Record 20,000+ runners set to take over Québec City this weekend
The 27th Beneva Québec City Marathon presented by Brunet will be held October 2–4
Québec Running Events Corporation and event producer Gestev are delighted to launch the festivities for the 27th edition of the Beneva Québec City Marathon presented by Brunet. From October 2 to 4, more than 20,000 runners and walkers—a record for the event—will take to the streets of Québec City for five race distances, joined by thousands of volunteers, families and supporters.
Saturday, October 3, will feature the 2K Kids’ Run, the 5K Beneva Health Run and the 10K Sports Experts Run. On Sunday, October 4, participants in the 21.1K Shop Santé presented by WKND 91.9 and the Beneva 42.2K presented by AWS will hit the course. All events will converge on Place Jean-Béliveau. This year, the Beneva Québec City Marathon presented by Brunet will also host the Championnats québécois sur route for the 42.2K distance —a designation granted as part of the Coupe Québec Route organized by Athlétisme Québec—further cementing the event’s reputation as one of Québec’s premier running events.
Record enthusiasm
For the third consecutive year, the marathon is on track to sell out, with only a limited number of bibs for the 10K Sports Experts Run still available. Registrations have surged 21% compared to 2025, reflecting the growing popularity of running and Québec City’s appeal as a top destination for athletes from across the country. This year, nearly 30% of participants hail from outside Québec.
That momentum extends beyond the race course. Foot traffic around the marathon increased by approximately 29% between 2024 and 2025, underscoring the event’s significant economic impact for the region and its growing profile as a fall tradition.
“For over 10 years, the Gestev team has worked to grow the Beneva Québec City Marathon into a destination event without losing sight of what makes it special: a human, accessible experience deeply rooted in the city,” said Gabriel Fontaine-Leclerc, General Manager of Gestev. “Seeing more than 20,000 people come together to run, walk, cheer and celebrate is a source of immense pride. Being chosen to host the Québec championships this year is also recognition of the quality of our course and the work of all our teams, partners and volunteers.”
GO Week: A lively event open to all
Leading up to race weekend, GO Week runs from September 28 to October 3, offering a full slate of activities for the community including group runs, talks, and yoga and mobility sessions. The program is open to everyone—including people not registered for the marathon—and all activities are free, with the exception of the sessions at Yoga Fitness.
Je Cours Qc Expo will then open its doors at the Centre de foires de Québec on Friday, October 2, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, October 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public, the expo will feature exhibitors, talks, advice and services for participants, including race bib pickup.
High-calibre lineup
The 2026 edition will host the Championnats québécois sur route as part of the marathon. Athletes to watch include Alexis Lepage, winner of the 2025 edition, along with Jonathan Tedeschi, Maxime Leboeuf and Caroline Pomerleau. Being named host of the Québec championships for 2026 and 2027 affirms both the quality of the course and the event’s standing within the running community.
An electric atmosphere from start to finish
The Beneva Québec City Marathon presented by Brunet is more than a race—it is a citywide celebration. Entertainment along the course, the cheers of spectators, the dedication of volunteers, and the energy of the neighbourhoods the race passes through all add up to an unforgettable celebration of running. At Place Jean-Béliveau, the Exhibitors’ Village, Family Plaza and partner entertainment zones will welcome participants and visitors throughout the weekend.
Race schedule
5K Beneva Health Run
- Day: Saturday, October 3
- Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
- First finishers: 10:15 a.m.
- Awards ceremony: 10:45 a.m.
10K Sports Experts Run
- Day: Saturday, October 3
- Start Time: 11:00 a.m.
- First finishers: 11:31 a.m.
- Awards ceremony: 12:15 p.m.
Kids’ Run (2K)
- Day: Saturday, October 3
- Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
- First finishers: 1:36 p.m.
- Awards ceremony: 2:00 p.m.
Beneva 42.2K presented by AWS
- Day: Sunday, October 4
- Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
- First finishers: 10:10 a.m.
- Awards ceremony: 11:30 a.m.
21,1 km Shop Santé présenté par WKND 91.9
- Day: Sunday, October 4
- Start Time: 9:35 a.m.
- First finishers: 10:45 a.m.
- Awards ceremony: 11:40 a.m.
Check out the detailed weekend schedule at jecoursqc.com
Thank you to our partners
As the producer of the event, Gestev would like to thank its partners for making the 27th edition of the Beneva Québec City Marathon presented by Brunet even more memorable, starting with title sponsor Beneva and presenting sponsor Brunet, as well as major partners AWS, Krono Nutrition, Shop Santé and Sports Experts; public and tourism partners the Gouvernement du Québec through the Ministère du Tourisme and the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale, Québec City, Destination Québec Cité, the Plains of Abraham and the Government of Canada; official partners Torres Natureo, Fasken, the Fédération des producteurs d’oeufs du Québec, Le Lait, Simplex, Michelob Ultra, Yoga Fitness, Supporo Compression, Garmin, PCN, Athletic Brewing Co., Campus Coach, Shokz, Spek and HOKA, the official shoe of Je Cours Qc; official transportation partner Boulevard Lexus; official suppliers Krispy Kernels, Liberté, Bel-Gaufre, Biscuits Leclerc, Maxi, àVélo, Jardin de Ville, Château Laurier, Groupe Boucher Sports, Buffet St-Émile, AEPQ, Alex Coulombe Ltée, Topla!, St-Hubert, RTC, Café Smith, Colabor, Clinique des festivals and 2ndSkin; and media partners WKND 91.9, Coup de Pouce, Journal de Québec, and TVA.