Running a marathon is already an unusual feat. Among the 8,000 or so runners who will take on the various races of the Marathon Beneva de Québec tomorrow and Sunday, Simon-Pierre Leblanc will take on the queen race of 42.2 km twice rather than once.
That’s no small thing, especially considering the fact that this former smoker took up running 11 years ago, slowly but surely.
Since then, it’s been the sting. To the point where the one who is one of the ambassadors of the Marathon de Québec has even taken part in several ultramarathons, including what he describes as his “greatest racing adventure”, the Traversée de Charlevoix over 96 km in 2016.
Here he is again at the heart of an 84.4 km challenge, which he intends to complete in about 8 hours of effort, without however setting a clear performance objective.
“When I run, it’s just to promote fun and health benefits. If my challenge speaks to people, so much the better. If it doesn’t speak to them, that’s okay.
“I just want people to realize that long distance is a lot more accessible than they think. You just have to manage to put it in your head. It’s a question of mental, energy management and training,” said Leblanc this week.
A new motivation
However, as recently as 2018, the runner decided to slow down his ambitions in the world of racing, a question of redirecting his personal and professional objectives.
The father of a nine-month-old baby girl, he recently felt he was ready to put on the sneakers again for long hours. By taking part in the 34 km Runner’s Trail in May, the idea of doing the new Marathon Beneva de Québec course twice in a row germinated in her mind.
“I felt great and I said to myself: why not longer distances?” he said.
Whoever took part in two marathons before surprised himself with this enlightenment.
“When I did marathons before, I said to myself that ultimately, it was not my trip. Right now, I just want to run. I’m in good shape, I have time and I feel good in my new dad beat.
Another world
Those who are familiar with the world of running will understand that ultramarathons on trails and races on asphalt are two completely different worlds.
Simon-Pierre Leblanc is of course aware of this and that is why he does not undertake the challenge of running two marathons by taking himself too seriously.
“I go into this naively. I know that I risk suffering a blow when I’ll be around 60-65 km because I’m not trained properly for such a challenge. I’m anticipating the second 42.2 km, but since I’ve already done long distance events, I know I have what it takes to complete it.”
The start of the marathon is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. on Sunday. The 10 km event will be launched 15 minutes later and the half-marathon will take place at 9:50 a.m.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MURIEL LECLERC
Simon-Pierre Leblanc has taken part in various events on the Je Cours Qc circuit in the past.
A race for breast cancer: When Isabelle Fleury is in the heart of the marathon and her legs become heavy, her mom and her great friend will give her a little push in their own way.
No, the two relatives of the 46-year-old runner will not accompany her on the 42.2 km course, but it’s just like that. His mother will instead celebrate 15 years in remission from breast cancer.
“I am doing this race largely thinking of my mother and my friend, who is in treatment. It’s motivating because in these circumstances, you don’t want to disappoint and miss your shot, ”she said a few days before the event.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MURIEL LECLERC
In August 2021, Isabelle Fleury ran the half-marathon with her co-runner and longtime friend, Michel Bédard.
Seamstress Isabelle Fleury has launched her line of workout and yoga clothing, part of the proceeds of which are donated to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. For every piece of clothing sold since the launch three weeks ago, she promises to run 1 km in October. The marathon serves as the inauguration of his challenge.
“All I have to say is buy or donate to help fight this disease. To all women, get your annual checkups,” she implored.
Another good cause
The proud runner, who will be in her third marathon, also has another worthy cause in mind as she racks up the miles.
Member of the shared races of Quebec, she goes out every week with people with reduced mobility in adapted chairs, a question of allowing them to get out of their isolation.
“They will seek with us sensations that they can no longer experience. They feel our energy”, explained Isabelle Fleury about those who are considered in the group as co-runners.
Last year, she also participated in the Lévis half-marathon with a co-runner and longtime friend, Michel Bédard.
“From all points of view, I had my best race ever. The energy given by the crowd was multiplied by 1000. There are lots of friendships that are created by running with these people, ”she argued.
During the marathon, there will therefore be his mother, his friend and many people with reduced mobility who will inspire him.
“Of course, at times, I will miss having a co-runner who could have yelled at me to push me in the behind,” she laughed.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MURIEL LECLERC
In August 2021, Isabelle Fleury ran the half-marathon with her co-runner and longtime friend, Michel Bédard.