall, United Kingdom, for work. New to the area and not knowing anyone, he started running to keep himself busy and explore his surroundings. It was only when he entered his first race that he realized he might be better at this than he thought. What followed has been nothing short of remarkable. In under three years of running, he claimed third place at the 160 km Arc of Attrition by UTMB (United Kingdom) in 2025, earning him a spot at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France). That same year, he finished fifth at the South Downs Way 160 km (United Kingdom). Earlier this year, he backed it up with a second-place finish at the Arc of Attrition by UTMB. He is someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously and races to have fun and make friends. He also finished ninth in the World Trail Majors (WTM) rankings, a mark he is hoping to improve upon this year. In 2026, he lines up at the QMT135, and if his progression over the past four years is any indication, he is not someone to lose sight of.

Valérie Arsenault

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Originally from Québec, Valérie Arsenault is gradually establishing herself among long-distance trail runners. In 2025, she won the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC). She also secured a strong third place at the JFK 50 Mile (United States) in 2024. For the young thirty-something, some experiences go beyond the results. “I would say that the UTHC and the Javelina Jundred in the United States last October, despite a DNF, make me extremely proud. In both cases, I felt like I was getting closer to my full potential and managing to have the kind of experience I want through running. It really touched me and made me want to keep running long distances,” she explains. Describing herself as passionate and intense, Valérie has always been drawn to endurance activities and meditative experiences. This interest developed naturally in adulthood, alongside her work as a tree planter. Her goal for 2026 is to keep building on her momentum: “I want to do more long races and develop as an athlete. I want to be able to achieve something I’ve never managed before!”

Victor Larocque

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As a child living in Indonesia, Victor Larocque was introduced to the “Hash House Harriers.” This outdoor team game involves runners chasing leaders along a course marked with trails, some of which are false leads designed to confuse participants, who must decide whether to follow them or not in order to catch up with the front-runners. Victor has therefore always run, but he more formally caught the trail running bug while competing in the Trans-Vallée in 2019. Since then, he has established himself on both the Québec and international scenes, winning the 125 km race at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2024, in addition to finishing third in the QMT50 that same year. Last year, he delivered standout performances by winning the 156 km Chihuahua by UTMB (Mexico) and finishing in the top 10 of the QMT80, two extremely impressive results. “Trail running is, for me, a way to better understand myself as an athlete, but also a means of escape through an immersive challenge where my world comes to revolve entirely around running in an extraordinary natural environment for a few hours. I particularly enjoy running through the night, which is one of the reasons why I have a growing interest in ultras over such distances,” he explains. Following his participation in the QMT135, Victor will head to the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), where he aims to build on his momentum and test himself against the sport’s top runners.

Benoit Gaillard

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Champion of the very first edition of the QMT100 MILES in 2021 and second at the QMT110 in 2024, French-born runner Benoit Gaillard will this time aim for the top spot at the QMT80. Describing himself as calm and patient both in racing and in life, Benoit is gradually moving toward shorter, faster, and more dynamic formats, having been accustomed to ultras. Familiar with the podium, the software developer triumphed in the inaugural 160 km of the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS) in 2023 and in the 50 km of the Trail du Grand-Duc the same year. He also delivered an impressive performance at the CCC of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) in 2025, competing against a highly competitive field. For 2026, Benoit has several goals: participate in the Canadian Mountain and Trail Running Championships, at the Québec Mega Trail and Défi des couleurs, respectively, obtain Canadian citizenship, and find the time for a long “off” distance run to explore parts of Québec he has not yet discovered.

Caitlin Schindel

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Caitlin Schindel has always loved pushing herself further. After years of track, cross-country, and road racing, she discovered trail running in 2022 by entering a local race. She won it, setting a new course record in the process. “I had such a fun time and kept exploring trail running options after that. I love the atmosphere, the people, the adventure and the challenge” she says. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-based athlete was clearly just getting started. In 2023, barely a year into trail running, she won the 50 km Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB (Mexico), a victory that was all the more impressive given that she arrived as a major underdog. In 2024, she reached another milestone by completing the OCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), finishing 23rd in one of the most ferocious fields in the sport. In 2026, she lines up at the QMT80 at the Canadian Trail Running Championships, alongside the Reesor 50 as preparation, and possibly the Berlin Marathon in the fall. The kind of athlete who never does anything halfway.

Claudine Soucie

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Comme quoi la pomme ne tombe jamais loin de l'arbre, Claudine Soucie est entrée dans le milieu de la course après avoir vu ses parents s'entraîner pour le Marathon d'Ottawa. Mais c'est une invitation d'une amie à la course de La Chute du Diable qui l'a définitivement propulsée dans l'univers du trail…et visiblement, l'étincelle a pris. La Gatinoise a depuis réalisé de nombreux chronos fulgurants : une troisième place au 125 km de l'Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), une victoire au Jigger Johnson 50 Miles (États-Unis) en 2023, ainsi qu'un triomphe au 80 km du Bromont Ultra (BU) en 2022, où elle a terminé troisième toutes catégories confondues. Plus récemment, elle a remporté le QMT80 en 2025, avant de décrocher une seconde place à l'épreuve Classique Up and Down et une quatrième place sur le Vertical des Championnats canadiens de course en montagne, accueillis par le Défi des couleurs. Se décrivant comme une optimiste qui aime l'intensité et la nature, Claudine se distingue aussi par une remarquable polyvalence, à l'aise autant sur les courtes distances explosives que sur les longues aventures en sentier. Pratiquant également le vélo de route et le vélo de route tout-terrain (gravel bike), elle reviendra au Québec Mega Trail cette année défendre son titre sur le QMT80, avec une ambition bien précise en tête : « battre mon temps de 2025 », affirme-t-elle.

