Lac-Mégantic Trail Race Report

When: June 15, 2025
Where: Lac-Mégantic, QC
Distance: 42.2k (well, 44k if you count the unplanned warm-up)
Type: Trail
Purpose: Training Run

Getting There

Took the VIA Rail train out of Toronto around 6-ish, aiming to land in Montreal by 11. Reality check: it was more like midnight. That said, first class had wine, and I definitely made the most of it.

Stayed overnight in Montreal and planned to drive out to Lac-Mégantic the next day. Pro tip: if you forget that it's Formula 1 weekend, prepare for gridlock. Thankfully, I was travelling with a friend who handled the car rental and knew the ropes.

Kit pick-up was a tight window (only from 4 to 6 pm on Saturday), but we made it in time. Checked into our hotel and started loading up on carbs and pre-race nerves.

The Race

Race morning had "casual training day" energy. The plan was simple: car at 5:45am, race start by 6:30am. Easy, right? Nope. Turns out the parking lot was closed (they said it was full... it was not). We parked on the side of the road, about 1k out, and started running toward the shuttle. Missed the bus. So we ran the full 2.5k to the start, laughing like weirdos in pink shirts.

Arrived 6 minutes late. Oops. Took a picture, hit start on the watches, and gave ourselves a DIY countdown. And just like that, we were off!

Xavier, my friend and seasoned Megantic warrior, told me to brace myself for the first climb by km 2. He wasn't kidding. It was a hefty 408m climb in the first 5k. The trail was classic Quebec – techy, rooty, rocky, and full of sneaky boulders. Sweat was pouring off me. Xavier, naturally, floated up the hills while I pondered my life choices.

The first half was slow and grindy. Took over 3.5 hours, and we were starting to question our 7-hour finish goal. But oh wow, the beauty. Forests so green they glowed, rivers that babbled in both official languages, and that sweet smell of pine and sunshine.

Around the 25-30k mark we hit the lookout tower. Xavier warned the second half was harder. I’d like to file a gentle objection. For me, it was easier. More runnable, less climbing, and I finally got into a groove with all the rocks and roots.

It was a game of tag with Xavier, who’d take off and give me something to chase. He waited at the aid stations but barely, and I'd have to beg for a second to catch my breath. Speaking of aid stations—basic. Like, bring-your-own-snacks level basic. Water, electrolyte drink, maybe a single sad orange slice if you were lucky.

The final climb circled a crater and it felt like a cruel cosmic joke. I asked how many sides a crater had. Spoiler: too many. But when we finally started descending, I could smell the barn.

Crossed the finish line to... zero fanfare. No medals, no announcements. Just a cup and a tap. Rustic chic.

Finish Time: 7:04:28

Honestly? Still a blast. The course was brutal but stunning, and I figured out how to dance with the terrain by the end. The people, especially Xavier, made it fun.

Getting Home

Adventure, Part Two.

The shuttle bus was done for the day, so we started the walk back to the car. Xavier decided to hitchhike. Fifth car picked us up! We got dropped off... at the wrong car. Time check: 2:10pm. Train leaves at 6:09pm. Cue scramble mode.

Xavier ran off to find the real car. I walked in the opposite direction just in case. He found it, scooped me up, and we did a quick trailhead shower with water, ice, and a buff. We smelled like piney swamp angels.

Food? Two cokes, a cookie, and one banana. Gourmet. Hit the road.

Got to Montreal okay but got stuck in F1 traffic. Then our taxi dropped us at the wrong VIA entrance. Then he nearly crashed. Twice. We navigated, paid, and made it to the platform with 8 minutes to spare. VIA was late (bless), so we had time for celebratory beer-tinis with olives. Classy!

Train got us to Toronto late, missed the last GO Train, took an Uber to Burlington. Rolled in around 1:30am. Exhausted, smelly, accomplished.

Gear Used

• Leki poles
• Salomon vest
• Tailwind (hydration)
• Gu gels, a rice crispy square, a cookie, and olives (yes, really)

Learned and Loved

• Loved the rivers, streams, bird song, and all that evergreen magic
• Learned that "full parking" can mean "psych! run faster
• Aid stations aren’t always buffets, bring what you love and always, always pack extra snacks
• Loved getting to know more about the surrounding area and history

Would I do it again? Maybe.

Would I recommend it? Only if you're ready to sweat, swear, and swoon over stunning views.

Until next time, trail friends🌿