On the Track – Walking or Running at Centre Multisports
The indoor athletics track at Centre Multisports is undoubtedly one of the most popular facilities at 3093 Boulevard de la Gare. Measuring 200 meters in length and covered with the same surface used at the 2012 London Olympic Games, the track is the perfect destination when the weather outside doesn’t cooperate.
Come rain or shine, it welcomes walkers, runners, amateurs, professionals, youth, seniors, women, men—anyone who wants to move at their own pace in a safe, comfortable, and spacious environment.
To help answer the question “Why should I walk or run on an athletics track?”, we asked two longtime users who return to this Olympic-grade surface every week. One regained her health in her forties, while the other has run over 2,400 races in the past 60 years.
Her Name is Nathalie
Nathalie Poulin trains twice a week at the Centre and has been a member of the running club for three years—despite initially thinking she wasn’t “good enough” to join! She started with the “5 km Goal” group and now runs with the “10 km Goal” group.
Why join a running club? For Nathalie, the benefits are clear, especially thanks to the track:
“One big advantage of the 200-meter indoor track—the only one of its kind in the region—is that our coaches and kinesiologists can stay in place and observe us every lap, helping correct posture and running technique,” she explains. “Also, I’m someone who doesn’t like running in the winter, so the track lets me run year-round! The surface also absorbs shock, reducing the risk of injury.”
Having discovered sport later in life, she now can’t live without it—and encourages others to try:
“It’s never too late to start, and there’s room for everyone! The beginner running group offers a walk-run training plan that adapts to each participant’s fitness level, with the goal of rapid performance improvement.”
His Name is Hugh
Hugh Wilson is 79 and could fill a book with his running stories. He’s been racing since he was 13, with a total of 2,400 races under his belt. These days, he walks the track 3 to 5 times a week—even though he lives in Dorval.
“I have type 1 diabetes,” Hugh shares, “so staying active is how I manage my health. It’s part of who I am.”
His basement is full of medals, but his joy comes from connecting with younger runners:
“People are happy to see us at races—they say, ‘We’re so glad you made it this year!’ And after, some of the younger folks come talk to us. We actually pass quite a few of them! When we tell them our age, they can’t believe it!”
As for the indoor track?
“It’s perfect for winter. Honestly, I’d love to see more members using it. Everyone has their own lane, and we switch directions on different days. That’s a really smart feature—it helps prevent injuries.”
The invitation is open, the track is ready… come and move at your pace, in your own lane.