Anthony Battah's ultra-marathon planned to follow the monarch butterflies on their winter migration is not only an impressive athletic feat but also a powerful initiative to raise awareness about the plight of these essential pollinators. The journey he's about to embark on, entitled the Ultra-Trail Monarch Project, is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, covering 4500 km across three countries in just 90 days, at an average of 50 km per day. Departing from Montreal this Saturday, July 29, 2023, he aims to reach the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico by November 1, 2023.
PHOTO: Ultra-Trail Monarque
Just as the butterflies face an arduous journey during their migration, they also face an existential threat due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and other human-induced challenges. By taking on this immense athletic challenge, Anthony aims to draw attention to the urgency of protecting these delicate creatures and the critical importance of pollinators in the ecosystem. The project hopes to raise $4.5 million, or one dollar per meter Anthony will run, to help organizations dedicated to protecting the butterfly and biodiversity.
Battah will pass through the West Island this Saturday, July 29, during the first day of his run and will stop in Vaudreuil. Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue citizens may gather at City Hall around 3:45 p.m. to greet and support him, and those who wish to join him on his run are most welcome! He will continue his route along the pedestrian path of the Galipeau Bridge to the Taschereau Bridge, towards Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Supporters will await his arrival at Parc le 405 around 4:45 p.m. Local runners are invited to join Mr. Battah before reaching his destination and those interested can meet at 4:30 p.m. at Parc Sabourin (next to the Taschereau Bridge). With the theme of Mr. Battah's visit, the City will also host environmental activities at Parc le 405 starting at 3:00 p.m. Some educational activities include insect observation with Insectambulant, a seed bomb workshop, seed distribution, and a pollinator information booth.
To learn more about the project or to donate, visit https://ultratrailmonarque.com/.
SOURCE: Ultra-Trail Monarque, Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion/Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
