Francis and Elisabeth, a couple of trail running enthusiasts who have turned their passion into a way of life.
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Elisabeth Petit
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Francis Boutin
« Trail runners have eyes that envision the impossible, and feet and souls that enable them to go beyond. I wish you beautiful trails and a beautiful life.»
— Personal dedication by Frédéric Berg, 2016, in his book "Grand Trail”
Who are Francis & Elisabeth?
It all began with an unlikely meeting at a McDonald's in 1999. That day, a simple meal sealed the story of Francis and Elisabeth, this “McCouple” who, 25 years later, share much more than love: a burning passion for adventure. Married since 2012, they quickly found the mountains, travel and exploration to be their true driving forces in life.
From their first trip to the Gaspé Peninsula to their wedding in New Zealand, they have always sought to immerse themselves in nature. Whether it's the 48 summits of the Montagnes Blanches or crossing the GR20 in Corsica, each hike has forged their bond with the great outdoors. Their mantra, “we will never walk alone”, pronounced at their wedding, embodies their commitment to moving forward together, whatever the challenges.
Like many, they have devoted many hours to their careers, but it was life's trials, illness and invisible scars that gradually opened up a new path. This led them to reinvent their lives around the essentials: living frugally, connecting with others, savoring every moment. They discovered the true richness of shared time.
It was in the mountains of Switzerland, or perhaps on a trail in Japan, that they felt a new calling. Trail running, that perfect combination of endurance, exploration and self-transcendence, became their new passion. Since 2016, the sport has become much more than a hobby: it's a way of life that makes their hearts beat in unison.
At the dawn of their forties, the stars aligned to combine their love of travel and running. They covered kilometers, climbed peaks and participated in local races, until they took on ultra distances, constantly pushing their limits. The highlight? The CCC by UTMB in 2023. This prestigious 100 km race, with 6000 meters of ascent, pushed their bodies and spirits, but above all it symbolized the culmination of so many personal battles.
Today, Francis and Elisabeth are more than ever in love, inseparable, adventurous and free. Through their UltraNomades project, they share a philosophy of life based on human connection, exploration of the territory and unity with the community. Together, they will continue to run, climb mountains and, above all, never walk alone.
“As the years go by, our steps become slower, but our hearts just as beating, we tread the world all smiles.”
- Elisabeth & Francis
From Quebec... to the world. The human experience first.
UltraNomades cultivates the art of immersive travel. Trail running, mountains, but above all human encounters. A café here, a bakery there, secret trails revealed by the locals. The real experience, not the bucket list.
Our magnificent land
“Québec is a city where nature is everywhere. Turn on the compass rose, and you'll see mountains, the river, capes, islands, woods somewhere.”
- Pierre Morency (1942-), Lumière des oiseaux, 1992
In a sincere and humble spirit of reconciliation, truth and decolonization, UltraNomades pays profound homage to the First Peoples of this magnificent territory of Quebec, our native land. We respectfully acknowledge that this vast, sacred territory is at the crossroads of the Nionwentsïo of the Huron-Wendat people, the Ndakina of the Wabanaki people, the Nitassinan of the Innu people, the Nitaskinan of the Atikamekw people and the Wolastokuk of the Wolastoqey people. We honour with humility and gratitude the beauty and abundance of these lands, conscious of the road we still have to travel together to affirm and respect the rights of the First Peoples.
- Friendship and solidarity, Elisabeth & Francis
