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 Falls, along Lake Erie, and looping back up to Barrie. Ultra-runners will be invited to run legs of 30km and 50km over 21 days. While we cannot cross international borders and follow the monarch migration, our 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 we run through your city, please get in touch with us at themonarchultra@gmail.com. Raising awareness about monarch and pollinator conservation is a central focus of our mission and the team looks forward to inspiring and informing 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 is a grassroots, volunteer-led project committed to sharing our message of conservation with communities across North America by running for a cause. With your support, we can continue to advocate for monarch and pollinator awareness, and to work on education and outreach activities. Our partner, 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 if you would like to donate. A tax receipt will be sent to you as soon as you donate. Thank you for your support!
