Alps Marathon
In the heart of the Tarentaise valley, Bourg-Saint-Maurice becomes the setting for a unique sporting adventure that transcends the simple road race. The Marathon des Alpes offers a rare hybrid experience, often ranked among the top ten marathons in France. Here, the tarmac meets the majesty of the peaks, creating a true “Alpine Marathon” where athletic performance is combined with the contemplation of exuberant spring nature.
As a Léman Running partner race, This event is a perfect addition to the calendar for riders looking for an authentic challenge, combining technical difficulty with a complete change of scenery at the gateway to the high mountains.
The routes
The event offers formats to suit all levels of endurance, from neophytes to experienced marathoners, with measured and varied routes:
-
Marathon (42.195 km | 430 m D+) : The main event takes the form of a demanding double loop. The route is a mix of asphalt and nature sections, taking riders through the centre of Séez before reaching the kayak base and crossing the plain. See the GPX route
-
Half-Marathon (21.097 km | 205 m D+) : A dynamic single loop that follows the main route to Séez before dropping back to the banks of the Isère. An ideal format for testing your speed on a gently undulating profile. See the GPX route
-
10 km (135 m D+) : An accessible but challenging distance, perfect for those who want a taste of the Alpine atmosphere without committing themselves to a long course. The course remains true to the DNA of the event: wooded and rhythmic. See the GPX route
-
Solidarity Walk (5.5 km) : A charity loop open to all, with all proceeds going to support research into multiple sclerosis. The race starts at the same time as the half-marathon, making for a great sporting event.
Terrain and Profile
It's not a trail, but it's not quite a classic urban marathon. The profile is characterised by its “hilly” character, requiring constant changes of pace to break up the monotony of the effort. Participants will run over a mixed terrain, alternating between small tarmac country roads and the famous marshland greenway.
The technical challenge lies in managing the small climbs that punctuate the route. The section running alongside the Isère river, almost 10 kilometres long (or 5 km per loop), offers a welcome visual respite and coolness thanks to the natural shade of the tree-lined paths, but requires you to keep your footing if you want to get going again effectively. It's a “leg-breaker” in the noblest sense of the word, where you need to keep your feet under you for the second half of the race, particularly on the return to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Practical info
The organisation has been designed with the riders' comfort in mind, with a nerve centre at the Bourg-Saint-Maurice Funicular, where all the starts and finishes take place.
-
Bib number : You can collect your race numbers mainly on Friday afternoons and all day Saturday. Please note that on the day of the race, the slot is extremely limited and reserved exclusively for 10 km and Walk numbers. There will be no on-site registration on the day.
-
Supplies : Refreshment zones are set up regularly (approximately every 5 km, as well as at strategic points such as km 31 or 35 for the marathon) to maintain the necessary energy.
-
Logistics : The looped route makes it easier for supporters to follow the race, as they can cheer on their champions several times without having to travel too far.
Atmosphere Running in the Tarentaise in spring means immersing yourself in a striking contrast: the surrounding peaks are still powdered with eternal snow, while the valley explodes with greenery and flowers. Runners enjoy a bucolic setting, crossing peaceful, shady areas, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Savoyard friendliness is omnipresent, transforming the solitary effort into a collective celebration of the mountains and of surpassing oneself.
Take up the challenge of this mountain-flavoured marathon and come and breathe in the pure Savoie air.
Event details
Have your say
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
In the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, Bourg-Saint-Maurice becomes the setting for a unique sporting adventure that goes beyond the simple road race.
The Marathon des Alpes offers a rare hybrid experience, often ranked among the ten most beautiful marathons in France. Here, asphalt meets peaks in a true “Alpine Marathon”, where performance meets the beauty of a spectacular spring environment.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not a trail. It's a real marathon on the road, with 70 % of the course on tarmac and 30 % on wide, compacted gravel paths. There are no technical sections or narrow paths: the roads are as wide as a normal road, with good rolling surfaces and easy access.
As a Léman Running partner race, This event is a perfect addition to the calendar for riders looking for an authentic challenge, combining technical difficulty with a complete change of scenery at the gateway to the high mountains.
The routes
The event offers formats to suit all levels of endurance, from neophytes to experienced marathoners, with measured and varied routes:
-
Marathon (42.195 km | 430 m D+) : The main event takes the form of a demanding double loop. The route is a mix of asphalt and nature sections, taking riders through the centre of Séez before reaching the kayak base and crossing the plain. See the GPX route
-
Half-Marathon (21.097 km | 205 m D+) : A dynamic single loop that follows the main route to Séez before dropping back to the banks of the Isère. An ideal format for testing your speed on a gently undulating profile. See the GPX route
-
10 km (135 m D+) : An accessible but challenging distance, perfect for those who want a taste of the Alpine atmosphere without committing themselves to a long course. The course remains true to the DNA of the event: wooded and rhythmic. See the GPX route
-
Solidarity Walk (5.5 km) : A charity loop open to all, with all proceeds going to support research into multiple sclerosis. The race starts at the same time as the half-marathon, making for a great sporting event.
Terrain and Profile
It's not a trail, but it's not quite a classic urban marathon. The profile is characterised by its “hilly” character, requiring constant changes of pace to break up the monotony of the effort. Participants will run over a mixed terrain, alternating between small tarmac country roads and the famous marshland greenway.
The technical challenge lies in managing the small climbs that punctuate the route. The section running alongside the Isère river, almost 10 kilometres long (or 5 km per loop), offers a welcome visual respite and coolness thanks to the natural shade of the tree-lined paths, but requires you to keep your footing if you want to get going again effectively. It's a “leg-breaker” in the noblest sense of the word, where you need to keep your feet under you for the second half of the race, particularly on the return to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Practical info
The organisation has been designed with the riders' comfort in mind, with a nerve centre at the Bourg-Saint-Maurice Funicular, where all the starts and finishes take place.
-
Bib number : You can have your race number sent directly to you by choosing this option when you register.
Pick-ups are on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday at the Bourg-Saint-Maurice funicular.
Please note: there will be no on-site collection or registration on race day, except for the 10km and the walk (in a very limited time slot). -
Supplies : Refreshment zones are set up regularly (approximately every 5 km, as well as at strategic points such as km 31 or 35 for the marathon) to maintain the necessary energy.
-
Logistics : The looped route makes it easier for supporters to follow the race, as they can cheer on their champions several times without having to travel too far.
Atmosphere Running in the Tarentaise in spring means immersing yourself in a striking contrast: the surrounding peaks are still powdered with eternal snow, while the valley explodes with greenery and flowers. Runners enjoy a bucolic setting, crossing peaceful, shady areas, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Savoyard friendliness is omnipresent, transforming the solitary effort into a collective celebration of the mountains and of surpassing oneself.
Take up the challenge of this mountain-flavoured marathon and come and breathe in the pure Savoie air.
