YOU ARE INVITED ON A JOURNEY THAT CONNECTS BUTTERFLIES, ULTRA-RUNNING & FILM-MAKING WITH RESILIENCY, INSPIRATION & HOPE THAT SURROUNDS ALL OF US...
Official Launch Event of the Monarch Ultra Relay Run on Sept. 19, 2019 in Peterborough, ON.
ABOUT THE MONARCH ULTRA: In 2019, a team of ultra runners, film-makers and pollinator advocates followed the flight of the monarch butterfly by running the same distance of 4,300km (2,671 miles) from southern Ontario to central Mexico. The Monarch Ultra was the first attempt to run across North America (Canada, United States and Mexico) in order to raise awareness of monarch butterflies who make the migratory journey every year, and whose populations are in decline. The 47-day running adventure invited runners to traverse wild landscapes as well populated urban areas while building camaraderie, overcoming adversity, and sharing a singular adventure with monarch butterflies. Another exciting part of the project will be the production of a documentary about the relay run, the plight and flight of monarch butterflies, and conservation efforts taking place at the local level.
MONARCH ULTRA RELAY RUN 2021: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the team had to adjust their route to remain safely in Ontario for the next relay run. In the fall of 2021, they will be running from Peterborough to Barrie, Ontario via Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, southwestern Ontario and looping back up to Barrie. Ultra-runners will be invited to run legs of 30km, 50km or 80km over 21 days. While they cannot cross international borders and follow the monarch migration, their message of conservation and running for monarch butterflies remains the same. If you would like to host a community event or a school presentation for the team when they run through your city, please get in touch with them at themonarchultra@gmail.com. Raising awareness about monarch and pollinator conservation is a central focus of their mission and the team looks forward to inspiring and educating students and citizens alike!
The Monarch Ultra is a celebration of two types of superheroes: monarch butterflies and ultra-runners. Both cover long distances using their incredible body strength to arrive at a new (unknown) destination. Most importantly, the Monarch Ultra is an opportunity to connect communities across North America with common goals of Earth stewardship & biodiversity conservation.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE TO THE MONARCH ULTRA? The Monarch Ultra team is a grassroots, volunteer-led organization committed to sharing our message of conservation and running for a cause with communities across North America. With your support, we can continue to advocate for monarch and pollinator awareness, and to work on education and outreach activities. The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha has generously provided us with their charity number, on the Canada Helps website, select Monarch Ultra Marathon in the dropdown menu. A tax receipt will be sent to you as soon as you donate. Thank you for your support!
