This October, runners and walkers will embark on a postcard-perfect course that winds through the most beautiful streets of the City of Quebec. The marathon course, revamped in 2022, stands out for its ‘postcard’ and urban character, showcasing the City of Quebec’s finest attractions, a jewel of world heritage. The …
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This October, runners and walkers will embark on a postcard-perfect course that winds through the most beautiful streets of the City of Quebec. The marathon course, revamped in 2022, stands out for its ‘postcard’ and urban character, showcasing the City of Quebec’s finest attractions, a jewel of world heritage. The route crosses three boroughs and nine neighborhoods. It offers a condensed city tour and a superb athletic challenge with the vibrant colors of autumn!
All the courses for events held as part of the Quebec City Marathon are measured according to international standards and certified by Athletics Canada. As a result, participating runners can use them to qualify for marathons such as the Boston Marathon.
The event is awarded GOLD status by Athlétisme Québec.
Je Cours Qc is a series of five major running events at the heart of picturesque Quebec City and the surrounding area. The series includes the Marathon de Québec — now the second biggest road racing event in Quebec—the Demi-marathon Oasis de Lévis, the Trail du Coureur des Bois de Québec, the Descente Royale de Québec and the Défi des escaliers de Québec.
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Hilly tough course
They redid the course and moved the date from Aug to Oct so this review will be based on just the new course. Nothing to compare it to from previous … MORE
They redid the course and moved the date from Aug to Oct so this review will be based on just the new course. Nothing to compare it to from previous years.
Expo – easy packet pick up. Lots of nice people. Not a lot of expo exhibitors so easy in easy out
Start – about 1900 people in the marathon. Nice smooth start right on time.
Weather – had perfect weather. In the mid 30’s at the start warming to sunny and in the 40’s
Course – hilly hilly hilly. First 4 miles downhill thru Old Quebec then about 8 miles out and back on really nice bike path thru greenery and parks. Then mile 12 thru 17 are straight back up hill back to Old Quebec. Then 2 or 3 miles thru a park then the last 7 or 8 miles out a main road thru a neighborhood and bac again. Rolling hills the whole way. The trees were changing and the whole area is awash in color.
Just as a warning – on the website there are timing checkpoints and a marathon time limit of 6 hours. These checkpoints are enforced. Saw them loading people up on buses that didn’t make the times. Nobody on the results page with finish time greater than 6 hours.
Swag – very nice designed medal. Not to big or small. Official marathon merchandise was very limited in a very small booth at the expo
Crowd – lots of tourist cutting in and across the road. So beware. But lots of nice people cheering you on everywhere.