Trail races in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — September 2026
The world epicentre of high-mountain trail: Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is the birthplace of the UTMB; Annecy, by its turquoise lake, hosts the Maxi-Race. Brutal elevation gain, glaciers, and some of the most photographed alpine landscapes in Europe.
2 races scheduled
Climate in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: The safe high-mountain window runs from June to September, when passes and ridges are free of snow. July and August concentrate the bulk of the calendar, with UTMB in late August and Maxi-Race and Marathon du Mont-Blanc in June-July. Outside that window, snow can close the highest sections even in midsummer during years with late thaw.
Race summary
2
Races
9 – 84 km
Distance range
650 – 4,250 D+
Elevation range
Sep
Race months
Difficulty
Tips for running in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in september
September can bring sudden storms: always carry your windbreaker even if the sky looks clear.
The terrain starts to have fallen leaves hiding rocks and roots: increase focus on descents.
It is an ideal month for ultras: take advantage of the thermal conditions and remaining daylight hours.
Race map
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Scheduled races
Photo: Ylliab Photo from Grenoble, France / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)Ultra-Trail du Vercors
Villard-de-Lans
84 km y 4.250 m D+ por el Vercors desde Villard-de-Lans, en solitario o relevos. Septiembre.
Photo: Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Trail des Aiguilles Rouges
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
50 km y 3.700 m D+ frente al Mont-Blanc por las Aiguilles Rouges, en Chamonix. Finales de septiembre.
Gear up for the mountains
The right gear makes the difference on race day. Our comparison guides to choose well.
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Essential gear + sun protection
Get ready to run in the heat: sun protection and key gear
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.
Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight water-phase facial sunscreen with SPF 50+. Fluid texture that absorbs instantly with no greasy residue, ideal for applying during a race. Water and sweat resistant.
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