Défi des Couleurs 2026

Défi des Couleurs is a fall trail and mountain running weekend at Mont-Sainte-Anne in Beaupré, Quebec, timed for the peak autumn leaves. The program is broad: short sentier races start at 1 km and 6.5 km, the trail races build through 11 km, 17 km, 26 km, and 32 km, and the longest option is a 42 km mountain trail. There is also a 5 km night trail, with a headlamp included, set up as a non-competitive outing for both runners and walkers. The event draws thousands of runners and gives beginners, children, walkers, club runners, trail specialists, and championship-level athletes a place on the same mountain weekend. The courses use rustic, wild trails at Mont-Sainte-Anne, with about 80% single track on the main trail routes. The terrain changes between faster rolling sections and more technical running, and some routes follow the Jean Larose River. The schedule includes vertical and up-and-down mountain formats as well as standard trail distances, so the weekend is not just one race with shorter versions attached. Défi des Couleurs Simard also hosts the Canadian Mountain Running Championships across several editions, which adds a serious racing edge to an event that still leaves room for people chasing a personal challenge with friends.