GTWS Debuts in Canada with Québec Mega Trail Showdown

After the opening European leg of the season, the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) head to North America for their debut in Canada. The Québec Mega Trail (28.6 km, 1,397 m of elevation gain) will host the third round of the circuit, putting the spotlight on the duels between reigning champions Elhousine Elazzaoui (NNormal) and Madalina Florea (Scott), and their main challengers Philemon Kiriago (Run2Gether On Trail) and Caroline Kimutai (Salomon).

For its GTWS debut, the Québec Mega Trail introduces a new, contrast-filled course around Mont-Sainte-Anne, one of the country’s most iconic outdoor destinations. 

In line with the prize money increase announced at the start of the season, significantly boosting the rewards linked to the GTWS, the Québec Mega Trail event will offer double prize money. This measure aims to foster the development of the GTWS circuit beyond its traditional strongholds and encourage participation from the world’s top athletes. A total of €40,800 will be distributed among the men’s Top 10 and women’s Top 10.

A DEMANDING COURSE AT THE HEART OF CANADIAN TRAIL RUNNING

Québec Mega Trail combines technical trails, steep descents and boreal forests, all framed by panoramic views of the Laurentian Mountains and the Jean-Larose waterfalls. 

Held on the most frequented trail network in Québec, the race offers a course that has played a key role in the evolution of Canadian trail running and has helped establish the Côte-de-Beaupré region as the sport’s epicentre in the country. Over the years, the event has earned iconic status within the Canadian trail running scene, celebrated for its challenging, root-laden trails, its unique atmosphere, and the extraordinary commitment of hundreds of volunteers who form the backbone of the local community.

The course begins with a demanding opening section where much of the elevation gain is concentrated, featuring a double ascent and descent on the slopes of Mont-Sainte-Anne. The first climb (2.4 kilometres at an average gradient of 21%) and the subsequent descent (1.9 kilometres at -15.8%) host the first timed segments, where bonus points for the overall standings will be awarded to the five fastest runners.

After a second ascent of Mont-Sainte-Anne, the race heads into its northern side, taking athletes into a wilder forest environment. The second half of the course is predominantly downhill, leading to the Auberge du Fondeur aid station before transitioning into the sprint segment (2.3 kilometres at an average gradient of -3.8%).

The final kilometres run alongside the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord and Jean-Larose rivers, tributaries of the majestic St. Lawrence River, whose estuary is the largest in the world, before bringing runners back to the finish line.

TOP CONTENDERS IN QUÉBEC

In the men’s race, Elhousine Elazzaoui arrives aiming to make it three wins out of three, following a flawless start with victories at Zegama-Aizkorri (Spain) and Ledro Sky Trentino (Italy). The main showdown will once again centre on his rivalry with Philemon Kiriago, runner-up in Ledro and the leading contender to challenge the overall leader.

Challenging the African dominance, Damian Bogdan (Kailas Fuga) and American breakout athlete Taylor Stack (Brooks) emerge as key contenders. Bogdan, regarded as one of the best descenders on the circuit, currently sits third in the overall standings and has dominated both downhill segments contested so far. Meanwhile, Stack – a biologist by profession and passionate angler – continues to cement his place among the elite after finishing fourth overall in his GTWS debut last year and third at Zegama-Aizkorri to open this season:

“2025 was my first year running the Golden Trail World Series and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Kiriago, Kipngeno or Elazzaoui are legends of the sport, the best in the world, and sometimes it feels crazy that just little old me is up there making moves with them. But it gives me confidence that maybe I can be one of the best in the world just like them.”

The list of contenders is completed by Timothy Kibett (Salomon), Ezekiel Rutto (Salomon), Andrea Rostan (La Sportiva), Nashon Kiplimo (Salomon), Cameron Smith (Dynafit), and Canada’s Rémi Leroux (Brooks), the reigning national Classic Up and Down champion — a title he claimed at Mont-Sainte-Anne.

In the women’s race, all signs point to another clash between Madalina Florea and Caroline Kimutai: the reigning champion against the leading challenger. Kimutai strengthened her status as favourite with a dominant victory in Ledro, where Florea finished second. Both arrive tied on points in the overall standings (in fourth place), due to the bonus point system in the segments.

Among the athletes looking to challenge this dominance are Barbora Bukovjan (Salomon), Marie Nivet (Nike ACG), Caterina Stenta (Joma), Alexa Aragon (La Sportiva), Sarah Carter (Topo Athletic), Sydney Petersen (Brooks), Lindsay Webster, and Alice Goodall (Joma).

A UNIQUE DESTINATION

Beyond its privileged natural setting, Québec Mega Trail is deeply rooted in the history of the region. First held in 2012, the event has established itself as a true trail running festival, featuring a programme that includes now 11 races of varying distances.

Everything revolves around Mont-Sainte-Anne, a venue defined by the contrast of its landscapes, where panoramic summits and dense forests create the perfect terrain for technical and demanding trail running. This natural richness is complemented by a remarkable historical and cultural heritage: from the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of North America’s pilgrimage sites, to a territory that has evolved from the early settlements of New France into a benchmark destination for skiing, mountain biking and trail running. A destination that blends spiritual, natural and sporting heritage.

KINOMAP BRINGS QUÉBEC MEGA TRAIL HOME

Part of the Québec Mega Trail course will be captured using high-quality geo-synchronised video and made available on Kinomap. The leading interactive training platform for cycling, running, and  rowing joined the Golden Trail World Series in 2026 as an official partner, with the aim of bringing the trail running experience into people’s homes. This allows fans and athletes around the world to train virtually on the most iconic courses of the GTWS circuit.

HOW TO FOLLOW QUÉBEC MEGA TRAIL

The race will feature live updates across the official Golden Trail World Series social media channels, providing real-time coverage of the competition, complementing the live timing available on the official GTWS website. In addition, a comprehensive highlights recap will be released in the week following the race across official broadcasters and on the GTWS YouTube channel.