Mad Trapper Relentless – Trail Races and 50K Ultra
3k to 50k options
October 3, 2026
"The Ark" in Denholm, QC
(40 minutes from Ottawa)
True Singletrack. Sustained Elevation. No Cutoff Times.
It's Called "Relentless" for a Reason
Ultra Trail Race | 50K, 30K, 21K, 10K, 5K & 3K
The Mad Trapper Relentless is a fall ultra and trail race held at The Ark in Denholm, Quebec — just north of Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills. Distances range from 3K to 50K, including 21K, 30K, and 50K ultra options. The 21k, 30k and 50K distances are now recognized on the UTMB Index.
Expect true singletrack, sustained elevation, and peak fall forest terrain. Whether you're stepping up to your first half marathon or testing yourself over 50 kilometres, Relentless is designed to challenge you without rushing you. There are no cutoff times. If you’re still moving, we’re still waiting.
🍂 The Trails
True single-track through the Gatineau Hills
Twists, turns, roots, rocks, ups, and downs
Peak fall colours at their brightest
🌲 Distances for Every Runner
Family-friendly 3K & 5K
10K & 21K for new and experienced runners
30K & 50K for those who want the ultimate challenge
🍔 After the Race
Legendary post-race BBQ prepared by Monique
A warm, welcoming community atmosphere
Celebrate your effort with friends old and new
🏆 Why Relentless?
Canada’s longest-running trail race series (since 2002)
Trails that challenge you and scenery that inspires you
Distances for all levels — from first-timers to seasoned ultra runners
RUNNERS..... Choose Your Distance!
3k "Try a Trail"
The truth is The Ark is located on some pretty rugged terrain. But I've done my best to make the Try a Trail as "newbie friendly" as possible. But there is some elevation change and about equal amounts of technical single track and straight forward double track.
10am Start
5k "Mad" Course
The 5k "Mad Course" is a single loop of twisty-turny single track. There is some elevation gain, but there is actually a decent "flat" section now and no killer hills. There is certainly nothing here you can't handle.
10am Start
10k "Crazed" Course
This is also a single loop and possesses a little bit of everything... The 5k "Mad Course" is in there, plus there's a decent truly flat that borders my neighbor's hay field, plus there is the "mountain climb".... Let's just say your legs will feel it!
10am Start
For those who like to suffer a bit longer...
21k of "Insanity"
The 21k of Insanity is simply 2 loops of the 10.5k Crazed Course. This means you get to do the first 1.5k of technical trail TWICE. The long climb to the top of the "mountain" TWICE. But you also get to do the downhill cruise from 7.5k to 9.5k TWICE! Trust me, your legs are going to feel it.
8am Start
30k "Hybrid"
Is this a road race or a trail race? It's a HYBRID! You'll start with an 18k gravel road loop that runs south from the Ark. It's an undulating loop with some terrific fall colours views. Then, once you return to The Ark, you'll head out for a single lap of the 10.5 km single track course. Should be a challenging, albeit fun, course!
8am Start
The 50k "Ultra"
Racers will begin with a 18k gravel road prologue in a loop south of The Ark. Racers will want to conserve their energy as they are challenged by over 1000 feet of elevation change over the full 50k. Once that little jog is complete, racers will then enter the trail system to tackle 3 loops of the 10.5k of Insanity course.
7am Start
Why Run Relentless?
50K ultra trail race in Quebec
No cutoff times — finish on your schedule
30k Hybrid (road and trail), 21k, 10k, 5, 3k options
Hosted by Canada’s longest-running trail race organization (est. 2002)
Privately maintained 164-acre trail network
Well-marked courses
Fall peak foliage in the Gatineau Hills
Lodge-based hospitality after you’re done
UTMB Index Recognition
The 21K, 30K, and 50K distances at Relentless are officially recognized on the UTMB Index, allowing finishers to earn an official UTMB Index score.
Relentless remains a grassroots event — serious terrain without unnecessary pressure.
Course/Loop Descriptions and Strava Map Links
(Click on the maps and be taken to the Strava website)
3km Loop
I know this is 3.3km, and not 3k.
I could make it almost exactly 3k by eliminating one 300m off the main trail early on.
But this is a really beautiful loop AND it eliminates a steep (hence why it's shorter), rocky downhill.
So I know this course is a bit longer, but it's more fun to run, and safer, this way.
This is the loop I hike most evenings with the hounds.
