The course is fairly nice, not always in scenic areas; a lot of old sectors (in Levis), and a lot of little hills or ups and downs, plus the big one at around the 27km mark: the bridge crossing the St-Lawrence river. My advice to beggining marathoners: train well for all these hills and learn to pace yourself. And stay hydrated. I had no idea there were all these 'hills', I should have gone over the course first, toured it. And after a few hours it became more hot and humid. That marathon was my first and I don't regret it, I was just not prepared sufficiently. There were a lot of runners who appeared to find it tough, and I heard after the race that a lot of experienced marathoners rated this race as pretty tough for novices. I managed about 3h.44m but i had to alternately run/walk the last 10 kilometers. So, I'm telling begginers, even if Quebec is a beautiful city, great to visit, if you are new to marathoning, prepare well, do a good deal of hill training, then your whole experience will be lovely! I say this because I had never read anything about the difficulty (for us begginers, of course) and they -the promoters-just invite you to this beautiful city and encourage you to participate in the runs! I was under the impression that it was made for amateur runners! Some marathon courses are a lot easier, so if you run this one prepare well.The organization was fine, voluteers great and the crowd terrific. They cheer you on as if they were your own parents! The snacks at the end were ok, I suppose(bananas, oranges, soft drinks, bagels, energy bars and bottled water if I remember everything), and if there had been showers, it would have been appreciated. Otherwise, overall it's really ok. And the old section of Quebec (and it's a large section, with a LOT to visit) is a treat. A real treat. Have fun, but if you are a novice marathoner, prepare well.

Well organized and well-supported race, on a scenic course along both banks of the St. Lawrence (and over the famous old Pont du Quebec), finishing below the Frontenac. All reason enough to run this race, but the best reason is to visit this beautiful, romantic city where the $US goes far. Great family fun run through the historic Plains of Abraham. I've run this twice, and would do it again. Take the whole family to this one!

I have been running marathons for many years and have completed almost eighty marathons. Your marathon ranks on top. I find Quebec City such a wonderfull place to visit and will be there this year to run your half.
Stay healthy,
Rudy Estrada

Great view, tightly organised and enthusiastic spectators. A must!

A beautifully scenic waterfront point-to-point course that ends in historic 'Old Québec', this marathon is a 'must-do' if you want a well-run marathon but without the crowded mass-start of the bigger marathons, (max.4000 racers). What other marathon offers a view of the finish line area almost from the start of the race? The course follows the south and north shores of the St.Lawrence Seaway and crosses the historic old Québec bridge between 27-30km .
Check out their website for more details, (www.marathonquebec.com)