Take on the mountain, one step at a time

It’s already been six years since the organizers of the Classique Salomon Tremblant first invited trail runners – newbies and experts – to an athletic challenge right on the mountain in the full-on Laurentian fall. The event, to be held this year on October 19, expects to see close to 700 participants on the beautiful Tremblant trails.

For Patrick Lussier, co-founder and race director of the event, the Classique Salomon provides the perfect opportunity to get started on trail running. Other than the 1-km distance, which invites children aged 12 and under to try a trail run in safe conditions, the runners can choose from among five different distances. The 3-, 5-, and 10-km courses allow for a gentle initiation into trail running.

For runners who want a tougher challenge, the 20-km distance provides that opportunity and lets its runners test themselves against a major trial. Lastly, with more than 1500 metres of altitude change to manage, the 30-km course certainly represent the event’s ultimate trial.

The ultimate challenge

“The 30-km distance represents close to three times the ascent and descent of the mountain,” explains race director Patrick Lussier, experienced runner and athlete ambassador of the Salomon Tremblant store. “It’s really a nice challenge, as is the 20 km which, all the same, represents the equivalent of two ascents,” he notes.

A “signature” course

According to Patrick, the 10 km is the most accessible and remains the most popular with runners. Laid out in a little-known section of the mountain which links together the Johannsen and the Sasquatch, the course provides a technical challenge and an altitude change of between 250 and 275 metres.

‘’The 10 km is really a course to discover,” says Patrick Lussier. “It takes participants into an ‘adventure’ section; this trail has been created specifically for the Classique Salomon and opens solely for the event,” he indicates. “It’s our signature, my own and that of Sean Kennedy (NDLR race co-director)”, he confides, adding that the 3-km and 5-km distances are also, “nice courses, accessible to many.”

Ecological refueling stations and safe trails

On the course, say goodbye to plastic bottles and glasses. The refueling stations require a degree of autonomy from participants. The runners have access to water pitchers and food, but they have to have had the foresight to bring along their own containers.

“We created the Classique in order to provide an end-of-season event to members of the Salomon Tremblant running club and to visitors who wanted to spend one more weekend at the mountain,” Patrick explains. “Obviously, we care about the environmental aspect, as we do about safety. That latter concern is why we blow all the leaves off the courses. Leaf-free trails are much safer for the runners.”

Trail running, one step at a time

Compared to road running, trail running demands constant attention. Because the topography of the terrain is ever-changing, it’s not a good idea to check your watch and try to establish a pace. It’s better to keep your eyes on where you’re putting your feet.

“Trail running isn’t easy,” Patrick Lussier concedes. “It’s much more demanding than running on asphalt. The terrain changes from one second to the next. It takes us out of our comfort zone and gives us the impression of being off on an adventure. When people start to like it, it’s not simply because exercise provides a feeling of well-being, but because it allows them to exceed their own expectations,” he concludes.

Let’s just mention in closing that a Salomon buff (a multi-purpose neck-warmer) is given to every participant. Registrations are going well. There are reduced registration fees until October 18.

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