Claude David: Always in Motion
If there’s one thing you quickly learn when speaking with Claude David, it’s that he can’t sit still. When he sees a need, he’s the first to roll up his sleeves. This is the story of a passionate man who never stops moving.
Anyone even remotely connected to the sports scene in Vaudreuil-Soulanges knows Claude David. As head coach of the Vaudreuil-Dorion Track and Field Club, he has trained dozens of young athletes from the region. You might also spot him between sessions at the Centre Multisports.
The club is one of his creations. Founded in 2001 by Claude David, Jean-Pierre Champagne, and a few friends, the Vaudreuil-Dorion Track and Field Club was born out of necessity. Before it existed, young athletes had to leave the area to train.
“We knew something had to be done, so we created the club,” says Claude with a smile in his voice.
He is also deeply committed to offering positive sports experiences to children. Claude helps organize the “Mes Premières Foulées Bruny Surin” events at the Centre Multisports, which simulate large-scale competitions to inspire kids—regardless of their skill level—to love being active.
“It’s not about performance; it’s about progress. If a young person sees progress, they’ll enjoy it and want to keep going,” he explains.
36 Years of Action
Claude’s current projects are only the latest in a long career promoting sports. Back in fall 1984, he launched the very first “Cross des couleurs” race at Parc Les Forestiers—then owned by the local school board.
“Running was booming after the Montreal Marathon in the early '80s. I was already running and surrounded by real running fanatics. We realized there were no cross-country races in the area, so we just created one,” he recalls, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
For Claude, who moved to the region in 1976, the “Cross des couleurs” race became a way to combine his love for running and the local landscape.
“Believe it or not, Parc Les Forestiers is still relatively unknown. This race helps people discover it. It’s a top-tier facility open year-round. It’s beautiful. Running in the forest is easier on the joints and less hot in summer. I try to convince road runners to at least give it a try.”
Open to runners of all levels, the race also supports the development of local athletes. Profits are donated to the Track and Field Club.
Surrounded by Support
Claude admits that organizing an annual race is demanding—especially for someone as active as he is.
“Each edition brings in around 900 people. We need to be ready to welcome everyone. We start planning the next one right after finishing the last,” he notes.
Thankfully, he enjoys strong support from the City of Saint-Lazare, which now owns Parc Les Forestiers, and from Caisse Desjardins de Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
“It’s more than financial support. Desjardins provides us with professional guidance. Having them on our side is fantastic,” he says.
The 2019 edition of the Cross des couleurs will take place on October 13. Who knows—by then, Claude David may have already found another need to fill in the community!