On February 18, over 200 runners took part in the fifth edition of the CRYO race. This event, organized by the Sur la pointe des Pieds foundation, raised \$331,000 to fund its nature adventure therapy activities. Airmedic was on-site to ensure the safety of runners and volunteers. The medical team was on standby to carry out an emergency medical evacuation in the event of a major injury, and provided support to the medical ambulance team: Sauvetage 02.
While CRYO participants faced the unpredictable, Airmedic was prepared for the worst.
The CRYO race: a major challenge
The route required racers to cover distances ranging from 13 km to 33 km, running, biking or skiing on Lac Saint-Jean. It’s a demanding event, requiring preparation and safety. As a result, the challenge taken up by the racers was as much physical as psychological, and they were able to surpass themselves.
Departures for the day
- 8:30 a.m.: Start of the Fat-Lac!
Firstly, the first group of cyclists leaves Saint-Gédéon for the Chalets et Spa site. - 10:30 am: Start of the Ski-Lo!
Armed with their cross-country skis, riders tackle the 33-km route from Saint-Gédéon to Chambord. - 1:00 pm: Wind picks up on Lac Saint-Jean
In the afternoon, strong gusts are felt on the lake. As a result, the CRYO race organization decides to revise the course of its signature race, the Traversée. - 4:30 p.m.: Start of the Traversée
The race, scheduled to run from Saint-Gédéon to Chambord, has also been revised to a round trip between the Chalets et Spa de Chambord site and Roberval, covering a total of 26 kilometers. - 6:30 p.m.: Start of the Micro-CRYO
Over 100 runners leave the Roberval Ice Village for the Chalets et Spa de Chambord site some 13 kilometers away.
Face the lake, whatever the conditions
These challenges forced participants to deal with nature and the unpredictable. Last year, runners had to contend with gusts of wind and freezing temperatures. 57 of the 83 participants were forced to abandon.
Once again this year, the Sur la pointe des Pieds team was prepared for anything. And ready to intervene in case of emergency.
To ensure safety, over 1,200 markers and 5 bridges were installed on the lake. In addition, the organizers and 75 volunteers spent many hours surfacing the course and levelling pressure ridges with axes.
“It was truly impressive to see the winds pick up like that. Fortunately, we could count on a team of 75 volunteers who were not only dedicated but also very resilient, providing all the necessary support to the athletes. Everyone came out of the lake smiling with rosy cheeks.” – Jean-Charles Fortin, Executive Director of the Sur la pointe des Pieds Foundation, event organizer
Safety guaranteed by Airmedic at the CRYO race
Airmedic was also on site to ensure the safety of participants.. The Airmedic team, comprising two pilots and two nurses, was on standby to intervene. Thanks to the Airmedic helicopter, the team was able to provide emergency medical transport if required.
“The CRYO race organizing committee made the right decision by modifying the La Traversée course. The safety of the 90 participants remains the top priority. Indeed, prevention is key during major sporting events where athletes push their physical limits.” – Jean-Patrick Laflamme, Director of Communications and Public and Government Relations at Airmedic.
A natural partnership between Airmedic and Sur la pointe des Pieds Foundation
Perseverance and dedication are values thatAirmedic shares with the Sur la pointe des Pieds Foundation. That’s why, every year, Airmedic not only takes part in events to raise funds and support causes such as the CRYO race, but also to secure annual expeditions.
The foundation holds an important place in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Indeed, it has been established here for several years. It helps promote Lac Saint-Jean in Quebec and even internationally!
Airmedic also shares a strong bond with the people of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.A large proportion of our members live in or frequent this region of Quebec. So, to meet the constant demand for prehospital emergency services in the region, we’ve even set up a team of permanent pilots, nurses and paramedics dedicated to the region. For the past 10 years, we’ve taken your safety to heart. That’s why it was important for us to offer our support today.
A shared mission
Sur la pointe des Pieds Foundation and Airmedic share the same mission: to offer safe therapeutic adventures in nature to cancer sufferers, in order to restore hope in life. In 2022, these hikes enabled 30 young people to surpass themselves in a setting other than a hospital. This shows the courage, determination and stamina these young cancer sufferers have to face every day. They are a true source of inspiration for Airmedic.
Finally, thank you again to Sur la pointe des Pieds Foundation and the CRYO race for your confidence. It’s an honor to be part of your activities year after year.
