Mad Trapper Camp Fortune Classic – Ottawa Trail Race
July 4, 2026, 9am
Camp Fortune, Chelsea, QC
The Mad Trapper Camp Fortune Classic is a true singletrack trail race held at Camp Fortune in Chelsea, Quebec — just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the heart of the Gatineau Hills. Founded by Canada’s longest-running trail race organization (est. 2002), this event brings trail runners back to what racing is supposed to feel like: flowing forest singletrack, real elevation, and a strong grassroots community atmosphere.
Whether you’re running your first 3K trail race or pushing the 10K Crazed Course, you’ll experience:
- The Trails: Pure singletrack winding through the mountain bike trails of Camp Fortune, roots, rocks, rollers, and rhythm. Technical enough to keep you honest — runnable enough to keep you flowing. No ski hills, no tall grass, no "intentional" mud.
- Distances for Every Runner: "Try-a-Trail 3K", "Single 5k Loop option", "Two 5k's = 10k option" - grab some personal nutrition as you run past the lodge after your first lap.
- After the Race: Mad Trapper-style post-race BBQ hospitality, a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at the lodge, stories shared, legs tired, smiles earned, winners acknowledged, prizes randomly awarded.
Why the "Classic"?
- A return to traditional trail racing at Camp Fortune
- Continuous singletrack instead of ski hill repeats
- Early July conditions at their absolute best
Race Distances.... Choose Your Challenge!
- 3k "Try a Trail": A welcoming introduction to trail running at Camp Fortune. Gentle elevation changes, a mix of singletrack and wider trail, and footing that builds confidence. 9am Start.
- 5k "Mad" Course: A single loop of flowing Camp Fortune mountain bike singletrack. Rolling elevation, roots, rocks, bridges, and constant twists and turns — but fully runnable from start to finish. 9am Start.
- 10k "Crazed" Course: Two laps of the Classic Loop. You’ll pass through the start/finish area at 5K, making it easy to grab personal nutrition. 9am Start.
Why Run the Mad Trapper Camp Fortune Classic?
- Ottawa’s closest true mountain trail race
- Hosted by Canada’s longest-running trail race organization
- Well-maintained and clearly marked courses
- Beginner to experienced runner friendly
- No cutoff times
- Random prize draws (everyone has a chance)
- Kids race for $25 (no age cap, must attend with parent)
- Post-race BBQ hospitality at the lodge
The Mad Trapper Racing series hosts year-round trail and snowshoe events across the Ottawa–Gatineau region.
Event Details
📅 July 4, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM Mass Start
📍 Camp Fortune – 300 Chemin Dunlop, Chelsea QC J9B 2N3
💧 Aid station at lodge (water, electrolytes, gels)
🏁 No cutoff time