Forced to rest for two years due to the pandemic, the Marathon de Québec was starting to have ants in its legs. Runners will finally be able to stretch their legs by celebrating its big comeback marked by a brand new course.
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The flagship running event in the capital announced its colors on Thursday, live from Place Jean-Béliveau, which will become “the heart” of this 23rd edition of the Marathon de Québec scheduled for September 30 to October 2. This is where the start and finish lines will be placed and where a festive square will be set up.
To mark this great comeback, the route has been modified over more than 50% of its length, i.e. 22.4 kilometres. “We had to review and revisit the route, among other things because of the preparation work for the tramway and also the future construction sites”, explained Marianne Pelchat, executive producer of Gestev.
Photo courtesy Mathieu Belanger
After the start, the marathon runners will walk the streets of Limoilou, before heading to Old Quebec. They will follow the St. Lawrence River then join the Saint-Louis district, in Sainte-Foy to return to the city center and then descend towards Saint-Roch. After passing through Saint-Sauveur, the athletes will follow the Saint-Charles River before heading for the finish line.
“We worked very, very hard to keep the soul and the essence of what the course is […] that we like to call a postcard,” said Ms. Pelchat.
Photo courtesy Mathieu Belanger
Still so popular
The event’s absence from the capital’s sporting landscape had no effect on its popularity. Some 8,000 runners are expected for the various events. In 2019, they were 8300 to have taken the start.
Among the registrants, about 46% come from outside, says Ms. Pelchat. A statistic that pleases the mayor of Quebec and great racing enthusiast, Bruno Marchand.
“These are people who generally come to spend, for some of them, more than a day [à Québec]. They take the opportunity to extend their stay. […] It’s good for Quebec,” said Mr. Marchand, confirming at the same time that he will be on the starting line for the 10 km or 21 km.
He does not rule out one day trying his luck in a marathon.
The route in brief
- 23and edition of the Quebec City Marathon
- Departure and arrival will be at ExpoCité
- A festive zone will be set up at Place Jean-Béliveau
- 8000 runners expected
- 22.4 kilometers of “new” course
- 3 boroughs and 9 neighborhoods will be visited
Source: Gestev