Trail Race in Chamonix, France
Summary
Trail run around Chamonix, France, the world’s trail running capital, and take part in one of the six races of the Mont Blanc Marathon series. It’s one of the most exciting times of the year to be here in the home of Run the Alps!
Working in partnership with Mont Blanc Marathon race organizer Club des Sports, Run the Alps has developed a unique package: a chance to spend a week exploring this legendary region of the Alps– and the opportunity to take part in one of the world’s best known trail races. Most of the races sell out quickly, and sign-up for the 23km and 42km distances is by lottery. However, Run the Alps has a limited number of race entries available. (Please contact us for the latest availability.)
The Mont Blanc Marathon races kick off peak trail running season in Chamonix, with 10,000 runners from around the world taking part in the Vertical Kilometer, 10km, 23km Cross du Mont-Blanc, Salomon Golden Series 42km Marathon du Mont-Blanc, or the epic 90km race.
Runners about to start the 90km (Photo courtesy of Club des Sports/ Pierre Raphoz).
This is a great way to enjoy trail running in the Chamonix region and experience a classic Alps trail race, too!
Chamonix is the home of Run the Alps, so our staff will be on hand, and will join each of our self-guided guests for a visit in town, and a chance to review your plans for the week, discuss race preparations, and answer any other questions you might have.
Five-time winner of the Mont Blanc Marathon, Kilian Jornet moves along the course with the summit of Mont Blanc in the distance. (Photo courtesy of Club des Sports/ Fabian Bodet.)
Here’s a typical Mont Blanc Marathon race package itinerary:
June 21 Arrive Chamonix’s Hotel Refuge des Aiglons
June 22 Visit with Run the Alps staff member at a local cafe to help plan your week, trail run along the Balcon Sud, in full view of Mont Blanc.
June 23 Enjoy a self-guided run such as the Balcon Nord under Mont Blanc, then dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.
June 24 Enjoy a recon trail run of parts of the Cross du Mont Blanc and Marathon routes, or tackle the big vert of Chamonix with a run or fast hike up to the meeting of two glaciers at La Jonction.
June 25 Today, it’s time to taper, perhaps with a gentle run up to lunch at Chalet Floria.
June 26 Today’s a rest day! You’ll pick up your race entry, bib, and perhaps enjoy the trail running festivities around town, including talks, visits with elite runners, films and more.
June 27 and 28 It’s off to the races! All weekend long, trail runners will be plying the streets of Chamonix– and if you like, you’ll be one of them! Enjoy a classic Alps trail race, and watch some of the world’s best racers compete during your day off.
June 29 Depart Chamonix via shared airport shuttle
Typical Pricing: $2,690 for a 8-night, 9-day tour, based on double occupancy. $900 single supplement. Race entry is billed separately, as part of our race partnership program.
Self-Guided Tour FAQ
When you sign up to run the Chamonix Marathon self-guided tour, your trip will be planned in detail.
The tour includes the following components:
*Shared 90-minute shuttle between Geneva airport and Chamonix, France.
*Three-star hotel bookings with superior-class rooms and breakfast included.
*A chance to meet with a Run the Alps guide or staff member to plan your stay in Chamonix and select run options for the week.
*Thorough travel instructions, regional information, our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, and a variety of detailed run descriptions printed on durable, waterproof paper, complete with a run profile, time estimates, bail-out options, emergency numbers, and a map. See a sample.
*Chamonix village guide, with sight-seeing tips and rest-day suggestions.
*We’ll also include the Run the Alps Guide to Trail Racing in the Alps, to give you a head-start getting ready for your Alps trail race.
Typical pricing is $2,290 for a 6 night, 7 day tour. This includes a return shuttle from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Pricing assumes double occupancy. $800 single supplement. Since tour planning time and materials are the same regardless of trip length, cost for shorter trips are not reduced proportionally.
There is an extra fee for your race entry through our race partnership programme.
Our Chamonix Marathon self-guided trip can start as early as June 15th and as late as September 20th.
No matter where you are, on every self-guided trip, if a problem arises, Run the Alps and our booking partners at Alpinehikers are just a phone call away.
Please contact us if you have any questions.