August 21st - 23th, 2026
Linear
4,380 m
1,139 m
22 hrs
8
100
18 +
course
This linear race takes off from the banks of the Cap-Chat River, 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.
prerequisite
For safety reasons, given the technical nature of the course and the remote environment in which the event takes place, a prerequisite is required in order to register for the 88 km.
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To be eligible, you must have completed an official race of 50 km or more within the last 3 years (2023 to 2025).​
UTCC-45 is the only race under 50 km that qualifies for UTCC-88. For it to be recognized, you must have completed the 45 km within the time limits.
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Not accepted:
- Stage races
- A distance done outside an event (e.g. personal challenge, training)
- Backyard formula
- A road race
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This condition will be verified at registration by submitting the results of this race.
crew
Crews will be able to join their runners at these aid stations only:
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Lac Thibault : km-38
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Lac Cascapédia : km-57
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Only 1 vehicle with a team of 2 people will be allowed.
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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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Be sure to pick up your race number before boarding.
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Please arrive 15 min prior to boarding.
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Shuttle seats are reserved for registered athletes.
drop bags
2 drop bags allowed.
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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
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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 water reserve of 1.5 L
Energy supplements
Closed-toe running shoes
Mid-layer
Beanie
Whistle
Retractable glass or cup
Headlamp
Cellphone in a waterproof bag
Water purification tables or bottle with filter
Cap or Buff
Waterproof jacket
Long pants
Gloves
Spoon and/or fork
Survival blanket (140 cm x 200 cm)
Basic first-aid kit
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Spare shoes and socks
Trekking poles or crampons
2nd headlamp
Warm coat for all weather conditions
Bells are prohibited to avoid disturbing wildlife, specifically the caribou.
There will be single use dishes on-site.