(Montreal) Running the 4,500 kilometer journey made by monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico: this is the ambitious project of ultramarathoner Anthony Battah, who will begin his titanic journey on July 29.
The lawyer by profession will run an average of 50 kilometers a day, for 90 days, to follow the migratory trajectory of the monarch butterfly from Montreal to Mexico.
Why take on such a challenge? To inspire people “to take action” in terms of protecting the environment and biodiversity.
The monarch is an endangered species, whose populations in North America “have experienced a considerable decline in recent years”, can we read on the Environment Canada website.
“I have this ability to be able to run very long distances. I came across the story of the monarch which touched me. He’s the ultra-marathoner par excellence, he’s done this distance every year for a very long time,” says Mr. Battah.
I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself, but also, through this challenge, to inspire people to do something in their respective field of activity or interest.
Anthony Battah
The ultra-marathoner hopes to arrive in the Michoacán region of Mexico around the 1er november. This is an area where the monarch butterfly spends the winter.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Anthony Battah
Mr. Battah expects to be slowed down on his journey at times due to weather conditions, his physical condition or to ensure the well-being of his family. He will be accompanied by his partner and his 10-year-old daughter, Laurence.
The runner’s project launches “two calls to action”. “The first is to protect or create habitats for the monarch. It’s super simple, we plant milkweed which is a native plant and the host plant of the monarch butterfly. It is the only plant on which it can reproduce and feed,” explains Mr. Battah.
The second is a fundraising campaign. He hopes to raise $4.5 million to help protect the monarch butterfly. The prize pool currently stands at nearly $18,000.
Planned stops, others improvised
Anthony Battah’s departure for the “Ultra-Trail Monarque” will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, at the Montreal Insectarium. The public is invited to the event and those who wish will be able to run part of Mr. Battah’s first day’s route.
Those who wish can arrive on site from 7:30 a.m. A yoga class will be offered free of charge.
Representatives of the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec are also expected.
The first day of the marathon runner will end in the municipality of Vaudreuil, where an event is organized. During his trip, Mr. Battah planned some stops in different cities. However, since several unforeseen events could occur, it is difficult for him to guarantee his presence. Many stops will therefore be improvised.
To prepare for this challenge, Mr. Battah surrounded himself with professionals, including coaches, a psychologist, a doctor and a chiropractor. He has been training for this specific project for a year.
“I want us to do something, anything, significant, to protect biodiversity, the environment, he says. If I am able to run 4500 kilometers to get to the center of Mexico, it is certain that everyone has the ability to take a small step more than currently to join forces. »
This dispatch was produced with financial assistance from the Meta Exchange and The Canadian Press for News.