Dylan Pust

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Dylan Pust competed at a high level in draft-legal triathlon through to 2020, until the pandemic changed everything. With pools closed, he moved back to his parents' home in a rural countryside setting, surrounded by trails and open space. The trails took over naturally, first out of necessity, then out of pure passion. “The trails became a place of peace and clarity during an uncertain time,” says the Guelph, Ontario-based athlete. His trail running résumé has built quickly. In 2024, he finished second at the 100 km Sulphur Springs Trail Race. In 2025, he placed fourth at the QMT80 and third among Canadians, stepping onto the podium at the Canadian Trail Running Championships long trail event. “The day was filled with both highs and lows, as is often the case in trail racing, but I stayed composed, managed the challenges, and pushed through the difficult moments to get the absolute most out of myself. Crossing the finish line knowing I had executed to my full potential was incredibly fulfilling and remains a defining moment in my trail running journey,” he says. Dylan has opened the 2026 season with a ninth-place finish at the 50 km Black Canyon Ultras (United States). A runner who values the quiet strength that comes from time spent alone on the trails, he brings that same composure and self-awareness to racing: calm, strategic, and able to draw on his reserves when it matters most. He returns to the QMT80 with the ambition of climbing even higher on the podium, before stepping up to the Grindstone 100 Miler (United States) in the fall, where he will be targeting a podium finish.

Elliot Cardin

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Elliot Cardin began running in 2015 and quickly moved into ultra-distance racing the following year. He will aim to shine at the QMT80, which hosts the Canadian Trail Running Championships, bringing together the country’s top runners on trails he knows well, having competed in various Québec Mega Trail races over the years. “I’ve always loved coming to run the QMT with the best Canadian and even international athletes over the past few years,” he emphasizes. The runner from Shefford, in Estrie, boasts an impressive track record. He finished sixth of the 100 km at the Black Canyon Ultras (United States) last year and also won the Bromont Ultra (BU) 160 km in 2024. He was additionally champion of the 125 km at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2022.

Geneviève Asselin-Demers

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Coming from the road running world, Geneviève Asselin-Demers discovered a love for its mountainous counterpart in 2021 and has since thrived on tackling new challenges each year. Naturally lively — she claims to smile 99% of the time when she runs — the Montréal athlete shines as much through her personality as through her achievements on the national and international stage. A mother of twins and a structural engineer, she embodies self-transcendence in everything she undertakes. “I’ve been immersed in the world of competition for a long time. I love challenging myself and running among the best, while still enjoying the act of running,” she summarizes. A regular on the Québec Mega Trail podium, Geneviève notably won the QMT80 in 2024 before finishing fifth at the QMT135 in 2025. Internationally, she claimed an impressive fourth place at the 80 km of the TransGranCanaria (Spain) last March, second at the 100 km of the TransMartinique in 2025, and sixth at the 100 km of the Black Canyon Ultras (United States) in 2024. Proud of her achievements, she reached the top 10 of the World Trail Majors (WTM) in 2024 and 2025. She also represented Canada in the long-distance format at the World Trail Running Championships: in 2023, at Innsbruck (Austria) and in 2025, at Canfranc (Spain). Geneviève is already looking toward 2027, with the ambition of another selection for Team Canada, an entirely realistic goal given her current trajectory.

Jean-François Cauchon

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Running has always been part of Jean-François Cauchon’s life. As a child, he took part in youth races while his father ran marathons, and hiking was a regular part of family outings. At 21, spurred by a “you’re not game” challenge from his cousins, he discovered trail running. “It was actually the natural next step after all our hikes. I fell in love immediately,” says the Québec athlete. Since then, Jean-François has amassed remarkable results around the world, including 31st at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) in 2017, seventh at the Diagonale des Fous of the Grand Raid de La Réunion in 2019, victories at TransMartinique in 2018 and 2019, the Sinister 7 Ultra, the 125 km of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), and the Bromont Ultra (BU) 160. He is among the stars of the Québec Mega Trail, having won the QMT100 MILES in 2024 while setting a course record. “I got my revenge on my 2023 DNF and beat my own 2022 time. The first half of the race was quite tough, but I didn’t give up. By forcing myself to keep fueling, my energy and legs came back,” he explains. Describing himself as determined, consistent, and competitive, fond of long mountain adventures, he will race the QMT80 this year. In 2026, he also aims for a return to the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) and perhaps, later in the fall, the Diagonale des Fous of the Grand Raid de La Réunion.

Jean-Philippe Thibodeau

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Originally from Baie-Saint-Paul, Jean-Philippe Thibodeau spent his youth escaping into the woods, with his games taking root among the trees. The outdoors have always been a part of his life; trail and ultra-trail running naturally became the next step in his journey. Now living in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, he still regards the mountains as a backyard playground perfectly suited to the athlete he has become. Jean-Philippe excels across all distances and challenges he sets for himself. He notably finished 40th in the long trail race at the World Trail Running Championships last fall in Canfranc (Spain). This performance established him as the top Canadian across the past three editions of the championships, held in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Innsbruck (Austria) and again in Canfranc (Spain). After attempting the Canadian 100 km road record at the Jackpot Ultra Running Festival 2026 in Las Vegas (United States), Jean-Philippe now turns his attention to the Québec Mega Trail. He is aiming for victory at the QMT80, having finished second last year while being the first Canadian, with American Eric LiPuma acting as his “rabbit” for much of the race. All eyes will be on him to see if he can improve his time on trails he knows so well.

Jenny Quilty

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Jenny Quilty took up running in high school, then made the move to trails during university. “When I first started trail running, it felt like discovering a whole new sport,” she says. Seeing her sport as a way to connect with friends, Jenny was encouraged by those around her to try new distances. “It led me to want to compete at a higher level and celebrate the incredible places we get to explore in the mountains,” she adds. The Chilliwack, British Columbia-based athlete has now been racing ultra-marathons for ten years, and her results over the past few years reflect steady, impressive growth. In 2024, she placed sixth at the 100 km Gorge Waterfalls (United States). In 2025, she followed that up with seventh at the Chuckanut 50K (United States), fifth at the QMT80, then a victory at the 120-mile Fat Dog Trail Race with a new course record. “I find going over 100 miles offers so many challenges that are unpredictable. At that race, I was able to show up to each challenge and problem solve or take it on and continue to run wisely,” she says. She capped her 2025 season in style with a first-place finish at the 120 km TransLantau by UTMB (Hong Kong). Also a running coach, Jenny cross-trains with cross-country skiing and cycling. When she is not out training, she tends to her garden. In 2026, she returns to the QMT80 with one clear goal in mind: qualifying for Team Canada on the long trail team.

