Trail races in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — May 2027
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
Get ready for spring racing
Shoes, poles and a pack: the essentials before the first long races.
#1 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#2 · Best OverallBlack Diamond Distance Carbon ZView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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No races match these filters.
For your vertical km
Poles, grippy shoes and a light vest for a 1,000 m climb.
- #1 · Best OverallBlack Diamond Distance Carbon ZView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #2 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #3 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For a short race
Shoes, socks and sun protection: just what you need to run fast.
- #1 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#2 · Best OverallCompressport Pro Racing Socks V3.0 TrailView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best OverallISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For a mid-distance race
Shoes, vest and hydration for 21-42 km without suffering.
- #1 · Best OverallSalomon Sense Ride 5View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #2 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#3 · Best Gel OverallMaurten Gel 100View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For a long race
Vest, headlamp and nutrition for all those hours in the mountains.
- #1 · Best OverallSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
#2 · Best OverallPetzl Iko CoreView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)- #3 · Best Gel OverallMaurten Gel 100View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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For your ultra
A watch with battery to spare, a powerful headlamp and poles: the gear that can't fail.
#1 · Best OverallCoros Pace 3View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)- #2 · Best OverallPetzl Iko CoreView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
- #3 · Best OverallBlack Diamond Distance Carbon ZView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
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Explore by country, month and goal
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
10 – 101 km
Distance range
210 – 5,400 D+
Elevation range
May
Race months
Difficulty
Tips for running in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in may
Sun protection: the sun is already strong in May. SPF 50+ cream, visor cap and sunglasses are essential.
If your race is in high mountains, still bring thermal layers: at high altitudes temperatures can drop below 5 °C.
May has a high volume of races: plan carefully if you have multiple objectives to avoid overtraining.
Race map
Click a marker to view race details.
Scheduled races
Photo: Organisation La PastourelleLa Pastourelle
Salers
60K with 2,890 m of climb across the Cantal volcanoes and a 31K on 8-9 May 2027 in Salers
Photo: Unsplash / UnsplashMaxi-Race Annecy
Annecy
Full circuit 100-103 km (5,400m D+) around Lake Annecy through the French Alps, with options of 56 km, 40 km, and 20 km
Essential trail running gear
Must-have gear to prepare for your mountain races
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.
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