Having been a race director for 11 years, I sometimes hear: “Why would I pay to participate in a race? Running is free!” Well, yes, it’s true, running is an affordable sport that requires little in the way of equipment and can be practised alone and just about anywhere. And we encourage you to train, morning, noon or night.

But what else? Perhaps you have already felt that running with a friend is more motivating than running alone. Imagine the effect of running with 2,500 people! You feel lighter, suddenly, carried on a wave of energy. That’s what the Demi-Marathon Mont-Tremblant provides: feeling the energy of running during an emotionally charged day. Your experience starts early in the morning when you approach the starting line. You feel, in the frenzy of final preparations, the excitement of the other runners and the support of your family. Throughout the run, you appreciate the magnificent landscape and the hundreds of people who encourage you. And then, when you cross the finish line, it’s a party!

For us, every participant who crosses the finish line, running or walking, is a champion. You hear your name on the loudspeakers; you receive a medal, a full lunch and a good, cold beer. You are welcomed like a king at the big after-race celebrations where the entertainment is full-on: exhibitors, inflatable games, music, medals ceremony, draws, encounters, picnics on the grass and more. And there’s the 1-km children’s event. A magical moment as hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals watch the little legs churning and encourage the youngsters the whole length of the 1000 metres. The rue de Saint-Jovite is on fire for those 15 minutes!

We are preparing a complete event in which no detail is left to chance. Open to the public and free for all, our expo-event lasts two days, August 11 and 12, at the Fil-de-l’Eau park behind city hall. We provide free training sessions all summer, we print your name on your bib, we offer a daycare service, and more….

Why do our team members, our partners and many volunteers work so hard to prepare a single day of racing? Because we want every participant to have a truly memorable experience.

So when I’m asked why you have to register to run, I answer: “Because the Demi-Marathon Mont-Tremblant is so much more than a run!”

Dominique Langelier
Race Director, Demi-Marathon Mont-Tremblant

Come live this big running event on Sunday, August 12. Registration for the four distances (1, 5, 10 or 21.1 km) is online: www.demimarathontremblant.com Spectators, volunteers and passersby who want to feel the running spirit are all welcome!