Kelsey Hogan

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At the Québec Mega Trail, Kelsey Hogan needs no introduction! The Newfoundland-born athlete, now based in New Brunswick, claimed victory at the QMT100 MILES in both 2022 and 2023. A true competitor, she finished second on that same course in 2024, becoming the only woman to have completed the 100-mile event three times in a row. “When I look back, I'm particularly proud of those three years. Each time, I showed up stronger, with more confidence and belief in myself as an athlete and as a person,” she says. The runner, who crosses every finish line with a beaming smile, finished third at the QMT80 last year and returns to that same event in 2026. Kelsey grew up surrounded by wilderness, exploring trails with her family, and that experience left a lasting mark on her. When trail running entered her life after university, the connection was instant. “It felt like I was a kid again, frolicking around on trails and getting to experience that childlike wonder of exploring on my own two feet,” she recalls. In 2024, she claimed second at the 100-mile Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB (Mexico) and 11th at the 115 km Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT, Portugal). And that's not even counting her phenomenal 16th place finish at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) in 2025. In 2026, she hopes to earn a spot on Team Canada for the 2027 World Trail Running Championships, while targeting several races in the World Trail Majors (WTM) series. She has already pocketed a sixth-place finish at the 126 km Transgrancanaria (Spain). This year also marks her tenth year racing ultra-marathons: a decade of pushing her limits, and by all accounts, she is just getting started.

Maïka Lamoureux

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Since her trail debut at Mont-Sainte-Anne during the pandemic, Maïka Lamoureux has found in the forest a training ground and source of renewal that suits her perfectly. “With all group workouts canceled, I needed challenges and a way to get off the pavement” says the Gatineau runner. Her methodical approach and unwavering discipline quickly turned her into a high-level athlete. “I don’t believe I’m a natural athlete, but discipline over the years has allowed me to improve little by little,” she confides. This rigor led her to represent Canada in the 80 km at the World Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai (Thailand) in 2022 and to shine across numerous distances over time. She notably stood on the podium in third place at the 65 km of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2025 and finished three times in the top five of the QMT50. In 2025, she also completed her first-ever 100 km at the Bandera Endurance Trail Race (United States), despite a major course change just three days before the start. Her sixth place at the JFK 50 Mile (United States) that same year was also a source of pride: “I arrived at the starting line calm, present, and confident in my abilities despite the high level of competition and the mental challenge of the course,” she emphasizes. A PhD student at HEC Montréal and passionate about gravel cycling, Maïka will tackle the QMT80 this year, a race that holds a special place in her heart.

Sara Bergen

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Sara Bergen is a retired professional road cyclist and former member of Cycling Canada's national team for over five years. When she decided to step away from cycling, retiring from sport was never part of the plan. Based in Squamish, British Columbia, a community surrounded by trails and mountains, she naturally transitioned from mountain biking to trail running. “Trail running was just so much fun!” she says. After a couple of years of exploring, the drive to train seriously and compete again took over. In 2024, she claimed second at the Canadian Trail Running Championships long trail event at the Squamish 50. In 2025, despite a year marked by injury and illness, she represented Canada at the World Trail Running Championships in the long trail event in Canfranc (Spain), finishing 30th overall and second among Canadians. “I am so deeply proud of my race. Despite a less than ideal preparation, I had a fantastic day out in the mountains,” she says. That performance left her hungry for more. A technically strong runner with an explosive downhill, she lines up at the QMT80 in 2026 at the Canadian Trail Running Championships.

Vincent Landry

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Having competed in cross-country skiing since the age of four, Vincent Landry long used running as a complementary sport before discovering a true passion for it. The Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges resident now juggles an impressive range of disciplines, including climbing, mountaineering, and paragliding. “I was able to maintain my running training plan all summer despite intensive climbing, mountaineering, and paragliding. I won the race, and I was proud to see that it’s possible to perform at a high level in all these sports,” he says regarding his victory at the 65 km of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2025. Having already raced the QMT25 in 2022, where he placed a strong fourth, Vincent will now tackle the QMT80. Impulsive and pragmatic by his own admission, he also has ambitious plans for 2026, with record alpine ascents in the Alps and Alaska on his agenda.

Xavier St-Cyr

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Calling Xavier St-Cyr’s performance at last year’s QMT135 a surprise would be an understatement. No one expected him, and his run left everyone stunned. Since this breakthrough at the Québec Mega Trail, there is no doubt: everyone in the Québec trail scene now knows his name. A medical resident in Sherbrooke, Xavier followed up with a memorable victory at the 125 km of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) in 2025, hand in hand with Mathieu Blanchard. A true bromance which would make even Kilian Jornet jealous! He had previously completed his first 100 miles at the Bromont Ultra (BU) 160 in 2024 under very challenging conditions. “I experienced a lot of pain over the last 30 kilometers. Finishing this race in those conditions, my first 100 miles, makes me very proud of my resilience and perseverance,” he says. For Xavier, trail running is above all a playground for self-challenge. Highly motivated by goal-setting, he mainly competes against himself and finds satisfaction in progressing month after month. “I love the light, community aspect of trail running,” he notes. Even though he approaches his performances with dedication, he doesn’t take himself too seriously; humor and organization are part of his daily life. After his achievements last year, all eyes will be on him at the QMT80 and we can’t wait to see how far he can push his limits.

Alexandre Ricard

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Alexandre Ricard first put on running shoes at the age of 12, on track and road. More than twenty years later, the Squamish resident is still driven by the same goal: performing at the highest level. A coach and massage therapist by profession, he has an in-depth understanding of the human body and its mechanics, which clearly shows in his results. His performance at the Mont-Blanc Marathon (France) in 2023 was particularly noteworthy: he won the Vertical Kilometer and finished 25th in the 42 km main event, against one of the world’s strongest fields. He delivered consistent results over the last two editions of the Canadian Mountain Running Championships at the Défi des couleurs. In 2024, he won the Vertical and finished third in the Classic Up and Down; in 2025, he placed third in both events. He also claimed the Canadian trail champion title in the short-distance race in 2024 at the Squamish 50. In 2026, he will race the QMT50, aiming for the top spot in the Canadian Trail Running Championships. 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.

