Montreal is hosting a distinctive underground running event on February 9, organized by former Olympic triathlete Kathy Tremblay. The 5 km race will navigate the city’s extensive underground pathways, involving coordination with 17 property owners. Participants will embark on a challenging course with approximately 1000 steps, starting at Carrefour Industrielle Alliance and concluding at the Desjardins complex. The event promises an engaging experience, allowing runners to explore Montreal’s hidden gems while ensuring a fun atmosphere for all ages.
Exploring Montreal’s Underground Running Event
In the vibrant city of Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier embraces a unique lifestyle, often exploring the urban landscape by running. With his office essentials packed in his backpack, he keeps his eyes peeled for intriguing stories and diverse individuals, capturing the essence of the city.
On Sunday, February 9, a special running event is set to take place, organized by a former Olympic triathlete. However, this isn’t your typical race; it will unfold within the fascinating underground maze of downtown Montreal. The Journal joined her for an exhilarating 5 km journey through this unconventional course.
The Challenges of Organizing an Underground Race
The dedicated organizer, Kathy Tremblay, navigates the complexities of coordinating the classic 5 km BougeBouge event, liaising with 17 different property owners in order to bring this unique race to life. Concerns about running in shopping centers and the potential for encountering shoppers are quickly dismissed. “No! Because the race takes place on a Sunday just before the stores open,” says Tremblay, who represented Canada in the triathlon at both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. She initiated this all-underground winter race in Montreal back in 2018.
For those unfamiliar, downtown Montreal boasts around 30 km of underground pathways that residents can use to dodge inclement weather while shopping and exploring. Each of the 17 property owners controls small sections of the corridors, making it essential for Tremblay to communicate with each one, a task that proved to be quite challenging at times. “There were no man’s lands where I had to pedal hard to find out who was the owner,” she recounts, reflecting on the intricate nature of the project.
As the event approaches, Tremblay is seen in action, ensuring everything is in place. On Thursday morning, she meets me in the food court of Carrefour Industrielle Alliance, the designated starting point for the race. Runners will set off in waves every 30 seconds, beginning with the speedsters. In 2024, approximately 1600 participants are expected to join this thrilling experience.
Throughout the course, Tremblay leads me through the labyrinth of corridors, assuring me, “For the race, we put arrows on the floor: impossible to get lost.” She emphasizes that there’s no option to take the escalators, as participants will encounter around 1000 steps to navigate during the race.
As we meander through the underground, Tremblay greets each security guard we pass, establishing connections. Should any construction disrupt our path, she’s prepared to collaborate with the site managers to ensure a smooth experience.
The course is anything but ordinary, winding its way through notable locations such as Place Montreal Trust, Eaton Centre, McGill station, and several others. The 1 km portion of the race, particularly popular with children, kicks off at the Palais des congrès.
Just as I start to feel the rhythm of the run, Tremblay informs me that we’ve already covered 4 km. “It’s like running cross-country in the woods: the distances seem to pass more quickly,” she notes, and she’s right. The course is filled with variety, keeping us engaged as we transition between different settings—not your average run in a sprawling shopping center. It’s truly an adventurous experience.
The finish line for both the 5 km and 1 km events is located within the Desjardins complex. Tremblay emphasizes that the event is designed for enjoyment, sharing that her sons, aged 5 and 8, will also take part in the 5 km this year. This event presents a fantastic opportunity to explore the underground marvels of Montreal—without the fear of losing your way!