Hello, my name is Graeme Langlois, and “I am Spartan!!”

In 2023 I will be challenging (and beating) the Canadian National Record for the number of Spartan Trifectas completed in one year. I am looking to raise funds to help cover the cost of travel, hotels, and rentals. I will be covering the cost of race registrations and meals. No matter the final outcome of this campaign, 25% of any money raised will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. If the target goal is achieved, anything above it will be donated.

Why am I doing this?

This year marks the 10th anniversary of a severe snowboarding accident that very nearly left me paralyzed. I had hit a patch of ice while on a double diamond run, lost control, went airborne as I slid off the trail, and struck a tree backwards. The impact fractured two thoracic vertebrae, fractured a rib, cracked my thorax, caused an elbow injury, and lots of internal swelling. Because of the severity of the fractures, I had to have a spinal fusion surgery to ensure the vertebrae did not damage my spinal cord, and so, for the rest of my life I will have 4 vertebrae permanently fused together with 3 titanium rods and 8 screws.

I am moving around today thanks to the quick actions of my best friend, Fred Ralet (RIP), who I phoned immediately after coming to from striking the tree. He sprang into action, got on the phone with the mountains ski patrol, and connected me to them within minutes. I firmly believe his actions helped me be here today. He was my best friend for 20 years and we were like brothers. He passed away from melanoma in 2016 and it will be in his honour that I hope to make a $10,000 donation (or 25% of funds raised) for cancer research.

What is Spartan Race and a Trifecta?

For those unfamiliar with Spartan Race, they started running obstacle course races in 2010 in Vermont with only 500 racers. They have now grown into a worldwide company, with thousands of racers per event. A Trifecta consists of completing Spartans three main distances in one calendar year. The three races are a Sprint (5km, 20 obstacles), a Super (10km, 25 obstacles), and a Beast (21km, 30 obstacles). The current Canadian record was set in 2017 with 15 trifectas, so I will be completing at least 16 trifectas and hopefully more!!

How you can help?

In any you way you are capable! Whether it be $5, $20, or $100. Any little bit will add to the end result. I am actively looking for sponsors, and would proudly wear someone’s logo on my race shirt. If you are unable to donate, share my story. Pass it on to your friends and family, or a business that you may know. Tell them about this guy who broke his back, came back stronger than ever, and now spends his weekends running 36 km up and down ski hills and traversing 75 obstacles at the same time.

No matter how you help, thank you! Any support towards this goal is greatly appreciated.