Défis du Parc

Défis du Parc is a September race weekend held entirely inside Parc national de la Mauricie in Shawinigan, Quebec, featuring road cycling, trail running, a youth run, and a walking event. It presents eight challenges: cycling routes of 105 km, 80 km, and 57 km, alongside trail runs of 21.1 km, 14 km, 7 km, and 2 km for ages 7 to 14. The weekend attracts about 3,000 participants and relies on roughly 200 volunteers, creating the atmosphere of a large outdoor sports gathering. The cycling routes utilize the park’s winding roads and significant climbs: the longest ride gains 1,980 meters, while the 80 km and 57 km options climb 1,460 and 990 meters respectively. The trail races follow forest paths through Laurentian terrain, with the half marathon adding 267 meters of climbing and shorter routes providing gentler, uneven profiles. Participants gain exclusive use of the park’s roads and trails for the event. The series has run for over 15 years, includes a 4 km Marche des générations, and features Pedal for the Cause, a ride supporting the Canadian Cancer Society.