Mad Tapper Relentless
October 11, 2025
"The Ark" in Denholm, QC
True Single-Track Running - the Way it Was Meant to Be
It's Called "Relentless" for a Reason
🍂 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 2003)
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
10.5k "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
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prerun the course prior to race day?
Unfortunately we aren't insured to be "open" to the general public. Plus, the trails won't be flagged, and in some cases even clear prior to race day. But if you are determined to get a lay of the land prior to the big event, renters of our Cliffside Camp are insured, and a map of our trails is provided. Best Fall Colours Camp Rental in the Outaouais | The Ark
Is this race suitable for children?
What we've learned over the years is that Mad Trapper racers 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. I'm actually looking for a new family to watch grow up here. The Raz family have been participating since their kids raced the 3k event. 2 weeks ago, Luke, who's now in university, completed over 50k here at the Mad Trapper Backyard Ultra.
Are there aid stations on the course?
There are no aid stations out in the woods. But the 21k and 30k racers will pass through the Ark after their first loop, 10.5k and 18k respectively. Racers can access their kit and also our aid table with water, homemade electrolyte, and a few snacks. The 50k'ers will pass at 18k, 29k, and 40k.
Can I get lost?
The trails are extremely well marked. Leaves are blown off the trail prior to every race, so as long as you stay off the leaves, you'll stay on the trail. Intersections are well marked with flags. Different coloured flags for different distances. So if you're colour-blind, let me know before we start and I'll give you a flag to run with for comparison.
Is there a cutoff time?
This is probably the #1 question I receive from the Relentless distance runners. The Ark is my home, so I have nowhere else to go. It doesn't matter how long you stay out there, I'll be here when you get back. So take your time and enjoy the fall colours!
Where We At????
"The Ark"
285 ch. de Farrellton,
Denholm, QC
J0X 2C0