Brandon Gardiner

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It was a bikepacking trip linking Vancouver to Tijuana, Mexico, that sparked Brandon Gardiner's love for endurance and the outdoors. Back home, he began exploring the trails of the North Shore, particularly the Baden Powell, and trail running took hold fast. The British Columbia-based athlete has since shaped his identity as a runner across the kilometres logged right in his own backyard. The consistent, steady work has paid off. In 2023, he won the Canadian Trail Running Championships at the 50 km Squamish 50. “I exceeded my own expectations on the day, and it felt like everything I had been working toward was coming together,” he says. In 2025, he represented Canada in the long-trail event at the World Trail Running Championships. Laid back most of the time but fiercely competitive when it counts, Brandon will line up at the QMT50, hoping to earn a qualification for the 2027 World Trail Running Championships. He is also targeting strong performances at the Chuckanut 50K (United States) and the CCC at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France) later in the season.

Carol-Ann Rolle

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Carol-Ann Rolle's path to trail running was paved by her mother, a lifelong endurance athlete who has always been her greatest role model. After getting her start in triathlon, she discovered trail running just a few years ago, and it was love at first stride. The Chilliwack, British Columbia-based athlete has wasted no time making her mark. In 2025, she won the 23 km at the Squamish 50, becoming only the second woman ever to go sub-2 hours on that course. The result carried special meaning: in 2024, she had toed that same start line just one week after losing a family member. “Coming back and winning the following year was incredibly meaningful and felt like a full-circle moment,” she says. She also placed seventh in the 50 km at the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (United States) in a strong elite field, won the 15 km solo at the Vedder Mountain Challenge with a course record, took first at the Whistler Half Marathon, and finished as the fourth Canadian on the short trail event at the World Trail Running Championships in Canfranc (Spain). In 2026, Carol-Ann has her sights set on a podium finish at the QMT50, at the Canadian Trail Running Championships, with the hopes of earning a direct qualification to Team Canada. “Along the way, I'm focused on sharpening my technical running skills. I can't wait to test them in the Mestachibo” she says. She is also eyeing the course record at the Squamish 50 23 km.

Chris Balestrini

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It was during online classes, in the thick of the pandemic, that Chris Balestrini truly discovered trail running. With school going remote, he seized the opportunity to move to Canmore and it was a revelation: the steep climbs, scrambling, and trail running community won him over completely. The Penticton, British Columbia-based athlete, now finishing his medical residency, found in trail running a precious outlet, and the results have followed. In 2023, he won the NACAC Trail Running Championships 50 km, digging deep through several low points to cross the finish line first. In 2025, he went on to claim several strong results, including a win at the Slay the Dragon 50 km with a new course record. Then came August 2025. While climbing between Golden and Revelstoke, a dislodged boulder landed on his legs, breaking one and crushing the other badly enough to block an artery. He was airlifted out, hospitalized for a week, unable to walk for three weeks, and off running for three months. “I'm back to being time-limited with work rather than ability-limited with my injury, so I'm looking forward to getting in a good block and being competitive in July!” he says, with a composure that commands respect. In 2026, he lines up at the QMT50 with a win in his sights. He will then set his course for the Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB 100 km (United States) to chase a spot at a race at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France).

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 tried the sport without him. It was in the highly technical trails of Parc de la Gaspésie that he took his first trail steps about five years ago. Since then, the Matane runner has clearly found his place in the sport. In 2025, Christopher delivered a remarkable season: second at the QMT50, which hosted the Canadian Trail Running Championships, second at the 50 km Trail La Clinique du Coureur (LCDC), second in the 28 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), and fifth in the Classic Up and Down of the Canadian Mountain Running Championships at the Défi des couleurs. To top it off, he represented Canada at the 2025 World Mountain Running Championships in Canfranc (Spain). “I take only positives from the experience, both socially and athletically. I got to see the international competition level and what it takes to reach it,” he says. Very sociable and competitively healthy, Christopher plans to participate in the brand-new Coupe Québec Trail in 2026 and hopes to qualify for Team Canada for the next World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.

Courtney Brohart

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Courtney Brohart fell in love with running in Grade 6, but her passion for the mountains started even earlier, at age five, on family ski trips. A turning point came during a University of Calgary cross-country camp, running from Canmore to Banff, in Alberta, with a friend. From that moment, every easy run became a mountain run, and Canmore quickly became home. “Surrounded by some of the strongest and kindest female ultra-runners, exploring the peaks in my backyard was irresistible,” she says. The Canmore-based athlete does not do things halfway. In 2025, she committed to racing cross-country, road, and trail. Early in her training block, she was attacked by an owl, walking away with eight puncture wounds and a brand-new fear to overcome. She faced that fear, returned to the trails, and bettered her times and results from the previous year, a resolve that earned her two third-place finishes at the Canadian Mountain Running Championships, Classic Up and Down and Vertical, at the Défi des couleurs. She also won the 25 km at the Stoked Scramble under rather spectacular circumstances: a last-minute race bib after the Minotaur SkyRace was cancelled, a 66 km run through Assiniboine mid-week, and the Canadian Half Marathon Championships the Sunday before. Safe to say she did not hold back! Yet she pushed through and soaked up every moment on the ridgelines. That momentum carries into the QMT50, where she will take on the country's best at the Canadian Trail Running Championships.

