Le Programme Esprits des Chic-Chocs met en lumière des personnes qui incarnent profondément l'esprit du trail et de l’Ultra Trail des Chic-Chocs. Pour être admissibles, les candidats doivent démontrer un lien authentique avec la pratique du trail et déposer leur candidature dans l’une des trois catégories suivantes, avant la date limite d'inscription fixée au 12 janvier 2026 :
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• Les Grosses Pointures – Pour les athlètes dont les performances récentes, la cote ITRA, l’historique en course et la visibilité témoignent d’un niveau exceptionnel. Cette catégorie reconnaît celles et ceux qui repoussent les limites du possible et dont l’excellence sportive inspire l’ensemble de la communauté.
• Les Backpacks – Pour celles et ceux qui font rayonner le trail grâce à leur engagement bénévole et communautaire : implication soutenue dans les événements de trail au Québec, soutien essentiel aux organisations, dévouement, générosité et contribution concrète au développement de la culture du trail.
• Les Inspirant·es – Pour les personnes dont le parcours personnel touche et inspire : histoire marquée par une transformation significative, une résilience remarquable face à l’adversité, une attitude profondément positive et un impact humain fort sur leur entourage ou la communauté.
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Les lauréat·e·s s'engagent à partager leur expérience UTCC 2026 avec l’équipe des communications, que ce soit sous forme de court témoignage, de retour d’expérience ou de capsule vidéo. L’annonce des personnes retenues sera transmise à la fin janvier 2026.
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Au total, 10 candidat·e·s seront sélectionné·e·s par le comité UTCC, et 2 autres seront choisis par la communauté. La sélection finale respectera une parité hommes-femmes afin de refléter la diversité et l’équilibre qui caractérisent notre événement.
Although trail running is a sport that brings people together and is more about pushing yourself than competing, it is important to recognize the outstanding performances of our community's athletes.
Thanks to our program Les Grosses Pointures, we are awarding bibs to athletes who have made their mark in recent seasons.
​
Selection criteria:
✓ ITRA rating
✓ Recent performance(s)
✓ History and visibility
​
Deadline: until the bibs are awarded
You will receive a response within 30 days of your request.
Although trail running is a sport that brings people together and is more about pushing yourself than competing, it is important to recognize the outstanding performances of our community's athletes.
Thanks to our program Les Grosses Pointures, we are awarding bibs to athletes who have made their mark in recent seasons.
​
Selection criteria:
✓ ITRA rating
✓ Recent performance(s)
✓ History and visibility
​
Deadline: until the bibs are awarded
You will receive a response within 30 days of your request.
Although trail running is a sport that brings people together and is more about pushing yourself than competing, it is important to recognize the outstanding performances of our community's athletes.
Thanks to our program Les Grosses Pointures, we are awarding bibs to athletes who have made their mark in recent seasons.
​
Selection criteria:
✓ ITRA rating
✓ Recent performance(s)
✓ History and visibility
​
Deadline: until the bibs are awarded
You will receive a response within 30 days of your request.
Although trail running is a sport that brings people together and is more about pushing yourself than competing, it is important to recognize the outstanding performances of our community's athletes.
Thanks to our program Les Grosses Pointures, we are awarding bibs to athletes who have made their mark in recent seasons.
​
Selection criteria:
✓ ITRA rating
✓ Recent performance(s)
✓ History and visibility
​
Deadline: until the bibs are awarded
You will receive a response within 30 days of your request.
NEW IN 2024: THE BACKPACKS
Because performance isn't all that counts, we've decided to reward athletes of all levels who are present at every event, whether to run, volunteer or cheer. It's participants like these who keep the trail culture alive, and that's something worth celebrating.
​
Selection criteria:
✓ Active participation in Quebec trail events
✓ Volunteering in the trail community
✓ Influence, altruism, dedication and persistence
For this program, you can apply for yourself or nominate another athlete.
​
Deadline: until the bibs are awarded
You will receive a response within 30 days of your request.
NEW IN 2024: THE BACKPACKS
Because performance isn't all that counts, we've decided to reward athletes of all levels who are present at every event, whether to run, volunteer or cheer. It's participants like these who keep the trail culture alive, and that's something worth celebrating.
​
Selection criteria:
✓ Active participation in Quebec trail events
✓ Volunteering in the trail community
✓ Influence, altruism, dedication and persistence
For this program, you can apply for yourself or nominate another athlete.
​
Deadline: until the bibs are awarded
You will receive a response within 30 days of your request.