Everything You Need To Know About The Mont Blanc Marathon
The event
Historically, the first edition of the Mont-Blanc Marathon dates back to 1979. Only two race formats at that time: a 13 km and a 23 km. This great first brought together more than 450 runners on the Chamonix trails. Since then, the event has grown and become an unmissable event for thousands of runners.
The event begins on Thursday, June 23 in the heart of Chamonix with the Trail Camp, the Mont-Blanc Marathon show. A good warm-up and a great opportunity to meet the Polar team at the show.
The races
More precisely, the Mont-Blanc Marathon is 8 race formats and this is what makes this event accessible to all. Whatever your level, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, you will find a format that suits you.
Youth and family races
The mini-cross and the Young Race are races reserved for young categories and perhaps for future trail nuggets. So if you want to discover the event with family or friends, the 10 km will be the perfect race. Do you prefer to live the experience at night? Take part in the starry duo and discover the trails by the light of your headlamp.
The Mont Blanc cross and the vertical kilometer
In other words, for runners who want to discover more sporty formats, the Mont-Blanc cross-country race (23 km) offers a great line-up of runners, but above all a short visit to the valley before arriving in the centre of Chamonix. For those who love positive elevation gain, test yourself on the vertical kilometre. More precisely, the course is made up of 1000 m of D+ for 3.8 km, enough to make your head spin, but the arrival at the summit of Plan Praz will offer you a breathtaking view of the Giant of the Alps.
The 90km of Mont Blanc
So if you want a multi-hour adventure in the mountains with Mont Blanc as a backdrop, the 90 km will meet your expectations. In short, with more than 6,000 m of elevation gain and a pre-dawn start, this race will thrill the adventurer in you. After a long descent from the Plan de l’Aiguille refuge, you will arrive in the heart of Chamonix.
The Mont Blanc Marathon
In other words, the main event! The Mont Blanc Marathon is part of the international Golden Trail Series circuit. All the best trail runners in the world are present, making this format the most challenging race of the weekend. Antoine Charvolin, a professional trail runner at On’Running, took part in the Mont Blanc Marathon in 2021. He gives you valuable advice for a successful Mont Blanc Marathon.
Antoine Charvolin’s advice
“The race can be divided into 3 parts. The first, from Chamonix to the Tour, is quite rolling, very playful. You can have fun and go quite fast. However, you must not go into the red at the risk of suffering the rest of the course. After the Tour refreshment point, a very steep climb awaits the riders. Alternating between walking and running is a good option. The advantage is being in a peloton and being pulled along by the others. My main advice for this part is to think about eating and hydrating well. The descent to Vallorcines is quite long, you must not break the fibers too much and roll out your stride well. Finally, the last part goes from Vallorcines to Chamonix. There is a more rolling climb than the first. It’s time to give it your all, the finish line awaits all the riders in Chamonix in madness!”
Polar Athletes’ Opinion
Louis Parent , 6th in the 2021 Mont-Blanc cross-country race
“The iconic event with the greatest athletes who travel. The density is exceptional and allows everyone to surpass themselves. I was able to participate in the Mont-Blanc cross in 2021, I will be at the start of this race in 2022. My number 1 piece of advice would be not to start too fast, because even if it seems a little short, you can quickly go into the red on the rolling part at the start. In terms of nutrition, you have to think about hydrating yourself from the start even if you can run very fast. I will use the Grit X Pro for the Mont-Blanc cross this year. Why? I often wear it in training, I like to have the equipment that I know on the races too. It has all the features useful to trail runners: navigation, altimeter, carbohydrate reminder and hydration… A training session to do before your Mont-Blanc Marathon race: mix blocks on paths with a false flat uphill to work on your speed then follow up with intensities on steep slopes to work on your strength and speed. This session simulates very well the start of the 23 km course and the Marathon.
Candice Fertin , winner of the 2021 Mont Blanc Marathon
“The Mont Blanc Marathon is a beautiful race, a unique event not to be missed. No matter which race you choose to do, the landscapes will be breathtaking. The Mont Blanc Marathon is not just a race, it’s an event (trade fair, races, atmosphere, etc.)! If you dream of taking part in a race with the best trail runners, this is a great opportunity that you should seize. Don’t forget to open your eyes and let Mont Blanc guide you.”
Antoine Charvolin , 16th in the 2021 Mont Blanc marathon
“The Mont-Blanc Marathon is where I discovered trail running in 2017 by taking part in the Young Race, which I won. Even before setting foot there, it was an event that attracted me because of its atmosphere, the courses, and the level. It’s a unique race because it’s a European trail monument. I recommend this race to anyone who wants to discover Chamonix, its valley and its peaks. It’s the best place to practice trail running. The formats are accessible. The trails aren’t too technical, but it’s not about running on big boulevards either. They found this happy medium that makes the different courses unique. Even if you don’t run, coming to see the races is like witnessing a real outdoor spectacle.”
In terms of equipment, I will run with the Polar Grit X Pro . I use the FUELWISE™ feature a lot , which allows me not to forget to refuel. I will put the track in my watch, it prevents you from getting lost and it allows you to know where you are on climbs in particular.