Dany Racine

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Dany Racine entered the world of running as a teenager. “A physical education teacher introduced me to cross-country in early high school. He sparked my curiosity to explore my limits and gave me a passion for running in nature,” he explains. Running has thus always been a part of him, and he now works as a running and triathlon coach, mentoring many athletes along the way. The Victoriaville resident chooses his competitive battles carefully, but when he shows up at the start line, his opponents have every reason to be alert. Canadian 50 km champion in 2021, he repeated the feat in 2025 by winning the QMT50, then hosting the Canadian Trail Running Championships, in a spectacular performance that smashed the course record. A month before the Québec Mega Trail, he also won the 50 km at the Trail La Clinique du Coureur (LCDC), a remarkable double! Although he competes beyond the province and country, Dany appreciates local trails. “I love participating in our events and supporting local races and the community. I adore our technical courses!” Passionate and empathetic, he will make a major return to the QMT50 this year to defend his title against competitors from across Canada. His goal: further optimize his performance over the distance.

Elisa Morin

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Elisa Morin is first and foremost a specialist in road running and cross-country. Holding dual French-Canadian citizenship and living in Québec since 2020, she quickly made her mark by winning the Québec Viens Courir Cup shortly after arriving. In 2022, she swapped asphalt for trails, and she hasn’t stopped impressing since. The past few years have been nothing but a string of accomplishments. In 2025, her performance at the QMT50 stole the spotlight: she won the race, which hosted the Canadian Trail Running Championships (short distance), broke the course record, and placed second overall. Unstoppable! And that was only the beginning: she wrapped up the season with a ninth-place finish at the OCC during the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), a tenth-place finish at the World Mountain Running Championships in Canfranc (Spain) on the Classic Up and Down course, and victories in the Up and Down and Vertical events at the Canadian Mountain Running Championships. Almost effortlessly. “I really suffered the last two hours, and yet I managed to stay in the top 10 in this international-level race, the toughest 50 km of the year,” she says about her OCC performance. Approaching running with as much joy as performance, Elisa aims high in 2026: reach the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) finals, win the 50 km at the new Boréalys by UTMB, and defend her title as Canadian champion in short-distance trail at the Québec Mega Trail. Nothing less.

Emilie Mann

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Emilie Mann has always been drawn to the trails. After getting her start in cross-country and track and field, it was in trail running that she found her true passion. The Kelowna, British Columbia-based athlete made a statement in 2024 by winning the 100-mile Run Rabbit Run (United States) and 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,” she shares. In 2025, she kept the momentum going with a second-place finish at the 100 km Desert Rats by UTMB (United States), sixth at the 100 km Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT, South Africa), and tenth at the 100 km Black Canyon Ultras (United States). Off the trails, Emilie practices yoga, which she sees as a space for support, therapy, and connection with herself, a philosophy that shapes her entire approach to sport: passionate and driven, but always with a lightness of spirit. In 2026, she enters a new chapter by signing her first professional contract with Merrell, allowing her to dedicate more time to training and racing. She brings that energy to the QMT50, where she will compete at the Canadian Trail Running Championships.

François Leboeuf

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It was his wife, Theres, a professional runner, who introduced François Leboeuf to mountain running. The Canadian-Swiss from Aigle, in the canton of Vaud, quickly embraced the passion, accumulating solid results over the years on the Swiss and international scene. He notably ran Sierre-Zinal (Switzerland) five times, posting times between 2:43:00 and 2:49:00, achieved two fourth-place finishes at the Jungfrau Marathon (Switzerland) in 2018 and 2021, and took third at the Swiss Marathon Championships during the Zurich Marathon in 2022. Undergoing surgery for Haglund’s syndrome in January 2025, François returned to competition later that year with strong vigor. He placed 12th at the Swiss Mountain Running Championship, third at the Tour des Alpages (Switzerland), third in the 43 km Davos X-Trails – Gold Race (Switzerland), and fifth at the 25 km Wildstubel by UTMB (Switzerland). Versatile and hyperactive by his own admission, François enjoys running on all surfaces and engaging in multiple projects at once: coaching, organizing the Up and Down Aigle, and family commitments. In 2026, he will target the Swiss Mountain Running Championships at home before crossing the Atlantic to race the QMT50 with his entire family.

Jade Belzberg

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It all started with a gift from her boyfriend, now husband: a race entry to a 10 km trail race and a pair of trail running shoes. Jade Belzberg stepped onto the trails and never looked back. The Fort Langley, British Columbia-based athlete has been running trail since 2014, and the progress she has made since those early days speaks for itself. “I've come a long way from my first 50 km” she says proudly. That much is clear. In 2025 alone, she won the Chuckanut 50K (United States), the JFK 50 Mile (United States), and the Squamish 50 km while setting a new course record. She also claimed second at the 100 km Gorge Waterfalls (United States) and third in The Ascent at the Broken Arrow Skyrace (United States). A season that left little doubt about where she stands among North America's best. She brings that momentum to the QMT50, which will host the Canadian Trail Running Championships. Outside of racing, Jade writes a Substack newsletter called The Thread, where she shares long-form accounts of her races and running life, because apparently one finish line is never quite enough.

Josua Potvin

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Joshua Potvin has been competing since the age of six, racing on the track, roads, and cross-country courses. It was later in life, after moving to the west coast, that he discovered trail running. The trails of North Vancouver, British Columbia, quickly became his backyard playground. His results over the past two years speak to steady and impressive efforts. In 2024, he finished second at the 50 km Squamish 50, Canadian Trail Running Championships, fourth at the Chuckanut 50K (United States), and ninth at the 50 km Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (United States). In 2025, he won the Broken Goat 25 km, then delivered a breakthrough performance at the Gorge Waterfalls 50 km (United States), taking the win and setting a new course record. “This was a breakthrough race for me, and coming away with a new course record was an exciting moment in my career,” he says. He also represented Canada at the short trail event of the World Trail Running Championships in Canfranc (Spain), finishing 49th. A professional architect in his day-to-day life, Joshua brings the same dedication and work ethic to both his sport and his profession. “I have not raced the Québec Mega Trail yet, but it has been on my list of races to attend!” says the athlete who will finally toe the QMT50 start line in 2026.

