Prefontaine Running Squad: Pride and Performance in Montreal

In the fall of 2019, after returning from the Chicago Marathon, three Montreal-based runners—Lecia, Alex, and Véro—noticed that their neighborhood lacked a running community. Despite having one of the largest parks on the island, there was no club catering to runners in their area. Determined to fill that void, the trio set up their own running crew, and the Prefontaine Running Squad was born, quickly becoming a vital hub for the city's more experienced athletes.

A Philosophy of Pride and Performance

The philosophy of the Prefontaine Running Squad is a powerful blend of inspiration and inclusion. The crew's name is a direct tribute to the legendary American runner Steve Prefontaine, whose spirit of speed and determination they seek to embody. What makes the crew truly unique is that it was founded and is led by three queer women. This identity is central to their mission to inspire the wider community and its allies to run for pleasure, pride, and performance, regardless of their background. While open to all, the crew consciously tends towards a more advanced pace, providing a much-needed space for experienced runners to push each other and achieve their goals.

The culture of PRE is built around their exhilarating and consistent weekly run. Every Wednesday, the crew meets at 5:30 p.m. at Mutoïde - Microbrasserie, a trendy spot on the east end of the island of Montreal. This serves as the perfect location for runners to meet up, embark on a challenging run, and then gather for a refreshing drink afterward. The group typically runs at a pace between 4:45 and 5:45 minutes per kilometer, exploring different routes each week and experiencing the city in a new light.

The Prefontaine Running Squad extends a warm invitation to experienced runners in Montreal seeking a challenging pace and an opportunity to be part of an inclusive and inspiring community. If you are looking to connect with like-minded athletes and have established running goals, you are encouraged to join them for their weekly Wednesday run.

The Montreal Running Scene

While PRE provides a fantastic space for advanced runners, they are part of a thriving and diverse running scene in Montreal. The city is also home to the global free fitness movement, November Project Montreal, which welcomes all fitness levels to its early morning workouts, and the social Yamajo Run Crew, whose mission is to unite people through running and community engagement. This rich ecosystem ensures there is a crew for every type of runner.

Montreal, a vibrant and multicultural city in Quebec, Canada, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and thriving arts scene. The city is also home to numerous parks and outdoor spaces, featuring a vast network of bike paths and running trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Iconic running routes include the beautiful trails of Mount Royal Park, the paths in La Fontaine Park, and the scenic Lachine Canal. The premier racing event is the Montreal Marathon, which takes place every September and features several distances, attracting thousands of runners to the city's streets.