Hello friends!

Over the years Québec Mega Trail (QMT) has become a big part of our lives and Kelsey’s ultramarathon career. It was the first race that we attended together, and when we jump into Kelsey’s parents’ van this Thursday it will be our fourth trip (third consecutive). 

There’s a lot to say about QMT — the course is ruggedly beautiful and technically challenging; its volunteers, staff, and storytellers care for runners from the front to the back of the pack; and there’s a race for anyone who wants to run, even if it’s your first time out on the trails. They’ve celebrated Kelsey’s achievements, recognized her potential, and added fuel to the fire of her self-belief by waiving race fees, providing accommodations, and spreading the word about her running.  

They’ve also always made me feel welcome and this year they covered the cost of my race entry so that I could use my energy to raise money and awareness for the Worga Foundation — an organization that supports the educational goals of Mabaan living in Canada, diaspora around the world, and in Maban County, South Sudan. Would you consider donating to help expand Worga’s history of providing volunteer-led mental wellness, educational, and life coaching to Mabaan?

We’ll be joined at QMT this year by a big group of crew members, including members of our chosen and biological families. We’re also thrilled to be running alongside about a million (kidding, but it’s a lot) New Brunswick trail runners this year, many of whom are running their longest distance at QMT. Seeing familiar and supportive faces along the way is like a shot of rocket fuel (even the science says so!), so we hope to do our best to pay it forward to our fellow runners. 

We’re both running the 100 miler, a race that Kelsey has won the last two years (setting course records each time). This year, the 100 miler is part of the World Trail Majors (WTM), a new race series that includes the MIUT 115, the race that we ran on Madeira Island in April. This is huge news for QMT because its inclusion in the WTMs recognizes years of community-focused work to build a powerful independent race. It also means that this year’s women’s field is as strong as it has ever been. 

I’m so proud of the way that Kelsey has been working through the feelings that come along with being a returning two-time champion at QMT. I’ve seen her express pure enthusiasm, as more of the world’s best runners discover QMT, and excitement, nervousness, self-doubt, belief, confidence, and (as we call them) wiggles as she commits to her process goals for this year’s race. We both deeply believe in taking athlete mental performance and wellness seriously and want to give a big giant virtual hug to Dr. Lori Dithurbide, Kelsey’s sport psychology mentor and Mental Performance Consultant, for her steady presence, kindness, and passion. 

We’ll be sending out our usual “race day” email on July 5th with deeper instructions on how to follow along with this year’s race, but if you want to get a head start on figuring it out, you can head over to the “results” page on the QMT website and/or download the “Racemap” app to your phone. There will also be a livestream of the finish line. Kelsey is bib #1 and I’m bib #65. 

That’s all there is to say about QMT for right now, but before we go, we want to leave you with some updates about what we’ve been up to since we arrived home from Madeira: 

• Kelsey volunteered alongside experienced ultra crew member, athlete, and all around good human, Stefanie Boucher to coach a group of 5-6 year old trail runners in the Speeding Cheetahs program in Fredericton, led by Gary Moore (running the QMT 110km) and Ryan O’Shea (back for his second go at the QMT 100 miles). Make sure to keep your eyes open for Anna (7 years old) and Julia (9 years old), who are running the QMT 1 Kilometre. 

• I made my first podium ever at the Hammering Hanwell 10km, the weekend after we arrived home from Madeira. Thanks to Dutch Viking Events! 

• Kelsey ran a speedy, smiley 19km along the ocean floor for the Wharfbound Run in St. Andrews, coming 1st overall.

• We both raced the Rompin’ Rockwood hosted by Saint John Trail Running. Kelsey finished 1st (breaking her own course record) in the women’s 50km and I finished 20th in the 25km race. 

• Kelsey and I shared 1st place with Nat and Sam Couture in the 50km relay race at the Dark 50 in Minto, New Brunswick. Congrats to 14-year-old Sam for an amazing run throughout the night! This is a great event if you’re interested in trying out nighttime trail running in a supportive environment.

• Kelsey finished 2nd in the women’s race,  and I finished 10th in the men’s race in the Trans Percé 100 stage race at Ultra Trail Gaspesia in mid-June. The TP100 includes races of 13km, 54km, and 35km over three days. Kelsey’s dad, Noel Hogan, ran the 35km (his longest run ever!) and came in 17th with a time of 7:58:26 (click here for the best post-race photo ever, courtesy of Pierre-Marc Lavoie), and my dad, Bruce Fearnall, finished 24th in the 13km.        

• We’ve both been appreciating our Thursday night runs with the Odell Gazelles in Fredericton. We leave each run feeling inspired by something someone said or a challenge that someone is taking on. Congratulations to Schelly Robicheau MacKinnon (and crew) for finishing her longest trail distance run in Fundy National Park last week and sending all the best to Troy Sandwith as he prepares to swim across the Northumberland Strait in support of Brigadoon Village in late July.

Thank you for your support and keep your eyes open for an email between now and race day for more QMT news (including who will be pacing for us!) and information on how to follow along.

— Adam & Kelsey