
Alister Bignell

International Mountain Leader
The outdoors and especially the mountains have been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember, starting with a career as an outdoor instructor in the UK and then a permanent move out to the Alps in 2006. As well as running lots, I like to go climbing in the summer and winter with friends, exploring new corners of the Alps and trying to improve my languages. The constant through all of this is plenty of fresh coffee and local cakes!
An avid racer of both short and long distances on road and trail, I’m as much motivated by the training required as the actual competition.
Sharing the Alpine trails with people and seeing them inspired by this amazing landscape is what motivates me as a guide. It’s also a constant reminder to see familiar landscapes through fresh eyes, as there is always something new to be learned from guests!

Run the Alps Senior Guide Alister Bignell serves up the first course at Les Mottets, on the Tour du Mont-Blanc.

There’s just a little bit of snow this winter, in the Alps! (Photo by Doug Mayer.)
Roasting and Running: Moody Coffee Roasters’ Ian Dove

When he’s not serving up the best coffee in Chamonix, you can find him on the trails training for the Mont-Blanc Marathon.
Tour du Mont-Blanc Trail Running

The Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB) is our most popular guided and self-guided tour. We offer multiple tour options each trail season.
Join the Club: Run the Alps on Strava!

Run the Alps has just launched a Strava Club. We’ll see you on the trails for our first Challenge – kudos and goodies are waiting!