Check out our guide to amazing local alpine trail running races!
Our motto is “exploring places… not running races” so we will never organise a race. However, all our guides race, we like racing we just happen to think there is more to running than racing! There is a plethora of small and some not-so-small local alpine races for you to enter. We’ve not included details about UTMB races as they are well known. There are lots of advantages for doing these smaller races and can be part of a journey to UTMB, if that is your goal. They are friendly, won’t break the bank (frequently cost around 15-50 Euros), will give you lots of alpine experience in the same area plus are lots of fun! We’ve included only races which don’t require a ballot. If you place then you be rewarded with cheese and wine and possibly some local honey. We’ve taken part in each one so they come recommended!
JUNE
La Comblorane
www.combloux.com/mon-agenda/temps-forts/la-comblorane/
Headline Races
- S – 7km +246m
- M – 15km +837m
- L – 25km +1586m
- XL – 42km +2835m
Our Opinion
This race probably will provide one of the best views of the Mont Blanc Massif on a clear day. With a wheel of reblochon as your medal, and a great local vibe, this is a great race to start the season.
- Dates – Beginning of June
- Location – Combloux, France
Aravis Trail
Headline Races
- Volontera – 48km +3100m
- Deufe – 20km +1100m
Our Opinion
The Aravis mountain range sit between the Mont Blanc Massif and Geneva, rising above Megeve and Annecy. They are stunning limestone monoliths. This area is often forgotten, and the races are a great way to explore this stunning area.
- Dates – Mid June
- Location – Thones, France
Bernex Trail Challenge
https://www.bernextrailchallenge.fr/
Headline Races
- Trail de la Station – 8km +350m
- Le Semi de la Dent d’Oche – 21km +1400m
- Trail du Chalet d’Oche – 33km +2300m
- La Balade Chablaisienne – 62km +4300m
Our Opinion
This a great local race above the shores of Lake Geneva and on the border with Switzerland. You’ll enjoy a small bottle of Genepi or local Poire to help with your recovery!
- Dates – end of June
- Location – Bernex, France
JULY
Montagn’Hard
Headline Races
- La Montagn’Hard – 110km +8200m
- La Moins’Hard – 70km +5390m
- La Mi’Hard – 50km +3790m
- La Mini’Hard – 27km +1950m
Our Opinion
True to their names, these are hard! They have bigger ascent/descent profiles for their distance compared to any UTMB Mont Blanc races. If you want a challenge, then this is it. Stunning trails on the shoulders of Mont Blanc.
- Dates – Beginning of July
- Location – Saint Nicholas de Veroce, France
Trail du Tour des Fiz
https://www.traildutourdesfiz.com/
Headline Races
- Tour des 5 Refuges – 34km +2330m
- Duo des Fiz – 25km +1440m
Our Opinion
Les Fiz are a giant range of limestone peaks which dominate the Arve valley which leads to Chamonix, much like the ones seen in the Dolomites. The Duo is a team event.
- Dates – Mid July
- Location – Plateau d’Assy, France
La Montee du Nid D’Aigle
https://www.saintgervais.com/jai-envie/evenement-et-animation/la-montee-du-nid-daigle/
Headline Race
- La Montee du Nid Aigle – 20km +2000m
Our Opinion
If you don’t like downhill and love the ups then this is for you! Over 35 years old this is a race to the Nid d’Aigle, the Eagles Nest standing at 2,412m where the Tramway du Mont Blanc which takes climbers on their way to the summit. What’s unique about the race, which is now part of the trail championships is that it’s uphill all the way with a train ride back down the mountain from the finish! It’s also the alpine home of Run the Wild.
- Dates – 3rd weekend of July
- Location – Saint Gervais Les Bains, France
Megeve Nature Trail
https://megevenaturetrail.com/
Headline Races
- La Cime – 30km +1560m
- L’Aguille – 42km +2680m
Our Opinion
Beautiful trails starting from Megeve which loop up onto the Mont Joly area with great views of the Mont Blanc Massif. There are other distances from 8km to 74km to check out.
- Dates – end of July
- Location – Megeve, France
AUGUST
Le Belier Trail and Rando
https://lebelier-laclusaz.fr/evenements/belier-trail-rando/
Headline Races
- Le Marathon du Belier – 42km +1980m
- La Course Phare – 27km +1000m
Our Opinion
Not far from Annecy is La Clusaz which is in the Aravis area. It’s another great local set of races with many distances from 7km to the grand slam of 84km (made up over a combination of races).
- Dates – 3rd week of August
- Location – La Clusaz, France
SEPTEMBER
Trail des Aiguilles Rouges
https://www.aiguillesrouges.fr/en
Headline Races
- TAR – 50km +3800m
- Petit TAR – 16km +1250m
Our Opinion
One of the last races of the season in the Chamonix valley it loops through the wild and beautiful Aiguilles Rouges which overlook the Mont Blanc Massif. It’s common to have snow on the route which can add to the challenge.
- Dates – 3rd weekend of September
- Location – Chamonix, France
Trail des Cabanes
Headline Races
- Trail des Cabanes – 42km +3500m
- Apero Trail – 26km +2100m
Our Opinion
A steep climb out of the Rhone valley in the Swiss Valais leads onto incredible trails. These races link mountain refuges which provide great checkpoints and great support.
- Dates – 3rd weekend of September
- Location – Fully, near Martigny, Switzerland
Run the Wild
Don’t forget we offer Alpine Race Prep Days, just get in touch if you’d like to arrange one. Details here.
