Linear
4,380 m
1,139 m
22 hrs
8
100
18 +
course
This linear race takes off from the banks of the Rivière Cap-Chat, at the bottom of Mont Nicol-Albert. Following the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) for almost 88 km, the finish is at the UTCC Village at the foot of Mont Albert. The first part of the race takes you through the Réserve faunique de Matane before entering the Parc national de la Gaspésie.
You'll start your journey with a beautiful, gradual 10 km ascent to the summit of Mont Matawee, a Chic-Chocs favorite with views of Mont Collins and the St. Lawrence River. You'll then leave the Réserve Faunique de Matane to enter the Parc national de la Gaspésie and reach the summit of Mont Logan at 1150 m altitude. The remainder of the IAT up to Lac Thibault will take you over several peaks over 1000 m in altitude, while remaining on highly technical trails. However, there are a few places where you can stretch your legs even further.
The second section is a real eye-catcher, with passes over Pic-du-Brûlé, Mont du Milieu and the mythical Mont-Albert, the emblematic figure of the Chic-Chocs. Once again, the elevation gain on this section is considerable. The final kilometers at the bottom of Mont-Albert and along the Rivière Sainte-Anne will take you to the finish line at the UTCC Village.
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY
The UTCC takes place in the protected area of caribou habitat, a vulnerable species, so the race course could be modified if a sector is closed due to the presence of individuals on the trail.
CHECKPOINTS
PETIT-SAULT / 0 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
RUISSEAU BASCON / 7 KM / FIRST AID
NYCTALE / 18 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
CAROUGE / 28 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
HUARD - LAC THIBAULT / 38 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
PIC-DU-BRÛLÉ / 52 KM / FIRST AID
CASCAPEDIA / 57 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
LA PARULINE / 67 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
LA GRANDE CUVE / 78 KM / FIRST AID
LA SERPENTINE / 81 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
UTCC VILLAGE / 88 KM / LIQUID AND SOLID
time limits
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Lac Matane : Saturday 1 a.m.
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Petit Sault : Saturday 1:50 p.m.
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Huard (Lac Thibault) : Sunday 1:10 a.m.
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Cascapédia : Sunday 6:45 a.m.
PREREQUISITES
For safety reasons, due to the technical nature of the course and the remote environment where the event takes place, a prerequisite is required to register for the 170 km.
To participate, you must have completed an official race of 50 km or more within the last 3 years (2023 to 2025).
The UTCC-45 is the only race under 50 km that qualifies for the UTCC-88. To be recognized, you must have completed the 45 km within the time limits.
What is not accepted:
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A stage race
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A distance completed outside an event (e.g., personal challenge, training)
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The Backyard format
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A road race
This requirement will be verified during registration by submitting the results of this race.
crew
Given the complexity of the terrain, it is strongly recommended that participants in the 88 km have a support crew.
Support crews may meet their runner at the following aid stations:
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Lac Thibault: km 38
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Lac Cascapédia: km 57
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Only one vehicle with a team of 2 people will be allowed.
Registration opens: Winter 2026
pacers
Due to capacities dictated by our ministerial agreements, pacers will not be permitted on UTCC-88.
SHUTTLE
DEPARTURE: Saturday, 4:30 a.m.
MEETING POINT: UTCC Village
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Please make sure you have picked up your race bib before boarding.
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Arrive 15 minutes early.
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Shuttle seats are reserved for bib holders only.
drop bags
2 drop bags allowed.
You will have access to your bag at the aid stations:
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Lac Thibault km-38
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Lac Cascapédia km-57
You have to drop-off your bag at the Village UTCC during your check-in. Bags will be available for pick up on Sunday.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
MINIMUM 1.5 L WATER RESERVOIR
ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS
CLOSED-TOE RUNNING SHOES
INTERMEDIATE LAYER
TUQUE
WHISTLE
RETRACTABLE GLASS OR CUP
HEADLAMP WITH SPARE BATTERY
CELL PHONE IN A WATERPROOF BAG
WATER PURIFICATION TABLET OR WATER BOTTLE WITH FILTER
CAP OR BUFF
WATERPROOF JACKET
LONG TROUSERS
GLOVES
SPOON AND/OR FORK
SURVIVAL BLANKET (140 cm x 200 cm)
BASIC FIRST AID KIT
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
SPARE SHOES AND SOCKS
HIKING POLES AND/OR CRAMPONS
2nd HEADLAMP
WARM COAT FOR ALL CONDITIONS
Bells are prohibited to avoid disturbing wildlife,
specifically the caribou.
There will be single use dishes on-site.
