The seventh round of the World Trail Majors series is heading to Canada for the upcoming edition of the Quebec Mega Trail. Taking place from July 2–5, 2026, around the Mont-Sainte-Anne resort, the event expects to draw a substantial crowd, with 4,000 runners representing 25 different nationalities set to participate across the race schedule.
The event represents a significant fixture for the World Trail Majors, an international non-profit association of ten independent ultra and trail races. By partnering with prominent events across multiple continents, the organisation aims to extend its reach within the world of trail running and ultra marathons, promoting the sport in a diverse and sustainable manner while maintaining the original spirit of trail running.
The flagship long-distance Quebec Mega Trail race, the QMT135, features a 134km course with 6,000m of cumulative elevation gain. The race is scheduled to begin on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 20:00 UTC-5, and organisers have confirmed that the entire long-distance event will be broadcast live internationally to expand the reach of the festival to fans and spectators.
Among the 4,000 runners, the women’s field features several contenders. Anne Champagne, who finished second in the inaugural international World Trail Majors series, returns to her home race as a strong contender. Her main competition is expected to come from Valérie Arsenault, who recently secured a ninth-place finish at the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail, alongside Amanda Nelson, Julie Lechage, and Elisabeth Cauchon.
The men’s QMT135 division remains highly competitive, with athletes aiming to challenge the course record of 17:18:05. Kamil Lesniak of Poland is expected to contend alongside Spain’s Manuel Anguita.
The UK is represented by two entrants: Robbie Britton, who secured eleventh at the Mt FUJI 100 in April, and Simon Withers. Simon Withers placed ninth in the previous World Trail Majors series and enters the Canadian event just three weeks after finishing sixth at the South Downs Way 100 in the UK. The international lineup also features Australia’s Quinton Gill, France’s David Savard-Gagnon, as well as Canada’s Antoine Jolicoeur-Desroches and 20-year-old Philippe Poulin.
In addition to the long-distance event, the shorter-distance series expands the reach of the organisation. The QMT50 forms part of the Short Series by World Trail Majors and will double as the Canadian Trail Running Championships. This 51km race features 2,300m of elevation gain and begins on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 08:30 UTC-5.
In the women’s 51km event, Ikram Rharshalla of Spain enters as a top seed, aiming to secure points toward the Short Series title following a prior victory at The North Face Transgrancanaria marathon. She will compete against defending champion Élisa Morin, as well as Jade Belzberg, Stephanie Ryall, Karol-Ann Roy, Carol-Ann Rolle, and Courtney Brohart.
The men’s 51km championship field includes defending champion Dany Racine, and Alexandre Ricard, Joshua Potvin, Christopher Lévesque-Savard, Chris Balestrini, François Leboeuf, Shaun Stephens-Whale, and Brandon Gardiner.
The competitive reach of the event in Canada is further expanded in 2026 through additional designations. The QMT80 will also serve as a component of the Canadian trail running championships, while the QMT30 has been selected as the first Canadian race to join the Golden Trail World Series.
The host venue, Mont-Sainte-Anne, is utilising the influx of 4,000 runners and associated spectators to expand its summer tourism offerings. The region has a history of hosting international sports, having previously accommodated the Mountain Bike World Cup for over 30 years.
The World Trail Majors association continues to build its international presence through its ten member races. The current international collective includes the Anta Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon, Black Canyon Ultras, The North Face Transgrancanaria, Mt FUJI 100, MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail, South Downs Way 100, Quebec Mega Trail, Vietnam Mountain Marathon, Grampians Peaks Trail 100 Miler, and RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town.
www.ultratrailcanada.com
www.worldtrailmajors.com