Karol-Ann Roy

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Karol-Ann Roy quickly found her footing on the trails. The Sherbrooke runner has practiced running for many years, first through triathlon, where she competed at the elite and professional levels. Seeking new challenges, she tried trail running at the end of 2024, and it was love at first run. In 2025, she dedicated her entire competition season to trail. No half measures for this passionate and highly motivated athlete, who likes to set big goals and prepare diligently to achieve them. Her results followed with near-perfect consistency. Her season began with a second-place finish in the 45 km Ultramediterrània Terres de Trail (Spain), followed by second at the Trail Coureur des Bois, and fourth at the QMT50. She concluded the summer with second place in the 40 km Grand Raid des Pyrénées (France). These last two performances earned her sixth place in the 2025 World Trail Majors (WTM) Short Series. Not bad at all for a first season on trails! “I’m proud of my 2025 trail season as a whole, being the first season fully devoted to trail after transitioning from triathlon,” she says. In 2026, Karol-Ann will return to the trails with clear ambitions: improve her WTM ranking by competing at the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT, Portugal) and the Québec Mega Trail, in addition to tackling the 100 km at Boréalys by UTMB.

Leya Masson

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Leya Masson has always had the outdoors in her blood. Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, trail running in the fall to transition between seasons, the Québec resident long juggled multiple disciplines. After graduating from university in 2023 and starting to travel frequently for work, trail running became her main sport. Drawn to its simplicity, she quickly got hooked! She made a strong mark by winning the 100 km race of the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS) in 2025, a victory made all the more significant as she had never previously run more than 50 km. “The last 50 km were very difficult. I spent hours thinking about putting one foot in front of the other, telling myself that one day I would finally cross the finish line,” she recalls. Her only break during the race was a two-minute pause, outside of aid stations. Determined and competitive, Leya enjoys pushing her limits in everything she undertakes, both at work and in sport. Ultra-trail fits her perfectly. In 2026, she has her eyes set on two objectives: the 125 km at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and the QMT50, where a strong performance could open the door to a selection for the World Trail Running Championships.

Louis-Philippe Côté

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His coach, Dany Racine, passed on the passion for trail running, and his achievements reflect that legacy. Louis-Philippe Côté, from Armagh, quickly showed he had what it takes to shine on the most demanding courses. A member of the Rouge et Or athletics team, he describes himself as cheerful, competitive, and deeply invested in both his personal relationships and his athletic journey. A young collector of course records, Louis-Philippe won the QMT25 in 2022, setting a mark that still stands. “I’m particularly proud of this performance because I got to race against Christopher Lévesque-Savard, an athlete I respect enormously. We fought hard until the end, and it remains a memorable experience for me,” he recalls. He went on to win the Trail du Massif du Sud 32 km in 2024, then the 42 km at the Défi des couleurs in 2025, improving the course record by over nine minutes, all after more than a year away from the elite competition. This year, Louis-Philippe will line up at the QMT50, alongside Dany Racine at the start line. The coach and student side by side promises a remarkable duel! Known for going to bed at 9 p.m. on weekdays and weekends alike and describing himself as a “boring” person, he proves it’s possible to lead an orderly life and still shake up the trails.

Marc Fawcett Atkinson

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Marc Fawcett-Atkinson laced up his first running shoes at the age of 12, accompanying his father, who had been running since early adulthood. Raised in a rural corner of Nova Scotia, he spent nearly every day of his adolescence and twenties traversing gravel roads and trails, without a team or competition. “From the very beginning, I loved the movement and freedom of the sport. I often say it’s my longest-lasting relationship,” confides the Vancouverite. He tried trail running for the first time in 2022 at the Whistler Alpine Meadows (WAM) 50 km, with minimal nutritional preparation. Despite a low point during the race, he fell in love with the competitive element and the community. Success followed quickly: in 2023, he reached the podium at the 50 km of Diez Vista and 50 km at the Squamish 50. At the latter event, which hosted the Canadian Trail Running Championships in 2024, Marc placed an impressive fourth over his preferred distance. A member of Team Canada at the 2025 World Trail Running Championships in Canfranc (Spain), he delivered a memorable race despite obstacles: attacked by wasps on the first climb, losing a bottle of sports drink, and having to revise his fueling plan mid-race. “Luckily, I was able to adapt to the challenge and didn’t run out of energy during the race,” he recalls proudly. Enthusiastic, curious, and very social by his own admission, Marc will tackle the QMT50 with the ambition of reaching the podium, a result that could help him secure another Team Canada selection in 2027.

Maxime Leboeuf

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Maxime Leboeuf is a familiar figure at the Québec Mega Trail, even from before the event existed. The Gatineau resident first experienced the race under its original name, Trans-Vallée. A former elite biathlete, he has always excelled across multiple disciplines, triathlon, pentathlon, winter running, road, and trail, demonstrating remarkable versatility. His QMT record speaks for itself: a victory at the QMT110 in 2019 and third place at the QMT50 in 2021. He returns to courses where he has already tasted victory. His personal road records also demonstrate his power: 2:18:00 for a marathon and 14:25 for a 5 km. Even though he hasn’t competed on high-profile trail events in recent years, he has remained active, notably participating in the Triathlon Esprit de Montréal and the Voie verte Half-Marathon in Chelsea in 2025. A competitor who pushes himself relentlessly, regardless of the discipline, Maxime Leboeuf always has the potential to surprise on race day.

Mélodie Gilbert

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Having been part of the athletics and cross-country team at the University of Sherbrooke, Mélodie Gilbert discovered trail running during the pandemic, after graduation and without competitions. “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. A physiotherapist and running coach, she is also actively involved in the Coupe Québec Trail committee. Discipline is clearly central to her daily life! In 2025, she placed seventh at the Mount Washington Road Race (United States), won the 50 km at the Bromont Ultra (BU) with a course record, won the 20 km at the Ultra-Trail du Fjord du Saguenay (UTFS), placed second in the Québec half-marathon, and finished 44th at the OCC during the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France). In February 2026, she repeated her success with eighth place at the 50 km Black Canyon Ultras (United States), matching her previous year’s performance. “For me, being a runner is an integral part of who I am. Mélodie doesn’t exist without running,” she says. Passionate, rigorous, and hardworking, she also creates content on social media, gives talks and workshops in running clubs, and engages in various community projects. In 2026, she will return to the QMT50 before targeting a “by UTMB” race in the fall. Throughout the season, she will compete in the short-distance races of the Coupe Québec Trail.

