Launch of the 19th edition of the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges

The 19th edition of Canada’s largest outdoor winter event will take place until February 26,  on the Plains of Abraham

Quebec City, February 16, 2023 – This Saturday, February 18, will officially kick off the 19th edition of the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges, in which more than 6,110 athletes of all levels and many personalities will participate this year, including Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand, athletes Alex Harvey, Lyne Bessette, Cendrine Brown, Magali Tisseyre, as well as comedian Maxim Martin and actors Patrick Hivon, Patrice Godin and Sébastien Delorme!

After a two-year pandemic, Canada’s largest winter outdoor event will take advantage of the public’s enthusiasm to return to its original formula and its famous big top, which will welcome participants until Sunday, February 26, on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. In all, nearly 20 different sporting challenges will be presented during the 7 days of the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges, which will offer the 5 sporting disciplines that have made its reputation (cycling, snowshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing and running), in addition to a few new features, including the redesign of certain courses and the finish area, as well as a new Night Run on Snow event that will be held on Thursday evening, February 23.

Several celebrities will participate in the Corporate Challenge

Once again this year, several public figures will take part in the BCF Corporate Challenge, which raises approximately $60,000 annually to finance the “School Invitation Tournaments” in which 2,105 elementary and high school students are participating this year. This initiative also makes it possible to donate a fair amount to the “Objectif Forme” program of the Quebec Student Sports Network of the Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches region (RSEQ-QCA), which allows hundreds of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn about various sports at a lower cost.

Among the teams to watch for at the BCF Corporate Lawyers Challenge is the “Captains” team, featuring comedians Patrick Hivon, Patrice Godin, Sébastien Delorme and sports columnist Frédéric Plante. Also to watch, an all-female team composed of cyclist Lyne Bessette, Cendrine Brown and Magali Tisseyre. As for Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand’s team, it will be completed by Councillors Pierre-Luc Lachance, Bianca Dussault, Steeve Verret and Marie-Pierre Boucher. Finally, Alex Harvey, spokesperson for the Sun Life Snow Pentathlon, will be taking part in the Corporate Challenge as well as the Iceman Triathlon, which he will be doing as a team with comedian Maxim Martin and Olympic athlete Alexandre St-Jean.

Activities for the whole family

Over the next few days, families, friends, colleagues, students, children, adults of all ages as well as amateur and elite athletes will be able to enjoy the Quebec winter, the magic of an exceptional site and activities such as inflatable games, a field hockey shooting area, an ultimate Frisbee area and games for the little ones.

“The countdown is on! In less than two days, the 2023 edition of the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges will officially begin! We would like to invite all winter lovers to come and have fun, move, participate and attend the various activities organized as part of the world’s largest winter multisport event. We would also like to take this opportunity to salute the commitment of all those who have generously accepted to participate in the Corporate Challenge, which contributes year after year to promoting wellness and physical activity among young people,” says Cynthia Paquet, Executive Director of the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges.

“We’re very excited to be title partner for the 19th edition of the Pentathlon des neiges. This very popular winter challenge aligns with our commitment to improve the health and well-being of our communities,” mentions Robert Dumas, President and CEO of Sun Life Quebec. Join us on the Plains of Abraham throughout the event for an unforgettable experience!”

“I invite you to live an extraordinary winter and sports experience on the Plains of Abraham, from February 18 to 26! Whether you are a participant or a spectator, come and discover this event that brings together athletes of all levels and enjoy the many activities for the whole family presented on the site during seven days. Finally, we will be able to gather under the big top, which is back this year after two years marked by the pandemic,” adds Alex Harvey, spokesperson for the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges.

“What a tremendous honour for our city to once again host such a major sporting event. It is a collective pride to see so many people promoting healthy lifestyles. Once again, the city will be represented by several politicians and many employees. No matter how you do it or how long it takes, the important thing is to get moving. It’s the perfect opportunity for a moment with family and friends. It’s happening in Quebec City,” says Marie-Pierre Boucher, member of the executive committee responsible for sports and recreation in Quebec City.

“As Member of Parliament for Québec and on behalf of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, I am delighted that our government is supporting the Pentathlon des neiges. This winter sporting event is offering many competitions and activities again this year to all those who love to be outside during the cold months. The $165,000 in financial support CED is providing over three years (2022, 2023 and 2024) to Groupe Pentathlon will be used to promote its flagship event, the Pentathlon des neiges, nationally and internationally. And thanks to these investments, we are ready to welcome participants and tourists from Canada and around the world for the 2023 edition of this major outdoor winter event,” highlights the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec and Minister of Health.

“Since 2005, the Pentathlon des neiges has enlivened winter sports in the Capitale-Nationale region. The Québec government is pleased to support an activity that assembles athletes of all ages and from different backgrounds. In particular, the event promotes healthy lifestyles and a love of sports among young people, who train with their schools in preparation for the sporting event. I would like to thank the organizing committee of the 19th Pentathlon des neiges and extend best wishes for success to all the participants. Congratulations on your perseverance and efforts,” notes Minister Responsible for Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region Jonatan Julien, accompanied by Minister Responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors Isabelle Charest.

Valuable partners

The Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges would like to thank its valued partners who make this major event possible: Sun Life, title partner, Eye Am Eye Care, Physio Interactive, Decathlon, Canac, BCF Business Lawyers, Vidéotron, Quoi faire, as well as the National Battlefields Commission, Destination Québec Cité, the City of Québec, the Government of Canada and the Government of Québec.

The complete program of the Sun Life Pentathlon des neiges is available on the event’s website.