SP Challenge: Challenge Accomplished!

 

Last Saturday, August 29th, Mont SUTTON turned into an enormous playground for the 6th edition of the SP Mountain Challenge — and what an edition it was! Between the smiles at the finish line, families reunited on the trails, and unprecedented generosity, this day will stay etched in our memories for a long time.

 
 

An edition that breaks all records

The numbers speak for themselves: 334 participants took part in the Challenge this year, and together, they raised an impressive $190,721 for MS Canada. A double record for the event, far surpassing the previous high of $158,000.
But beyond the numbers, it’s the spirit behind these donations that touches us most. As MS Canada’s Quebec division director of philanthropic development noted after the event, these are mostly small donations, but in very large numbers — proof that collective generosity, when it comes together, can move mountains (literally!).
 
 

New formats for an even more unifying event

What began six years ago as a mountain biking friendly course has grown into a true multi-sport celebration… with hiking added last year, and trail running plus the playful trail with a chairlift ride joining in this year:
 

• Mountain biking: 10, 20, and 30 km courses, the event’s founding discipline and still a fan favourite;
• Hiking: 7km accessible to the whole family;
• New this year: trail running, offered in 7 and 14 km distances, a fast-growing sport that drew in many participants;
• Also new this year: the playful adventure path and the “Hunt and seek”, accessed via a chairlift ride, a format designed to bring whole families together.
 

 

The heart of the event: you

If the SP Challenge keeps growing year after year, it’s above all thanks to the energy and generosity of those who bring it to life.
 

To our participants — whether you biked, ran, or walked — thank you for showing up in such great numbers. Your determination on the trails, your fundraising efforts, and your smiles at the finish line are at the heart of everything the SP Challenge stands for. Thank you to Team Karine, who truly gave it all, and to Sandoz as well for their invaluable corporate partnership!
 

To our sponsors, whose support makes this event possible year after year: your trust and commitment to the cause make a real difference in the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.
 

To our army of volunteers, there for weeks in advance and from dawn for setup, on the ground all day, and through to teardown in the evening: none of this would be possible without your dedication. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and thank you for the incredible fuel up stations!
 

 

An atmosphere that makes all the difference
Beyond the athletic performances and funds raised, what sets the SP Challenge apart is its atmosphere: warm, festive, and deeply human. Smiles, shared meals, and a sense of community were once again in full force, creating that snowball effect where people take part as families, teams, and friends — and leave already looking forward to coming back next year.
 

Donations that advance research
Behind every kilometre covered on Saturday lies a very concrete goal: advancing research into multiple sclerosis. This type of fundraising event actually accounts for more than half of MS Canada’s revenue, an organization that funds research teams recognized around the world in the field.
 

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but thanks to fundraisers like the SP Challenge, research keeps moving forward, making it possible to develop treatments that slow the disease and improve the quality of life of those living with it. Every dollar raised on August 29th contributes directly to these advances.
 

Want to contribute too? It’s never too late to donate: 👉 Donate to the SP Mountain Challenge
 
 

See you on August 21, 2027!

A warm thank you also goes to the event’s new spokesperson, Jean-Philippe Perras, who closed out this 6th edition with an invitation as warm as it was heartfelt: “See you all next year for the 7th edition of the SP Mountain Challenge, on August 21, 2027!”
 
 

Thanks again to everyone who made this day a success!