Updated September 25, 2020:
**Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across Quebec, the Défie le sentier! Soucy event, scheduled for October 16 and 17, is cancelled this year.**
The 6th edition of the Défie le sentier! Soucy, will be held on October 16 and 17, 2020, at the Sanctuary in Saint-Majorique. This year’s race has been redesigned to meet health standards and physical distancing guidelines. Among these changes, two new courses will be offered: the dawn challenge for early risers, and a 5-km race on a bike trail for participants who don’t have a lot of trail running experience.
Events for all skill levels
The All-Nighter Challenge, a 12-hour team or solo race, is back again this year! Ultra-trailers will be able to push themselves to the limit in this event that starts at 9 p.m. on Friday and finishes at sunrise the following day. Other runners in the Centre-du-Québec region can take part in races of 2 km, 5 km and 8 km on Saturday. "By creating this race, we wanted to offer events that were accessible to runners of all levels, while adding a few challenges for the more hardcore among us," says Frederic Ouellet, a member of the race's organizing committee.
A revised edition that complies with social distancing
Race organizers have had to review the 6th edition of the event to ensure it was adapted to meet social distancing guidelines. All participants will be required to fill out a health declaration form prior to the race. Those with symptoms associated with COVID-19 will have to postpone their participation until next year. Organizers are also asking runners to arrive only 30 to 45 minutes before their race, and to wear face masks until the start. Moreover, start times will be staggered, with only three participants starting the race at the same time. Hand-washing stations will also be set up throughout the site.
The event will meet the health guidelines established by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec and the International Trail Running Association. "Race organizers around the world have had to adapt their events to ensure the safety of runners and volunteers on site. This pandemic has made us all realize how fragile health can be. It's more important than ever to promote healthy lifestyles and maintain events that allow us to challenge ourselves physically," says Eric Côté, President and Chief Operating Officer at Soucy. "We encourage our employees to sign up for these events to stay in shape, and we hope that other companies in the area will do the same," he adds.
The Défie le sentier! Soucy race, which can be completed as a team or solo, will take place over two days. On Friday, October 16, participants can complete the 5-km course at night, then tackle an 8-km route the following morning or register for the all-night Defie-le! 12-hour challenge.
Running enthusiasts can also register for the races held on Saturday, October 17 2-km, 5-km and 8-km races, the new dawn challenge and the 5 km cani-trail.
For more information and to register, please visit www.defielesentier.com.