Rose Vigneault

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Rose Vigneault discovered running like many others, in the wake of the pandemic, completing her first half-marathon in 2022. The following year, she tried trail for the first time at the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) 42 km Classic, an experience that marked a turning point in her journey. She redoubled her efforts, and by the next edition, she had reached a major milestone, standing atop the podium in the 65 km. Since then, running has taken a central place in the young Orford athlete’s life. In 2025, Rose had a remarkable season. She first won the QMT32 before taking victory in the 80 km at the UTHC, her longest distance ever. “The 80 km at the UTHC was the culmination of my 2025 season and probably my most mature race management. I was patient, ran with enjoyment, and gave everything until the finish line,” she recalls. A passionate and determined ultra-runner, some might even say stubborn, Rose works hard and flirts with pain, yet never loses her enjoyment along the way. The 2026 season looks busy for this top student: she has her sights set on the Rothrock by UTMB (United States), Boréalys by UTMB, and possibly the UTHC, where she hopes to push her distance limits even further.

Samantha Stimac

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Samantha Stimac laced up her first running shoes at age 14, after her parents convinced her to try cross-country. A parenting tactic that clearly paid off! After high school, she kept running and completed a few marathons, then one evening in graduate school, she watched a documentary on the Barkley Marathons. She signed up for her first trail 50 km shortly after. “Ever since then it has been a staple in my life and I love the lifestyle I live chasing big goals,” says the American physical therapist originally from Wisconsin, now based in Vermont. Her results reflect a rapid and impressive rise. In 2023, she placed sixth at the 100 km Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (United States) in a highly competitive field. In 2024, she claimed second at the QMT110, then completed the flagship event at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), finishing 35th. In 2026, she returns to the Québec Mega Trail to push her limits on the 50 km distance.

Sarah Bergeron-Larouche

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Sarah Bergeron-Larouche has always run. Trail running came naturally, like a given. A resident of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, a chiropractor by training, and a young mother, she balances everything without losing focus or rhythm. With over seven years of coaching experience, she places great importance on her relationship with each athlete, a philosophy grounded in long-term development. On the trails, 2025 was a remarkable year! She won the 50 km races at the Grindstone Trail Running Festival by UTMB (United States) and the Trail La Clinique du Coureur (LCDC), in addition to claiming two major second-place finishes: the 50 km at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB (France) and the QMT50, which hosted the best Canadian female runners for the Canadian Trail Running Championships. To top it off, she finished the season with a strong 22nd place at the OCC during the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB, France), a performance she is particularly proud of. Simple and determined, Sarah particularly enjoys distances between 50 km and 80 km. In 2026, she will return to the OCC with a clear goal in mind: reach the top 15. Her return to the Québec Mega Trail will undoubtedly be a key step in her preparation.

Shaun Stephens Whale

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Shaun Stephens-Whale has been trail and mountain running since 2002, and his career reflects that kind of rare, enduring commitment. The Squamish, British Columbia-based athlete was the first junior ever to represent his country at the World Mountain Running Championships in Bursa (Turkey), in 2006. Not a bad way to announce yourself to the world. In 2025, he won the 35 km at the Vedder Mountain Challenge and earned two top-10 finishes at the Canadian Mountain Running Championships, Up and Down and Vertical, at the Défi des couleurs. But it was his victory at the 50 km Squamish 50 that meant the most. “I've finished second and third before so it was fulfilling to finally win,” he says, at his fifth time toeing that start line. Someone who describes himself as highly competitive in everything he does, Shaun says he has learned over the years to recognize when to turn that mode on and off. In 2026, he lines up at the QMT50 with one goal in mind: to be the best version of himself.

Stephanie Ryall

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Stephanie Ryall built her running foundation on the cross-country and track and field circuits before making the leap to trail. The Ottawa-based athlete announced herself to the trail running world in 2024 with a third-place finish at the 50 km Squamish 50, Canadian Trail Running Championships, in British Columbia. “This was my first breakout result within the trail running world and helped me qualify for Team Canada for the 2025 World Trail Running Championships,” she says. That same year, she placed seventh in the Vertical event at the Défi des couleurs, Canadian Mountain Running Championships, and set a personal best of 1:18:09 at the Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon. In 2025, she backed it up with another third-place finish at the QMT50, at the Canadian Trail Running Championships. Stephanie describes herself as a good mix of competitive and type B, a combination she believes serves her well when navigating everything that can unfold over the course of a long trail race. Come 2026, she returns with one clear goal in mind: another top-three finish at the QMT50.

Amélie Simard

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With both parents being trail runners, Amélie Simard had virtually no chance of avoiding the trails, and that’s just as well. The Saguenay native took part in her first trail events around the age of 13 and quickly made her mark. “Trail running allows me to share good moments with family and friends. It helps reduce my anxiety and lets me enjoy nature,” she says. Disciplined and determined, she is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physical and health education at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), where she has trained with the Inuk cross-country and middle-distance track team for two years. This rising star of Québec trail running caused a stir in 2023 by winning the QMT50 at just 19 years old and in her very first race at this distance. In 2025, she added a third-place finish in the 15 km des Pichous, a Québec Athletics Cup race, to her already impressive résumé for her age. Outside running, Amélie also enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. She approaches the 2026 season aiming for a strong time in the 80 km of the new Boréalys by UTMB, and, of course, hopes for a standout performance in the QMT30. A young athlete to watch closely.

