The Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 may have reached new heights in 2025, with over 1,400 participants, but the event’s modest beginnings didn’t destine it for such popularity and success 10 years later!
2015: 65 athletes sign up (most of whom are invited) with no idea what they’re getting themselves into…and neither do we!!!!
2016: an unparalleled edition… in mud! The harsh winter left plenty of snow and heavy rain on the program. The 170 runners didn’t see Percé Rock or Bonaventure Island!
2017: the first of Thomas Duhamel’s 3 consecutive 100-mile victories.
2018: young Newfoundlander Kelsey Hogan wins the 110 km! The following year, she becomes the first woman to complete the 100 miles with a time of 24 h 47 min.
2019: appearance of the “stage race” format with the 50 km distance over three days. This addition is a turning point in the event’s history!
2020: we offer the Gaspesia 100/Naak virtual challenge, in collaboration with Tourisme Gaspesie and Gaspésie Gourmande. At a time when the Covid19 pandemic is weakening many events in Quebec, this project offers us incredible visibility that will propel us on the road to rapid growth!
2021: a creative formula of small group departures allows us to present the event despite the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We even offer a 150-mile self-supported event for the first time!
2022: Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 editions for schoolchildren races 500 young Gaspesians!
2023: refinement of trail courses to enhance the overall experience
2024: all courses 55 km and under are now exempt from a time barrier, in line with the Pace du Bonheur principles.
2025: more than 1,400 runners will take the start and try to reach their goal!
Special mention goes to Guy Gilbert from Lac-Beauport, who has taken part in every UTG100 and is also the only person to complete both the 100-mile walk AND the 100-mile bike ride of the Gaspesia 100 MTB Marathon in the same month!
Despite the tried-and-tested formula for success, the Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 features a number of new features to enhance the experience for athletes;
- New 35 km start site
The village of Barachois is now home to the start of the 35 km race, allowing athletes to discover the fabulous sandbar that leads to Coin-du-Banc before disappearing into the mountains! The start will be on Chemin des Coteaux, which offers a unique view of the Grand-Percé, far from the usual tourist routes!
- New Trans-Percé 75 and Trans-Percé 25
The popular Trans-Percé events now have beginner formulas totalling 25 km over three days, and a 75 km formula halfway between the 50 km and 100 km.
- 100 miles 10th anniversary
Our 100-mile event is one of the toughest in the country, with a graduation rate below 25%. We invited the 40 or so finishers to participate in a special event, just for them!
The importance of volunteers
It’s quite a challenge to recruit the 100 or so volunteers needed to deliver the 33-hour event at the start of the tourist season in a small town like Percé! That’s why participating runners will be asked to give their time on the sidelines to ensure the event’s success. Of course, the volunteer recognition policy will also be available, allowing you to accumulate points that can be exchanged for participation credits! To join the team.
World-class scenery!
Once again this year, the event will offer the best of the Percé area’s off-road trails, characterized by their great beauty and high level of difficulty. Runners will be treated to a succession of scenes depicting some of North America’s most beautiful seascapes, on both the public and “Ultras” courses. All Gaspesia 100 Ultra Trail routes follow the trails of the Percé UNESCO World Geopark, offering world-class views.
The UTG100 internationally
Once again this year, the Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100 is recognized by the International Trail Running Association. The courses of the 25, 35, 55, 85, 110 and 165 races, as well as the TP50, TP75 and TP100, will enable runners to accumulate points for the ITRA National League, an exciting new national championship!
Registration
Please note that it is possible to register or transfer a registration before midnight on May 31 for all events in the Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100.