Défi du printemps Rouge et Or 2026

This page is kept as a past race archive for the Apr 12, 2026 edition in Québec, QC. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category. You can also browse the 2026 race calendar.

Défi du printemps Rouge et Or returns to Québec City on April 12, 2026, presented by Rouge et Or de l'Université Laval. The spring running festival takes place on and around the university's stadium complex, drawing local clubs, families and student athletes for a compact morning of racing.

The program features a 1 km children's race and a 5 km open race. The children's 1 km starts at 10:00, while the 5 km runs in two waves keyed to pace: a "vague rapide" (under 25 minutes) at 10:30 and a "vague loisirs" at 11:00. Runners can expect a single-day schedule that lets families watch multiple starts and finish lines within a two-hour window.

What distinguishes Défi du printemps is its university setting at Stade Telus / PEPS — easy parking on event weekend, on-site changing rooms, and a compact course that keeps start and finish close to facilities and the spectator areas. The event maintains competitive touches (timing and age-category awards) alongside family-friendly features such as a dedicated kids' race and clear logistics: bib pickup windows on Friday afternoon and race morning, medical coverage on site, and controlled street closures to keep the course safe.

Registration is open through the event's official entry site; fees vary by registration period. The organizer permits registration transfers and refunds (subject to the published policy), and bib pickup details, parking maps and full race instructions are available through the event's registration and organizer pages.

• Start/finish at Stade Telus – Université Laval (PEPS complex); bib pickup at PEPS entrance near ticket office
• 5 km course run in two waves (10:30 fast / 11:00 leisure); 1 km children's race at 10:00
• Event uses campus roads and stadium approaches with street closures in place during the race
• PEPS facilities available for participants: indoor changing rooms (bring a lock and towel) and on-site parking free on event weekend

• Family-friendly children's race: a dedicated 1 km for kids starts at 10:00, keeping families involved and close to the action
• Two 5K waves by pace: separate "vague rapide" (sub-25) and "vague loisirs" waves let competitive and recreational runners share the same course
• Stadium-centred logistics: start and finish at Stade Telus / PEPS with nearby changing rooms and weekend parking
• Race-day convenience: Friday afternoon and Saturday morning bib pickup windows plus on-site first aid and traffic control for a smooth morning
• Age-category awards: podium recognition for top finishers in each age category