Andrée-Anne Cloutier

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Trail running entered Andrée-Anne Cloutier’s life just three years ago. “It answered a need to move freely, to take care of my mental and physical health, and to join an exceptional community,” says the Cap-au-Renard resident. Positive and persistent, she admits to being a little distracted at times, which is why running in a group during events helps her stay focused and push herself. A formula that seems to work perfectly! In 2025, Andrée-Anne finished sixth in the QMT50 before claiming victory in the 40 km Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC), a win that means a lot to her. “It’s the territory where I live, and it’s a privilege to run these trails. I discovered this section of the Sentier international des Appalaches (SIA) for the first time. It was a race where I felt good from start to finish, with solid energy, good nutrition, and just happiness!” she says. She was also seen on-screen this winter in the outdoor reality show Épique on Télé-Québec, as part of the pink team, which took home the victory. For 2026, Andrée-Anne aims for a strong start at the QMT30, followed by a big finish on the 65 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC).

Laurianne Lépine

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Laurianne Lépine spent several years in athletics, through the end of her university career, before naturally transitioning to the trails. “It quickly became a need for me to go out and run. It allows me to clear my head, meet incredible people, and explore the country! I simply couldn’t do without it,” she says. The Québec resident doesn’t take herself too seriously: even when she is among the leaders, she won’t hesitate to exclaim at a beautiful view or crack a joke along the way. For her, performance and enjoyment go hand in hand. On the trails, her results speak for themselves. In 2025, Laurianne won the 34 km Trail Coureur des Bois, the 42 km Saint-Siméon of the Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC), setting a new course record, and the Marathon du Mont-Mégantic, where she also established a new record. “It was a competitive race, and winning it was a memorable moment for me,” she says. In 2026, Laurianne will line up for the QMT30 and also hopes to qualify for the national team in view of the next world championships.

Louis Moreau

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It was during a university exchange in Ontario in 2017 that Louis Moreau shifted into running. “I ran very little, but I joined the cross-country team there. I went from two workouts a month to nine per week and never looked back” he recalls. A resident of Lac-Beauport, Louis describes himself as someone always eager to improve in every area of life, ambitious, sometimes even too much so, by his own admission. On the trails, this ambition translates into concrete results. In 2025, he won the 18 km Trail du Grand-Duc and the 34 km Trail Coureur des Bois, in addition to finishing second in the Demi-marathon des Altitudes of the Ultra-Trail des Chic-Chocs (UTCC) and fourth in the 28 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC). And his winning streak isn’t new: in 2024, he claimed victory at the QMT25 in a very tight final sprint. “The end of the race was tough. I was caught by the second-place runner, but I managed to regroup and win the race,” he remembers. This year, Louis will line up for the new QMT30, two years after his first title. He also plans to take part in numerous local races and aim for a strong showing in the Coupe Québec Trail rankings.

Meggy Bourassa

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Meggy Bourassa discovered her passion in 2023 by joining the Nomades du Parc, a social trail-running group. Surrounded by strong runners who taught her the basics, she took part in her first trail events in 2024 and was hooked. “I realized that trail running fulfills a huge need for intensity, freedom, and pushing myself,” says the Gatineau native, a mother of three and a teacher by profession. Meggy doesn’t hold back. In barely two years, she has established herself as one of Québec’s rising trail athletes. In 2024, she finished second in the 28 km Ultra-Trail Harricana du Canada (UTHC) and fourth in the QMT25. In 2025, she stepped onto the top podium spot at the QMT25, then won the 42 km Classic of the UTHC. Sometimes questioning why she lines up with so many other athletes, she runs with a clear motivation: to show her children and students what discipline, determination, and perseverance require. “When I run, I feel like I’m catching my breath and being the real Meggy,” she says. In 2026, Meggy will race the new QMT30. “The Québec Mega Trail is a must in any racing season,” she affirms.

Paul Vanoostveen

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Paul Vanoostveen's entry into trail running was a family affair; his father was already running ultra-trail races before Paul ever laced up his shoes. Safe to say the apple didn't fall far from the tree! The Etobicoke, Ontario-based athlete brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to both his running and his life, coupled with a persistence that makes him a tough competitor to shake off. In 2025, he finished 11th at the JFK 50 Mile (United States), then went on to win the Sulphur Springs 100 Mile on his very first attempt at the distance, shattering the course record by over two hours. Not a bad way to debut at 100 miles! He previously finished 10th at the QMT80, and returns in 2026 to take on the QMT30. “My goal is to compete in the biggest races at a variety of distances and to continue to improve”, he says.

Timothée Courtois

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Raised in Annecy, in the French Alps, Timothée Courtois has always had the mountains in his blood. He first learned to tame the slopes through mountain biking and road cycling, before discovering trail running as a complementary activity during the winters between cycling seasons. Gradually, he moved toward short vertical formats, then technical and rugged skyrace-style courses. Now based in Montréal, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in engineering at École de technologie supérieure (ETS), he runs for the university cross-country team, the Piranhas. A true adventurer, both on the trails and in everyday life, he returned to trail running in summer 2025 after several months of track and cross-country races by taking part in the QMT25. “Starting without much confidence and no real idea of my level in trail, I ended up delivering a strong performance, with a time and an ITRA rating exceeding my expectations,” he says. He finished second, no less. In 2026, Timothée will begin by sharpening his speed at the Montréal half-marathon, before turning back to the trails with the main goal of delivering his best performance on the QMT30 against competitors from around the world.

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Canadian Championships

QMT 135

Amanda Nelson

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Anne Champagne

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Antoine Jolicoeur-Desroches

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David Savard-Gagnon

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Elisabeth Cauchon

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Jesus Gil Garcia

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Julie Lesage

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Philippe Poulin

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Simon Withers

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Valérie Arsenault

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Victor Larocque

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QMT 80

Benoit Gaillard

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Caitlin Schindel

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Claudine Soucie

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Dylan Pust

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Elliot Cardin

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Geneviève Asselin-Demers

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Jean-François Cauchon

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Jean-Philippe Thibodeau

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Jenny Quilty

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Kelsey Hogan

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Maïka Lamoureux

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Sara Bergen

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Vincent Landry

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Xavier St-Cyr

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QMT 50

Alexandre Ricard

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Brandon Gardiner

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Carol-Ann Rolle

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Chris Balestrini

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Christopher Lévesque-Savard

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Courtney Brohart

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Dany Racine

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Elisa Morin

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Emilie Mann

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François Leboeuf

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