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Run the Alps Trail Running Guide

Giles Ruck

Giles Ruck
Hometown
Chamonix, France
Certifications

International Mountain Leader

A bit about me

I’m originally from the UK and discovered my love of the mountains in the Lake District, England, while studying Outdoor Education – learning to lead and share journeys on foot, by mountain bike and by canoe. I worked with inner-city ‘youth at risk’ for a decade, and now lead a Foundation, funding community projects across Scotland.

My earliest Alpine journeys were on skis, touring hut-to-hut, then later mountaineering and running trips. This led to exploring and working in the Himalaya, with personal highlights of climbing Mount Everest and Ama Dablam, as well as guiding on peaks such as Cerro Aconcagua in Argentina.

While big-scale expeditions can be equally challenging and satisfying, my heart lies in the Alps – big adventures are on your doorstep, yet you can enjoy pizza and coffee back in the valley the same day!

Trail running background

I took part in ‘fell’ (hill) races in the Lake District in my twenties, and discovered the buzz – the runner’s high – and the joy of running away from tarmac. Some years later, ‘ultras’ came into being and, naively, I thought I could complete a mountain-based 100-miler without much training, given my mountain background…! That was probably my biggest fail ever, but taught me to prepare well and complete long ultra-races. Since then I’ve enjoyed trail and mountain races in the Alps, in the States and the UK. Despite cultural differences, the companionship through all these events is the same – new friendships found along the trails. I usually sign-up for one long ultra-race each year and several shorter trail events: it’s good for my soul.

Why I love guiding

I feel most at home sharing my love of mountains with others. It’s a joy to see guests develop their skills, knowledge and experience, and to share a journey with them that will be a trip to remember – maybe the trip of a lifetime. Running is the best way to journey, enjoying the transition from valley to mountain environments, and back again – and running in the Alps is even better, as there’s always a café or mountain hut en route to enjoy a coffee and the view!

Guide website
Guide website
Region coverage
Chamonix Valley
Annecy
Beaufortain
Vanoise
Ecrins
Dolomites
Aosta Valley
Berner Oberland
German-speaking Valais
French-speaking Valais
Pre-Alps
Gallery
Run the Alps guide, Giles, on the Sierre-Zinal course in Valais, Switzerland

Run the Alps guide, Giles, on the Sierre-Zinal course in Valais, Switzerland

Run the Alps guide, Giles, running close to the Matterhorn, above Zermatt, Switzerland

Run the Alps guide, Giles, running close to the Matterhorn, above Zermatt, Switzerland.

Blog

Run the Alps Announces Salomon Limited Edition Collaboration!

Run the Alps Announces Salomon Limited Edition Collaboration!

Run the Alps is pleased to share the very first news of a special Alps trail running collaboration with Salomon– and the first chance to order your limited edition Run the Alps gear!

Guided

Tour du Mont-Blanc

Tour du Mont-Blanc

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is the most famous trail running route in the world, and for good reason. Wandering over mountain trails from France, to Italy, to Switzerland and back into France, the “TMB” footpath includes some of the most iconic mountain terrain anywhere. We’ll kick off the trip with a day of running one of Chamonix’s

New gear

Reusable Euro Market Bag

Reusable Euro Market Bag

Thanks to our crew and friends here in Chamonix, it's not unusual to spot our reusable bag at the Saturday morning market. Now, you can use it at your local farmer's market, too!