The Défi des Escaliers de Québec is an annual running event held since 2008 that challenges participants to ascend and descend the numerous staircases connecting Québec City's Lower Town and Upper Town. The 2025 edition marks the 15th occurrence of this unique urban stair race experience.

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Runners can choose from multiple distances on a route featuring approximately 40 staircases and a total of 2,634 steps, with courses ranging from kids runs to a challenging 19 km race. The event is sanctioned as a Silver event by Athlétisme Québec and typically takes place in late June with mild summer weather.

* 19 km course includes approximately 40 staircases totaling 2,634 steps. * Mixed running surface: Road and stairs. * Race traverses numerous staircases connecting the Lower and Upper Towns. * Start/Finish at Parc de l’Esplanade, 60 rue D'Auteuil, Québec, QC. * Typical weather: Mild temperatures (~20°C) with moderate humidity in late June.

• Challenge yourself on Québec City's historic staircases connecting Lower and Upper Town.
• Multiple race distances from 2 km kids run to 19 km stair race.
• Officially sanctioned Silver event by Athlétisme Québec.
• Maximum capacity of 2,200 participants.
• Summer event with mild temperatures averaging around 20°C.