L'Échappée Belle
Photo: PiRGoif / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)

Vizille

L'Échappée Belle

Thursday, 19 August 2027estimated date

Intégrale 152km

152km D+ 11390m

Traversée Nord 92km

92km D+ 6750m

Parcours des Crêtes 63km

63km D+ 4750m

Maratrail 42km

42km D+ 2800m

Skyrace du Rocher Blanc 21km

21km D+ 2000m

See the gear

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Elite

Distance

5 modalities

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  • Intégrale 152km

    Distance
    152 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 11390m
    Max Time
    -
  • Traversée Nord 92km

    Distance
    92 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 6750m
    Max Time
    -
  • Parcours des Crêtes 63km

    Distance
    63 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 4750m
    Max Time
    -
  • Maratrail 42km

    Distance
    42 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 2800m
    Max Time
    -
  • Skyrace du Rocher Blanc 21km

    Distance
    21 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 2000m
    Max Time
    -
Will your watch battery last the ~49 h of L'Échappée Belle?Worked out for the longest course (152 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch

Your checklist for L'Échappée Belle

What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.

0 of 7 ready

  1. GPS watch

    Suunto Vertical 2

    Bezel-integrated LED flashlight with red light and SOS mode

    Downside: Heavy in steel (87 g); the titanium version drops to 74 g

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  2. Gear

    Shoes with aggressive lugs for rock and mud

    Salomon Speedcross 6

    Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico

    Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  3. Nutrition

    A gel every 40-45 minutes from the start

    Maurten Gel 100

    Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica

    Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  4. Sun Protection

    Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapply every 2-3 hours

    ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+

    Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin

    Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  5. Body Care

    Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin

    BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

    Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands

    Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  6. Accommodation

    Book as soon as you have a bib: availability goes fast

  7. Car Rental

    Pick up the car at Lyon (LYS)

    DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  8. Trip logistics

    Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.

Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Gear up for L'Échappée Belle

Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.

Swipe to see all 4 comparisons

Historical weather

What to wear at 25 °C: guide and kit →

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

17°C – 27°C

Average 22°C

Rain

43%

5.2 mm avg

Wind

10 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

10h

daily average

Gear recommendations

Bring a waterproof jacket (43% chance of rain)

Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX

Asics

Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX

A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX

Berghaus

Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX

Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX

Brooks

Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX

The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.

View on Amazon →
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Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

Gore Wear

Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

Gore Wear

Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.

View on Amazon →
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Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

Gore Wear

Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.

View on Amazon →
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Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX

Nike

Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX

The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

Salomon

Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

Sealskinz

Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail

TRIWONDER

TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail

Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)

Sun protection essential (10h sunshine, up to 27°C)

Échappée Belle: the Belledonne traverse

From Vizille to Aiguebelle along the Belledonne range. Lots of boulder fields and off-trail terrain: progress is slow. Poles and shoes with good rock grip are essential.

Check our gear guides and other races in France.

360Complete Pack

L'Échappée Belle registration

Registration

Limited places and strong international demand. Register on the official website as soon as it opens.

Browse all registration

Tips

  • •Check the official website for the registration opening date
  • •France requires a medical certificate or PPS if you don't hold an FFA licence
  • •Review the mandatory gear list before travelling

Where to stay for L'Échappée Belle

Accommodation

Vizille fills up on race weekend. Book months ahead and stay close to the start.

Browse all accommodation

Tips

  • •Book as soon as you have a bib: availability goes fast
  • •Nearby villages are cheaper if you have a car
  • •Earplugs and eye mask for sleep before an early start

Gear for L'Échappée Belle

Gear

Alpine terrain with big climbs: grippy shoes, poles, hydration vest, waterproof jacket and a headlamp if you run at night.

Browse all gear

Tips

  • •Shoes with aggressive lugs for rock and mud
  • •Poles save your legs on long climbs
  • •Waterproof jacket with taped seams (usually mandatory)
  • •Headlamp with a spare battery for the long distances
Salomon Speedcross 6

Which shoes for L'Échappée Belle?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

→
Suunto Vertical 2

Which GPS watch for L'Échappée Belle?

Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time

→
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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.

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Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

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Nutrition for L'Échappée Belle

Nutrition

Many hours of mountain effort: plan gels, salts and solid food from the first kilometre.

Browse all nutrition

Tips

  • •A gel every 40-45 minutes from the start
  • •Electrolytes if it's hot or you sweat a lot
  • •Alternate sweet and savoury on ultra distances
🍫

Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026

A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.

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Getting to L'Échappée Belle

Transport

The most practical airport is Lyon (LYS). From there, train, bus or car to Vizille.

Browse all transport

Tips

  • •Fly to Lyon (LYS) early: prices rise close to the date
  • •Check the organisers' official shuttles
  • •Driving is a good option if travelling as a group

Car rental for L'Échappée Belle

Car Rental

A car gives you freedom between start, finish and accommodation, and lets you recce the course.

Browse all car rental

Tips

  • •Pick up the car at Lyon (LYS)
  • •Mountain roads: drive carefully after the race

Insurance for L'Échappée Belle

Insurance

Mountain race abroad: a rescue can cost thousands of euros. Travel with sports cover.

Browse all insurance

Tips

  • •European Health Insurance Card at minimum
  • •Insurance with mountain rescue and evacuation
  • •Cancellation cover for injury

Body care for L'Échappée Belle

Body Care

Climbing and long hours punish feet and skin. Prevent blisters and chafing before the start.

Browse all body care

Tips

  • •Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin
  • •Blister plasters in your pack
  • •Compression socks for recovery

Sun protection for L'Échappée Belle

Sun Protection

UV radiation is much stronger at altitude. Sweat-resistant SPF50 and lip protection.

Browse all sun protection

Tips

  • •Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapply every 2-3 hours
  • •Lip balm with SPF
  • •Category 3 sunglasses
🧴

Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks

Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We tested 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See the winner.

→

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next edition?
The 2026 edition ran 20-23 August. 2027 is expected the same week (estimated).
What distances are there?
Intégrale 152 km (11,390 m D+), Traversée Nord 92 km, Parcours des Crêtes 63 km, Maratrail 42 km and Skyrace du Rocher Blanc 21 km.

Races similar to L'Échappée Belle

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