Aucun obstacle pour la famille Miljour

Most people getting back in shape after a third pregnancy might consider swimming or jogging. But for Geneviève Mathers—mom to Laurence (3), Maxandre (4), and Rose (6)—fitness took the form of running across muddy terrain, climbing walls, and leaping over fire. For the past three years, alongside her partner Éric Miljour, she’s been crisscrossing Quebec in search of the next Spartan Race: a brutal obstacle course known for being one of the toughest and most grueling endurance events around. Their next challenge? Conquering the Spartan Beast in Gatineau this August—21 kilometers, 30 obstacles, and a few scrapes if they’re lucky.

“When Are We Going Back?”

Not many people walk through the woods, see mud-covered runners, and say, “That looks fun!” But that’s not far off from how Geneviève and Éric got started. Three years ago, while scrolling through Facebook, Geneviève came across a friend’s post from a training facility called Obstacles—a center founded by Guy Pilon Jr. and Mélissa Boisjoli, specializing in obstacle course training. At the time, Geneviève had started jogging post-pregnancy, and Éric was more into softball.
Now, they both live and breathe obstacle racing in signature purple “Obstacles” shirts.
“I knew Geneviève would get hooked,” says Éric. “I wasn’t so sure about myself—but the day after our first session, I was sore and asked, ‘When are we going back?’” They’ve since racked up numerous medals, with only the elusive Beast left to conquer.

Down the Trail They Go

Spartan Races are growing in popularity. They offer courses for all levels: Sprint (5–8 km), Super (12+ km), and Beast (21+ km).
“Last year, after we finished our race,” recalls Éric, “I was in bad shape. And Geneviève turns to me and says, ‘Let’s do the Beast next year.’ I agreed—figuring I couldn’t be in worse shape than I was right then.”
So why put yourself through all this pain? Geneviève answers with pride:
“It’s about the feeling of accomplishment. It’s physically and mentally hard, but at the finish line, you feel proud—you pushed through something difficult.”

The couple’s children not only cheer from the sidelines—they participate. Spartan Races often include family components with short 1-km courses for kids. Max and Rose have already run three this year.
“Our kids watch us,” says Éric. “One day, our son said, ‘When I grow up, I want to jump over the fire like Mommy and Daddy.’”

From Preparation to Passion

You don’t train for Spartan Races by doing yoga and light cardio. At Obstacles, Geneviève and Éric train one to three times a week with loops of running, climbing, and strength exercises:
“1 hour and 15 minutes of pure pleasure and pain,” laughs Éric.
Founded in 2012, Obstacles welcomes everyone—from beginners to elite athletes.
“Beginners worry they’ll slow down the group,” explains Éric, “but they won’t—it’s all circuit-based.”
More than a training space, Obstacles is a lifestyle. A supportive Facebook group, a community spirit, and two passionate founders keep people coming back.
“What you see in Guy and Mélissa at the gym is who they are outside too,” says Éric. “They’re generous with their time and guidance.”

With the help of the Centre Multisports, Obstacles will soon benefit from top-tier facilities and professional trainers—great news for the Miljours.
Their living room wall is lined with medals, photo albums full of race shots, and kid-drawn masterpieces that speak volumes about their shared journey.
And perhaps the clearest sign of their impact?
“When we asked Rose what she wanted for her report card reward,” says Éric, “she said, ‘an obstacle race.’”