The Laval Firefighters' Race, Reinvented

A Virtual Race to Keep the Flame Alive

Laval, February 4, 2021 — The Laval Firefighters’ Run, scheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2021, will take place in a modified format this year. Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Laval has opted for a virtual event to ensure the safety of participants and comply with Quebec Public Health guidelines. This decision follows the cancellation, for the same reasons, of the 2021 Grande Fête des pompiers, which was also scheduled for June.

Several participation requirements have been adjusted to accommodate as many people as possible. As a result, runners will be able to choose their own route in their neighborhood or even work out on a treadmill. Furthermore, they won’t be limited to June 6: they can take on the challenge at any time between May 28 and June 13, 2021. Finally, they’ll have the option to walk the desired distance in the city.

“Held every year, the Firefighters’ Run is an event that Laval residents enjoy and look forward to. Some of them even start training a year in advance to make sure they’re in top shape. Now more than ever, residents need opportunities to stay active; switching the race to a virtual format is an excellent way to make that happen,” said Sandra Desmeules, executive committee member and city councilor for Concorde–Bois-de-Boulogne.

“Despite the current circumstances, we were determined to hold this annual event to continue supporting the Quebec Firefighters’ Foundation for Severe Burn Victims, as the need remains as great as ever. That said, we had to ensure the safety of our participants while offering them an appealing experience,” explains Patrick Taillefer, director of the Laval Fire Department. 

Registration is now open
Children and adults can register for the virtual race right now. Laval residents aged 17 and under are eligible for a discounted rate. This year’s race distances 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 longer), a participation medal, an entry into partner contests, and access to the results platform. Participants will be able to record their times using a mobile app linked to the platform. Those who have already registered will receive details on these options via email.

A section dedicated to businesses and organizations
The Corporate Challenge invites 100 Laval-based organizations and businesses to rally their teams around an activity and compete to win the very first edition of this challenge, which is exclusively for the business community.

The funds raised during the Firefighters’ Run and the Corporate Challenge will be donated to the Quebec Firefighters’ Foundation for Severe Burn Victims. These funds will help finance research and rehabilitation programs, purchase specialized equipment, fund a summer camp for children, and provide assistance to victims and their families through the Foundation’s emergency and direct assistance fund.

For more information, visit the event's website

Media Relations
City of Laval
Communications and Marketing Department
Anne-Marie Braconnier
Public Affairs Manager
450 680-2343
medias@laval.ca

Mayor's Office
Alexandre Banville
Director of Communications
514 772-2984
a.banville@laval.ca