WHAT DOES A 1,800 KM ULTRA MARATHON LOOK LIKE?
THE MONARCH ULTRA RELAY RUN: SEPT. 19TH - OCT. 9TH, 2021
The Monarch Ultra is a relay run and conservation project that invites ultra-marathoners to join us for an epic journey of 1,800 kilometres from Peterborough to Barrie, Ontario via Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, southwestern Ontario and looping back to end up in Barrie. This ambitious projects aims to raise awareness of monarch butterflies whose populations are in decline, and is a call to action to get involved in conservation efforts. Taking place along the TransCanada Trail and Waterfront Trail over 21 days, runners will have three options to participate in distances of 30km, 50km and 80km. We hope you'll join Canada's longest relay run!

Registration opens on March 1st on Race Roster - details coming soon! To get on the waiting list, please send an email to themonarchultra@gmail.com. Route information, dates and city information below.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ALONG THE ROUTE? ​
​Each day, the Monarch Ultra team will travel 80km, starting in Peterborough, and ending in Barrie, 21 days later. A dedicated team will look after the relay runners by providing them with drinks, treats and emotional support. An Aid Station will be set up to support the runners at each 10km leg. Municipalities are invited to get involved by hosting welcoming events as runners pass through their cities. Ideas include cheering on the runners, playing music, inviting the media, and dressing up in costumes. If you'd like to organize an event for the Monarch Ultra runners, please send us email at themonarchultra@gmail.com.

Another team will be dedicated to outreach activities and raising awareness with students, teachers and citizens. We hope to inspire communities along the way to build butterfly gardens for monarchs and other pollinators, to invite students to run the last 1 or 2 kilometres with the relay runners, and to learn more about the epic monarch migration. The Monarch Ultra Relay Run will coincide with the fall migration of monarch butterflies. When the seasons shift in late summer and early fall, the last generation of monarchs will begin a southbound journey, instinctively traveling to wintering sites in Mexico (there is also a western population of monarch butterflies – but the large majority return to Mexico). This super generation of monarchs will be responsible for making the longest trek of the migration their wintering grounds, travelling distances of over 4,000km. ​
TESTIMONIALS FROM MONARCH ULTRA RUNNERS & PARTNERS
"​We runners are grateful to The Monarch Ultra. You invented this premiere multi-national event and did the work to carry it out. Wonderfully conceived and skillfully implemented, it made a great adventure I'll not forget. Thanks, Monarch team!" Dallas Smith, MU2019 Runner 
“Yesterday was an incredible day. One I had been preparing for - for about a year. When I first heard about the Monarch Ultra I was beyond excited! Monarchs & Running - my two passions! I cannot say thank you enough to the Monarch Ultra crew for letting me be a part of this epic journey.” Jessica Lister, MU2019 Runner
“Thank you so much for your love and support to cross the 100K mark of The Monarch Ultra relay on Oct 7. We don’t get to the finish lines of life alone. To those who fed and watered me, guided me and cheered me on...I am so grateful for you! Now that my body has recovered, I can’t wait for the next adventure...got my eye on 100 miles. Whatever you dream of doing, you can!” Micah Hardke, MU2019 Runner
"So proud of you! You overcame, rose the breeze, ran through storms, nectared by all manner of people/gardens/monarchs, and a vision of life supporting co-existing life. I feel privileged to be part of that Monarch Ultra ribbon you extended through our lands to resting at the sacred Cerro Pelon and Macheros below. I will visit my Monarchs there in February, and will again feel my connection to Monarch Ultra. Thank you." Gary Ulrick, MU2019 Home Host
"You did it!!! Can't wait to see how the final details unfolded! You'll be glad to heading home to your families and own beds. What an amazing experience and endeavour. Heartfelt congratulations and THANK YOU, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to participate, to meet you and your inspiring team and wish you continued success." Cheryl Bishop, MU2019 Runner
"You performed a world-class endeavor with the Monarch Ultra. And you need to be congratulated for what you have done to promote the cause of the Monarchs."
Ward Johnson, Save Our Monarchs Foundation, MU2019 Partner
"Congratulations to the Monarch Ultra team and all the runners for successfully completing their epic journey from Peterborough to Mexico. What an amazing accomplishment, all to raise awareness of the plight of the monarch butterfly! We look forward to your return home." Jeannine Taylor, Kawartha Now, MU2019 Partner
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WE DID IT!!!
In 2019, the Monarch Ultra team travelled from Peterborough, Ontario to Macheros, Mexico.  To view the Monarch Ultra Final Report, please download it here: monarch_ultra_report_2019.pdf.​
Monarch Ultra Team arrives at Macheros, Mexico.
Monarch Ultra Team meets Venados Acambaro Running Club.