by Joseph Coppolino – EAP

Following a pause through the COVID pandemic and the 2022 windstorm that destroyed much of the course’s location, the Coureurs des Bois Challenge obstacle course is back, and organizers have pulled out all the stops for the bravest adventurers of Eastern Ontario.

First organized by Chantal Lalonde to raise funds for a local Girl Scouts troupe in 2016, the Coureurs des Bois race has taken on a whole new look for its fifth edition with new obstacles, challenges and entertainment for participants and audience members.

Newly appointed president Jean-François Belisle, formerly vice-president of the organizing committee since the race’s first edition, said he has been working with the committee and a core group of volunteers to make sure the race’s first year back is a fresh experience for everyone.

“It’s kind of like starting all over again for us,” said Belisle.