Défi des Escaliers
Québec City, Canada • 20 Jun 2026
Défi des Escaliers
The Défi des Escaliers is an urban running event held in the heart of Quebec City. The course takes participants through the various staircases connecting the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) and Upper Town (Haute-Ville), alternating between climbs and descents. The 2025 edition features its start and finish lines at Parc de l'Esplanade, with all routes concluding in the city center.
The event is sanctioned as a Silver level competition by Athlétisme Québec. Runners experience a combination of road running and stair climbing, navigating the city's architectural landscape. The following distances are available:
- 19 km Fizz: includes nearly 40 staircases and a total of 2,468 steps.
- 14 km: features approximately 30 staircases for a total of 2,404 steps.
- 9 km: covers around 20 staircases for a total of 1,367 steps.
- 4 km: an introductory distance including 16 staircases and 520 steps.
- 2 km: a dedicated youth race for children aged 5 to 12.
Time limits are enforced for each category, ranging from 4 hours for the longest distance to 30 minutes for the youth race. Walking starts are specifically organized for the 9 km and 4 km distances. Detailed maps and elevation profiles are provided for each course to assist participants in their preparation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.