Marathon du Mont Blanc

More than 2000 runners will be ready for the off this Sunday as Chamonix hosts its 5th Mont Blanc Marathon. A gruelling race, even by marathon standards, the route takes competitors on a 42km course from Chamonix to Plan Praz (Brevent mid-station) via, Argentiere, Col des Montets, Vallorcine, Col des Posettes and Le Tour before the final climb to Plan Praz. Taking in a total ascent of 2240m and 1190m of descent, the fastest runners complete the route in about 3 ½ hours.

At the same time there is also a half marathon – the Cross Mont Blanc (21km), the original event – which follows the same route to Argentiere as the marathon race but from there Cross runners break off for the climb up to Plan Praz. Marathon competitors will set off from the Tourist Office square at 7am on Sunday and the Cross runners will leave at 9.30am from the same spot. The first arrivals at the finish line should start appearing around 10.30am at Plan Praz.

Held in the beautiful scenery of the Aiguilles Rouges National Park, the event is becoming more and more popular each year. Originally starting off “just” as a half marathon (now in its 29th year), the full 42km route was introduced in 2003. Since then, a number of less hardcore alternatives have also been introduced - 10km “decouverte” for those new to trail running and a 5km Mini Cross for children - making a whole weekend of it.

There are some spectacular viewpoints along the route for spectators so stretch those legs and come along to support!

Photo Credit: Chamonix Club des Sports