Presented by
Thanksgiving Monday
Monday October 12th 2026
2.5 KM · 5 KM · 10 KM
We’re so excited to bring the Défi Chelsea Challenge back for its 31st edition this Thanksgiving Monday!
Presented by Dawson Team Real Estate and organized by Chelsea Athletica and Nomades du Parc, the Défi has been part of Chelsea since the 90’s. More than three decades later, it continues to be a Thanksgiving Monday tradition for neighbours, families, friends and visitors to come together for a morning of running, walking and volunteering.
But the Défi has always been about more than the race itself. It’s a family-oriented, not-for-profit community event with a simple goal: to give back to organizations doing important work right here in our community. Once the costs of putting on the race are covered, 100% of the remaining proceeds are donated. In 2026, those proceeds will be shared equally between La Maison Libère-Elles and the Des Collines Health Foundation.
WHO YOU’RE SUPPORTING
For the first time in 2026, the Défi Chelsea Challenge will also support the Des Collines Health Foundation, expanding the event's impact to benefit two local organizations.
The Foundation works in partnership with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais (CISSSO) to fund equipment, services, and projects that improve patient care across the Des Collines region. Donations help provide specialized medical equipment, enhance local healthcare services, and support the healthcare professionals who care for our community every day.
Funds raised through the Défi Chelsea Challenge will directly support healthcare services close to home, including Wakefield Memorial Hospital, the CLSCs in Chelsea, Cantley, La Pêche, and Val-des-Monts, and the CHSLD in Masham, helping ensure residents have access to the equipment and resources they need, close to home.
Since 1990, the Défi Chelsea Challenge has proudly raised funds for La Maison Libère-Elles, a local shelter that provides safe housing, support, and essential services to women experiencing domestic violence and their children.
Last year alone, La Maison Libère-Elles was forced to turn away more than 300 requests for shelter. Of those, 221 women could not be accommodated due to a lack of space, while others were unable to be admitted because of limitations of the current facilities or because their specific needs could not be met.
To better respond to the current and future needs of women and children, the shelter is currently undertaking an infrastructure expansion and improvement project that will increase its capacity and provide spaces that are better suited to the needs of those seeking safety.
A race in the community. For the community.
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS
TITLE SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
From post-race fuel to silent auction items you’ll be able to bid on to help us raise even more, these businesses are helping make our fundraising goal possible. A huge thank you to everyone who has donated!
IN-KIND DONATIONS
EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER & PHOTGRAPHY
Proudly organized by Chelsea Athletica & Nomades du Parc
In 2024, Chelsea Athletica and Nomades du Parc took over the organization of the event, building on its long-standing legacy while preserving the community spirit that has defined the race for generations. Since then, the event has continued to grow, welcoming more than 300 participants last year, establishing new local partnerships, and raising over $39,000 for Maison Libère-Elles in just two years.
Presented by Dawson Team Real Estate
We’re excited to have Dawson Team Real Estate join us as the Title Sponsor of this year’s Défi Chelsea Challenge. Their support is helping cover the costs of the race, which means we’re able to give even more back to Maison Libère-Elles and the Des Collines Health Foundation. Their team will also be a big part of race day, helping us run the event from registration, to cheering you on throughout the course, to keeping everyone fuelled with pre- and post-race snacks. We’re so grateful to have their support both behind the scenes and on race day.
