True Single-Track Running - the Way it Was Meant to Be

Trail-Racing and Fund-Raising

for "The Ark" Rescues

I think "The Ark" is know for 2 things.... Our unique trail races and all the dog rescues we have fostered and adopted over the years.

The Mica Run is combination of the two. Bringing abandoned dogs into our home is my life's biggest passion. But it's EXPENSIVE. Food and vet care expenses continually increase year after year. This run helps defer those costs, while giving the dog-owning runners an opportunity to participate in an event with their best friend.

Three Distances to Choose from:

  • 3k "Hound Hike" - for those of us who rather "stop and smell the roses" and stay conscious of our time with our friends on the trails

  • 5k "Sweet Spot" - One loop of the 5k course. Long enough to build a sweat, but short enough for maximum post-race socializing

  • 10k "Endurance Junkie" - For those who want to feel the burn and ensure their pooch sleep on the drive home!

Dogs Welcome but Not Required

Without fail, I get an email prior to every race we host asking if the racer can bring their dog. And as much as I'd love to say "yes", unfortunately there are people who are just way too uncomfortable around excited canines, so I have to say "no".

This race is different. Everyone knows at the onset that there will be dogs, both on-leash and off. They just add to the fun and chaos!

But there is absolutely no requirement to bring a dog to participate.

This is a "community-first" for runners and dog lovers. As much fun as the run is, the real party happens post race.

  • Custom plaques for all participants

  • All prizes are randomly awarded, so you don't need to be fast to win, you just need to show up

  • A world-class, post-race feast with burgers, brownies, beer and ice cream

Our Current Pack of Rescues and Failed Fosters

FRED

Fred is now 16 years old and is the grandson of my first rescue ever "Grandpa Fred". He's been one super loyal, loving companion.

BUDDY

Buddy was a 5-year old apartment dweller when he cam to us. When he pulled his "elderly" owner on a walk he "had to go"!

CHARLIE

Charlie came to us at 2 years after her previous owners lost their home in the 2019 Gatineau tornado. She considers herself the queen.

BIKO

Biko is a Tasmanian Devil who was first owned by a 72-year-old woman. He was just way too much pup for a woman of that age.

LADDY

Laddy found himself on death row at the SPCA after his previous owner went into the hospital and never cam out. He was 2.5 years on arrival.

Ark Dogs that are gone but not forgotten

Willy

Willy was 2 days from euthanasia when we got him. He was needy, neurotic and a PITA.... and man do I ever miss that big guy.

Roxy

Roxy was traumatized and already super old when she arrived. But the more she hiked, the stronger she got. She was such a good girl.

Mica

Mica always had that mischievous look that said she was plotting something. She also the sweetest, furriest and most loving companion.

Donna

Donna was dumped on our road and we didn't know how sick she was until it was too late. But her last days were filled with joy and love.

Jazzy

Fred's Aunt and Monique's "favourite". Jazzy loved playing fetch, swimming, trail running and snuggling. She fought for life for so long.

Blacky

The worst part of rescuing dogs is losing them.... Blacky was taken from us right in front of me by a driver with road rage.... woof

Rolo

Rolo was another "road dump" dog. I loved him, but Fred didn't. We found him a new home, but his separation anxiety cost him his life.... woof

Maple

A Rocky Mountain dog and pretty much perfect in every way. I know we're not supposed to have "favourites", but she'll be hard to beat.

Fred

The OG! My first rescue from Colorado. He was a loyal dog, but also loved the ladies and his independence. He's been gone 20 years now...

Why is it called the "Mica Run"?

It's kinda ironic that my race series is called the "Mad Trapper" because I would never trap an animal in my life!

I'm a huge animal lover and an even bigger dog lover.

For the past few years, Monique and I have been rescuing, fostering and adopting dogs.

I adopted/rescued my first dog ever, "Grandpa Fred" back in 1995, from the Frisco Animal Shelter in Colorado.

Once we had all this land here in Quebec, and such a big home here at The Ark, the floodgates started to open when Willy, the bicycle-hating Labradane made his appearance.

And now... we have 5 dogs here!

Fred (grandson of Grandpa Fred), Charlie ("lost my home in a tornado" Basset Hound), Buddy ("pulled my previous owner off her feet" Basset Hound), Biko ("way too much pup for a 72-year-old") and Laddy ("I was on death row, now I'm here").

I have been working closely with a local animal rescue, Les Anges Gardiens des Animaux and through them learning just how many dogs locally need our help every day.

The Ark is pretty much "at capacity" when it comes to dogs and although we are still here for "emergency fosters", the most help I can provide now is financial assistance to Les Anges Gardiens and other organizations like them.

Sadly we lost the namesake of this race, Mica, to cancer on May 10, 2019.... that was a super tough loss for me.

So to keep her memory alive and to potentially help other dogs like Mica, the "Mica Run" is born.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to bring a dog to participate?

Absolutely not, this is still a trail race like any other. We have 3 distances to compete in: 3k, 5k, or 10k. The only difference is dogs are allowed, and even encouraged to participate at this event. So no, you don't need a dog to participate.... but it's not recommended you participate if you're afraid of dogs.

Is this race suitable for children?

What we've learned over the years is that Mad Trapper racers are probably more suitable for children than adults! The trails are twisty, turny, with rocks and roots. Adults consider such things to be "obstacles", whereas the kids barely notice them. I'm actually looking for a new family to watch grow up here. The Raz family have been participating since their kids raced the 3k event. 2 weeks ago, Luke, who's now in university, completed over 50k here at the Mad Trapper Backyard Ultra.

Are there aid stations on the course?

The longest loop is 5km and due to a lack of volunteers (we've had 6 volunteers here in 20 years and over 100 races...) there are no aid stations on the course. But there is water at The Ark, which the 10k runners will pass through for the second loop.

Can I get lost?

The trails are extremely well marked. Leaves are blown off the trail prior to every race, so as long as you stay off the leaves, you'll stay on the trail. Intersections are well marked with flags. Different coloured flags for different distances. So if you're colour-blind, let me know before we start and I'll give you a flag to run with for comparison.

Are there awards or "freebies"?

Every racer will receive a custom Mica Run engraved wooden plaque. Bushtukah Great Outdoor Gear will provide prizing, all of which are awarded at random. So whether you finish 1st or 31st, you have the same chance of going home with a prize. And our post race feast celebration is second to none. We'll have fresh-off-the-grill meat and vege burgers, our world famous Mad Trapper brownies, chips, ice cream and beer.

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