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Fortunately, there is a distance to suit every level of runner, with 8 races over 3 days of competition. From the 24 hour race around the valley of Chamonix Mont-Blanc, at an average altitude above the 2000m mark, to shorter distances such as the 42km, 23km, 10km, and even races for children. There’s no excuse to miss out on experiencing this beautiful part of the world.

In 2018 the event saw 10,500 registrations and 300 elite athletes, with 80 countries represented. The race also attracted 47.4 million viewers in France, and over 30,000 people actually attended the event in the valley of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. It’s fair to say that this is a big occasion.

THE RACES

The below information was provided by Marathon du Mont-Blanc

The Mont-Blanc 90km race: One of the most technical ultra trail races and also one of the most demanding in its category with narrow, sometimes exposes paths, snowy sections, and an average altitude above the 2000m mark.

Vertical : 6220 m +/-

Maximum time: 24 hours

Number of runners : 1 000 max

The Mont-Blanc 42km race: A marathon distance at it’s origins, it is a 2730m vertical trail which is rolling in the first part of the course until Vallorcine, but very technical in the second half with the mythical passage of the Aiguillette des Posettes.

Vertical : 2 730m + / 1 700 m –

Maximum time : 9 hours

Number of runners : 2 300 max

The Mont-Blanc 23km race: The course remains practically unchanged since 1979 ! This race is a benchmark for the evolution of trail running in regards to sport performances and the diversity of it’s participants.

Vertical : 1680m + / 870m –

Maximum time : 6 hours

Number of runners : 2 000 max

The Mont-Blanc Duo étoilé 17km race: Discover the unique ambiance of a night race where team spirit and sharing are key.

Vertical : 1300m +/-

Number of teams : 500 max

The Mont-Blanc 10km race:This 10km race, a port of entry for the other Mont-Blanc marathon races, accessible to all. It is the opportunity to run as a family, amongst friends, and for the pure pleasure of participating in a festive race in the forest on the cross-country ski trails without technical difficulties.

Vertical : 325m + / 325m –

Number of runners : 2 000 max

The Mont-Blanc Vertical Kilometer: With it’s 3.8km it is the shortest race format of the weekend, but you still have to climb 1000m along a single track path, craftily placed beneath the Planpraz cable car.

Vertical : 1000m +

Pre-registration for the 3 longer races, 90k, 42k, 23k races from Monday 15th October at 9:00 am to midnight on Sunday 4th November 2018. It’s not first come, first served, but if more people that the maximum quota apply, then a ballot is organized. With the results of that ballot announced on Thursday 8th November.

For more information, visit http://www.montblancmarathon.net

Cover Photo: Gaestan Haugeard