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A day that was expected to be cool turned out surprisingly hot — but that didn’t stop athletes at the Québec Mega Trail from delivering explosive performances and breaking records on the technical and muddy trails of Mont-Sainte-Anne (MSA) and the surrounding areas. Three course records were broken across the 80 km, 50 km, and 32 km distances, adding to the impressive feats of the frontrunners of the brand-new QMT135.
QMT135 : Yes, records… but not only!
At the break of dawn, the biggest surprise of the weekend unfolded at the front of the brand-new QMT135: Xavier St-Cyr, who wasn’t listed among the favorites or elites, took the lead and never let it go. In 17 h 18 min 05 s, this medical resident crossed the finish line at the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne after what he described as “a difficult start to the race.” “It was the sunlight that helped me get back into the race,” he said, explaining his impressive comeback.
In an interview, St-Cyr made no attempt to hide his disbelief: “I really wasn’t expecting this. I didn’t come here for a podium, so this is the cherry on top!” He went on, true to his instinctive strategy: “This isn’t my usual position. I’m used to starting slower and catching up to people who go out too fast. I found that the start, for once, was more reasonable. I found myself in the lead and realized I was first at kilometer 66.”
Behind him, Franco-Québécois Matthieu Saliou kept the tension alive, closing a fifteen-minute gap in the tough climbs of MSA to secure second place. French legend Sébastien Camus rounded out the podium, praising “the exceptional quality of the aid stations and the electrifying energy of the volunteers” — proof that the magic of the Québec Mega Trail happens both on and off the course.
QMT135 – Men’s Results
On the women’s side, French runner Maryline Nakache dominated the race, not only taking a commanding win but also placing an impressive 4th overall. “Oh, but that was hard! The trails were so technical… and I had a long stretch alone,” she said at the finish line, emphasizing the crucial role of her crew, who helped her dig deep at key moments.
Another highlight of the day came from Quebec’s Geneviève Nadeau, a doctor by profession and recreational runner, who led the race until lunchtime after taking the lead in the early hours of the morning. Unexpected and inspiring, she embodied the magic of the QMT135 by delivering a performance that left many spectators in awe. The women’s podium was rounded out by Mylène Sansoucy, who executed her race with remarkable control.
QMT135 – Women’s Results
QMT80 and QMT50 : Canadian Championships down to the wire
With the Canadian Trail Running Championships held during Québec Mega Trail on Saturday, the competition level was higher than ever!
On the QMT80, American Eric LiPuma shook things up by winning the race, disrupting the Canadian Championship podium. As a result, the top Canadians followed just behind, starting with Jean-Philippe Thibodeau, who claimed the national gold. He admitted to a risky strategy by sticking with the frontrunner too long. “I came back from the dead after a tough stretch between kilometers 25 and 40. […] I wanted to see what it was like to run with someone who’s placed 7th twice at the last World Championships,” he said, still recovering from the effort. He edged out Rémi Hogue and Dylan Pust, who completed the Canadian top 3.
In the women’s race, Claudine Soucie managed her race brilliantly despite a few nutrition hiccups. “It went well. I forced myself to keep eating, and that really gave me energy — mentally and physically,” she explained. She knew American Britta Clark was close behind, so there was no room to ease off. The Canadian women’s podium was completed by two well-known QMT faces: Kelsey Hogan, a fan favorite and event regular, and Alex Castonguay, who won the QMT50 last year.
Over on the QMT50, Élisa Morin, already a confirmed mountain running star since her win at the Défi des couleurs, completely stole the show. She finished 2nd overall, regardless of gender, shattering the women’s course record. Unstoppable, she overtook the men one by one until spotting Christopher Lévesque-Savard, another member of Quebec’s elite, and thought to herself with a smile, “Okay, I think this is going really well.” She confirmed her place among the stars of Quebec trail running. Lévesque-Savard took 2nd place among men.
The men’s victory in the 50 km went to Dany Racine, who made an impression right from the start by wearing a humorous take on Caleb Olson’s jersey — the recent Western States winner. “In Quebec, I knew this would be a course I could dominate,” he said confidently.
QMT80 – Men’s Results
QMT80 – Women’s Results
QMT50 – Men’s Results
QMT50 – Women’s Results
QMT32 : A second year of intensity!
For its second year, the QMT32 saw another round of high-intensity racing. Its varied, rolling course — though starting with a major climb — allowed Samuel Audet to outsmart his rival, Chilean Sebastien Eneros, who he could hear close behind throughout.
In the women’s race, young Rose Vigneault crossed the finish line still looking fresh, taking home the win.
*Results coming soon*
Several other races are on the schedule for Sunday, July 6, including the QMT25, QMT15, QMT6, and the one-kilometer kids’ race.