5km Loop
This loop will look fairly similar to the 3k loop, but the start is quite different.
There is much more of a climb to get going and that first 1.5km of trail are the most technical of the entire loop.
So the good news, once that's behind you, it's easy sailing!
There is also another hill at the end that the 3k'ers don't get to do!!!
10km Loop
This 10k loop is why it's called "Relentless".
In 2022 I updated the course away from my neighbour's fields to keep nearly the entire loop either on my land or Crown land.
This made for more elevation but also a beautiful view of a small private lake at the rear of the property.
What's cool though, is the lake view is the highest point, so once you make ti that far, it's "almost" all downhill from there.
Of course, the 10k racers will run this loop once. The 21k racers will run this loop twice. The 30k racers will run the loop once. And the 50k racers get to do it THREE TIMES!
18km Gravel Road Prologue
Both the 30k and 50k races will start with an 18k gravel road loop.
This is mildly hilly course with a couple of significant descents and climbs.
But try not to go out to hard on this section as you'll want to still have some legs left for the upcoming single track section(s).
21k Half Marathon
This 10.5k loop is why it's called "Relentless." In 2022, I updated the course to run almost entirely on my land or Crown land, resulting in a challenging 21k with 720m of total elevation.
You'll tackle this loop twice, earning a beautiful view of a small private lake at the rear of the property each time. What’s cool is the lake view is the highest point—once you make it that far, it’s “almost” all downhill from there.
New for this year: The 21k is an official UTMB® Index Race (20K category). Finishers will earn the valid Index required to enter the lottery for the UTMB® World Series Finals and gain priority registration for global events.
Whether you're pushing for a PB or just trying to survive two laps of the "Relentless" loop, this course delivers a pure trail experience.
30km "Hybrid"
This isn’t your average 30k. The "Hybrid" blends 18km of rolling gravel roads with a punishing 11k single-track forest loop. With 819m of elevation gain, this technical finish through Mike's backyard is why we call it "Relentless."
Once you reach the beautiful private lake at the course's highest point, it is "almost" all downhill to the timing mat.
New for this year: The 30k Hybrid is an official UTMB® Index Race (20K category). Finishers earn the performance proof and priority access needed for UTMB® World Series events and the Mont-Blanc lottery.
Whether you are here for the Index points or the brutal transition from gravel to technical trail, the Hybrid will test every gear you have.
50k Ultra
This is the ultimate "Relentless" challenge. The course kicks off with an 18km gravel road prologue to find your rhythm before diving into the real work: three loops of our signature 10.5km single-track. With a total of 1,523m of elevation gain, the transition from fast road to technical forest terrain will test every ounce of your endurance.
Each of the three trail loops rewards you with a private lake view at the summit, followed by a fast, technical descent.
New for this year: The 50k Ultra is an official UTMB® Index Race (50K category). Finishing this distance provides the mandatory qualification Index and priority registration benefits needed for the UTMB® World Series Finals in Chamonix.
Are you ready to handle three laps of the loop that gave this race its name?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prerun the course prior to race day?
Unfortunately, we aren’t insured to be open to the general public prior to race day. The trails will not be flagged, and in some cases may not be fully cleared before the event.
If you’re determined to get a lay of the land beforehand, renters of our Cliffside Camp are insured guests and are provided with a map of the trail network.
Is this race suitable for children?
Yes. In our experience, Mad Trapper races are often very suitable for children. The trails are twisty with rocks and roots — adults tend to see obstacles, while kids simply run through them.
In 2025, a 2.5-year-old completed the 3K course under his own power.
Are there aid stations on the course?
There are no aid stations out in the woods.
The 21K and 30K runners pass through The Ark after their first loop (10.5K and 18K respectively) and can access their personal kit along with the main aid table offering water, homemade electrolyte drink, and snacks.
The 50K runners pass through at approximately 18K, 29K, and 40K.
Can I get lost?
The trails are clearly and deliberately marked. Leaves are blown off the race route prior to the event, and intersections are flagged.
Different coloured flags are used for each distance. If you’re colour-blind, let me know before the start and I’ll make sure you’re properly oriented.
Is there a cutoff time?
No. There are no cutoff times for the Relentless ultra or trail race.
The Ark is my home, so I’ll be here when you finish. Take your time and enjoy the fall colours in the Gatineau Hills.
Where is The Ark Located?
"The Ark"
285 ch. de Farrellton,
Denholm, QC
J0X 2C0
