Mad Tapper
Camp Fortune Classic
July 4, 2026, 9am
Camp Fortune, Chelsea, QC
Mad Trapper "Camp Fortune Classic" – Ottawa Trail Race
True Single-Track Running –
The Way It Was Meant to Be
The Mad Trapper Camp Fortune Classic is a premier Ottawa trail race held at Camp Fortune in Chelsea, Quebec — just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the heart of the Gatineau Hills. This summer trail running event features true forest singletrack, flowing elevation, and fully runnable terrain without ski-hill ascents.
I’ve been directing trail races in the Ottawa region since 2002, and my first events were held right here at Camp Fortune under the Five Peaks banner. When Five Peaks left the area, I continued hosting trail races at Camp Fortune under the Mad Trapper name, building a strong local trail running community in the Ottawa–Gatineau region. Like many events, the race paused during COVID. Now, trail racing at Camp Fortune returns — designed for runners who want authentic singletrack in one of the Ottawa area’s most iconic trail networks.
🍂 The Trails
Pure singletrack winding through the mountain bike trails of Camp Fortune
Roots, rocks, rollers, and rhythm
Technical enough to keep you honest — runnable enough to keep you flowing
No ski hills, no tall grass, no "intentional" mud
🌲 Distances for Every Runner
"Try-a-Trail 3K
Single 5k Loop option
Two 5k's = 10k option - grab some personal nutrition as you run past the lodge after your first lap
🍔 After the Race
Mad Trapper-style post-race BBQ hospitality
A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at the lodge
Stories shared, legs tired, smiles earned
Winners acknowledged, prizes randomly awarded
🏆 Why the "Classic"?
A return to traditional trail racing at Camp Fortune
Continuous singletrack instead of ski hill repeats
Early July conditions at their absolute best
RUNNERS..... Choose Your Distance!
3k "Try a Trail"
A welcoming introduction to trail running at Camp Fortune. I’ve kept the technical difficulty as low as possible while still giving you real Gatineau Hills terrain. Expect gentle elevation changes, a mix of singletrack and wider trail, and footing that builds confidence.
Challenging enough to feel proud.
Friendly enough to enjoy every step.
9am Start
$30 - Super Early Bird
5k "Mad" Course
A single loop of flowing Camp Fortune mountain bike singletrack. If a cyclist can ride it, you can run it.
Rolling elevation, roots, rocks, bridges, and constant twists and turns — but fully runnable from start to finish. Technical enough to demand focus. Smooth enough to find your rhythm.
This is pure trail flow.
9am Start
$50 - Super Early Bird
10.5k "Crazed" Course
Two laps of the Classic Loop.
You’ll pass through the start/finish area at 5K, making it easy to grab personal nutrition. Smart course design also means that if extreme heat becomes a factor, runners can safely stop after one lap without being stranded on top of a ski hill!
More rhythm. More elevation. More time on great singletrack.
Still no ski hill grind — just real trail running.
9am Start
$50 - Super Early Bird
Course/Loop Descriptions and Strava Map Links
Coming soon....
3km Loop
Coming soon....
Once the snow melts.
5km Loop
Coming soon.
Once the snow melts...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prerun the course prior to race day?
Yes! The maps will be available on Strava, so although the course won't be flagged until July 4th, you're welcome to run the trails as often as you like.
Is this race suitable for children?
What we've learned over the years is that Mad Trapper races are probably more suitable for children than adults! The trails are twisty, turny, with rocks and roots. Adults consider such things to be "obstacles", whereas the kids barely notice them. We had our youngest racer ever, 4 years old, complete the Mad Trapper Relentless course in 2025, and the 3k Camp Fortune Classic won't be any tougher than that.
Are there aid stations on the course?
There are no aid stations out on the trails. But the longest loop is only 5k, so you should be able either do without, or carry your own for that distance. We'll have water, electrolyte drink, and snacks at the Camp Fortune Lodge.
Can I get lost?
There are A LOT of trails at Camp Fortune and if you don't pay attention to the flags, there's a chance you'll run off course. But when it comes to getting "lost", you're at the region's most popular ski resort. It won't take you long before you bump into somebody. Or, just find your way down the hill and you'll end up in the parking lot.
Is there a cutoff time?
Nope, no cutoff. Take your time. Enjoy your surroundings. Some of the racers may have left by the time you cross the finish line, but I promise not to leave before you get back.
Where is Camp Fortune????
Camp Fortune is located in Chelsea, Quebec, in the heart of the Gatineau Hills — just minutes from Ottawa. The race trails are part of the region’s premier mountain bike and hiking network, offering technical forest singletrack without the exposed ski-hill terrain used in some other Camp Fortune events.
