Défi des Escaliers
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Staircase Challenge
The Staircase Challenge features urban courses in Quebec City where runners climb and descend multiple staircases and finish downtown. The 2026 start and finish site is Parc de l Esplanade. Routes use most of the stair connections between Lower Town and Upper Town.
The event lists the number of staircases and total steps for each distance. The event holds a silver sanction ARGENT from Athlétisme Québec. The 2026 edition date is Saturday June 20 2026.
Distances offered
- 19 km Fizz: nearly forty staircases, 2353 steps.
- 14 km: about thirty staircases, 2163 steps.
- 9 km: about twenty staircases, 1106 steps.
- 4 km: 13 staircases, 520 steps.
- Youth race 2 km: for children aged 5 to 12.
Courses alternate stair climbs and descents and include paved running sections. Maps and elevation profiles are provided for each distance as reference. On course signage and instructions from volunteers or authorities take precedence. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
