The New Balance Mont-Blanc Marathon Event

The New Balance Mont Blanc Marathon brings together more than 10,000 runners each year, participating in 8 unique races in the Mont Blanc massif: the 90km, the 42km, the 23km, the 10km, the Vertical Kilometer, the Starry Duo, the Young Race Marathon and the Mini-Cross.

We take an in-depth look at this exciting trail running event, with GPS routes, race images and a description of each route.

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90km du Mont-Blanc

With a distance of 92 km and an elevation gain of 6,330m, the 90km du Mont-Blanc is recognized as one of the most technical trails in the French landscape. Although the route follows exclusively hiking trails, these are sometimes narrow and exposed.

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Photo credit: Morgan Bodet

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Some sections of the course run exclusively in snow, and runners frequently travel between 2,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level, requiring a certain amount of acclimatization. The weather can change quickly in the mountains (wind, precipitation, heat/cold), and running at night can increase the feeling of difficulty of a section.

To participate in this race, it is therefore recommended to have good mountain running experience, to be comfortable on all terrains and to be independent for several hours. We draw your attention to the fact that a runner with a UTMB index lower than 450 points has very little chance of finishing the race; it is therefore recommended to participate in another event of the Mont-Blanc Marathon.

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42km Marathon du Mont Blanc

With its 2,540m of elevation gain , the 42km Mont-Blanc is the flagship race of the weekend.

It brings together the best trail runners in the discipline, who engage in a breathless battle in a dream setting!

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Photo credit: Floé

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First on the fast, rolling trails of the first part of the race, then on the steep, technical slopes of the Aiguillette des Posettes, the main difficulty of the course, to then finish facing this incredible panorama of the Mont Blanc range.

To participate in this race, it is recommended to have good mountain running experience, to be comfortable on all terrains and to be self-sufficient for several hours. We draw your attention to the fact that a runner with a UTMB performance index below 350 points has very little chance of finishing the race; it is therefore recommended to participate in another event of the Mont-Blanc Marathon.

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23km du Mont Blanc

Created in 1979, the Mont Blanc Cross will celebrate its 46th edition in 2025. This friendly race, whose course has remained virtually unchanged since its creation, will take you in the footsteps of the pioneers of the discipline, all in the middle of a panorama of dazzling beauty!

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Photo credit: David Gonthier

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To participate in this race, it is recommended to have mountain running experience, to be comfortable on all terrains and to be independent for several hours. We draw your attention to the fact that a runner with a UTMB performance index lower than 270 points has very little chance of finishing the race; it is therefore recommended to participate in another event of the Mont-Blanc Marathon.

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10km du Mont Blanc

The 10km du Mont-Blanc is a race open to everyone, offering an introduction to trail running in a spectacular environment.

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Photo credit: Floé

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Although this trail has little elevation gain (325m D+/-), it will surprise you with its short but intense climbs, and its descents on technical singles.

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Duo Étoilé du Mont-Blanc

Discover the special atmosphere of a 21km with 1450m D+/- night race, where team spirit and sharing are the keywords: you'll leave with stars in your eyes!

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Photo credit: Florian Legrand

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To take part in this race, it is recommended to have good mountain running experience, to be comfortable on all types of terrain and to be self-sufficient for several hours. Please note that a runner with an UTMB index inferior to 240 points has very little chance to finish the race, so it is recommended to register for another Mont-Blanc Marathon race.

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KM Vertical du Mont-Blanc

Test yourself against the 1000 meters of vertical drop of the Chamonix Vertical Kilometer!

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Photo credit: Florian Legrand and Morgan Bodet

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This 3.8km race with 1000m of elevation gain takes place in the form of a race against the clock. Note that this is an alpine race! The end of the course is aerial, via ferrata-style (not recommended for people with vertigo): steps, cables, pedals, handrails... with a finish at an altitude of 2000m. Poles are prohibited due to the technical nature of the end of the course.

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Mini-Cross

The mini-cross is a free race for youngsters, with distances ranging from 800m to 3km, depending on age category.

The start is on the Aire des Parapentes in Chamonix, and the courses take place in the Bois du Bouchet. Children will have the opportunity to take part in the race "just like the grown-ups": medals will be awarded to each child at the finish, and a tombola with lots of prizes will be organized at the end of the races!

Several starts are scheduled, depending on race distances and age categories: 
800m: 2:00 pm
2km: 2:15 pm
3km: 2:45 pm

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