A virtual race to keep the flame burning
Laval, February 4, 2021 - The Course des pompiers de Laval, scheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2021, will be held this year in an adapted format. In the uncertain context linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ville de Laval has turned to a virtual edition in order to ensure the safety of participants and comply with Quebec Public Health guidelines. This decision follows the cancellation, for the same reasons, of the Grande Fête des pompiers 2021, also scheduled for June.
Several conditions of participation have been adjusted to accommodate as many people as possible. Runners will be able to choose the route of their choice in their neighborhood, or even get active on their treadmill. What's more, they won't be limited to June 6: they can take up the challenge at any time between May 28 and June 13, 2021. In the end, they'll have the option of walking any distance in the city.
"Held every year, the Course des pompiers is an event that is much appreciated and eagerly awaited by the people of Laval. Some of them even start training a year in advance to ensure they're fully fit. Now more than ever, citizens need opportunities to stay active, and transforming the race into a virtual format is an excellent way to achieve this," says Sandra Desmeules, member of the executive committee and councillor for Concorde-Bois-de-Boulogne.
"Despite the current context, we were keen to maintain this annual event in order to continue supporting the Fondation des pompiers du Québec pour les grands brûlés, as the needs are as great as ever. That said, we had to ensure the safety of our participants, while offering them an attractive formula," explains Patrick Taillefer, Director of Service sécurité incendie de Laval.
Registration underway
Children and adults can register for the virtual race now. Laval residents aged 17 and under can take advantage of special rates. The distances on this year's program are 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km. Each runner will receive a virtual bib, access to free training programs, an official T-shirt (for distances of 5 km and more), a participation medal, a voice in partner competitions and access to the results platform. Participants will be able to record their times using a mobile application linked to the platform. Those already registered will receive the various options by e-mail.
A section dedicated to companies and organizations
The Défi corporatif offers 100 Laval organizations and companies the chance to mobilize their troops around an activity and get into competition mode, with the aim of winning the very first edition of this challenge reserved for the business community.
Proceeds from the Firefighters' Race and Corporate Challenge will be donated to the Fondation des pompiers du Québec pour les grands brûlés. They will be used to fund research and rehabilitation programs, purchase specialized equipment, finance a summer camp for children, and help victims and their families through the Foundation's emergency and direct assistance fund.
For more information, visit the event website
Media relations
Ville de Laval
Communications and Marketing Department
Anne-Marie Braconnier
Public Affairs Manager
450 680-2343
[email protected]
Mayor's Office
Alexandre Banville
Director of Communications
514 772-2984
[email protected]
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