Avenue de Courmayeur, Chamonix, France
Run the second half of the ultimate iconic multi-day trail running route in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc! It follows one of the world’s toughest 100 milers, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, circumnavigating the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc at 4,810m and passing by its 71 glaciers and 400 summits. On this trip we split the usual 6 day Tour du Mont Blanc in half, which is ideal for those who want to experience the thrill of this incredible trail but without having to complete it all in one go!
This is a great running adventure to sign up for if you want to explore the Alps more or to recce the route for the UTMB. As always you will have a Lead Runner with you, logistic support as well as food and accommodation provided. The scenery is absolutely stunning and you’ll experience some of the most breath taking views of Mt Blanc the area has to offer. It's broken down into 3 stages with a day to relax in Courmayeur at the beginning and Chamonix at the end of the trip.
We start the trail run in Courmayeur, Italy. Following a steep ascent out of the valley you may see the sun rise over clouds carpeting the valleys far below. After a couple of hours running on a stunning balcony path, there will be time to stop for a refreshment at the Rifugio Bonatti hut, dedicated to the legendary Italian climber. Indeed, you will be passing some of his ground breaking first ascents as you run the route. From there we approach the fearsome Grand Col Ferret marking the Swiss border at 2537m. The trails down from the col are perfect. You will hear the cowbells from the lush green valley below, as you descend through the stunning scented mountain meadows into the little village of Le Fouly, our next stop; the first of two in Switzerland.
The trail passes through forests running alongside the river and through tiny Swiss villages and fields of hay and wild flowers before heading up to Champex-Lac. Champex is a paradise in the mountains and sits at the juncture to another famous hiking route and potential running adventure - the Walker’s Haute Route. Three more high points stand between us and Chamonix, and around another 25 miles. The view from the next climb is hard to take in, since you can see all the way down to Martigny, 1500m below. Its broad flat valley leads to Zermatt and beyond. The path descends from here through some rocky and tree root covered trails to the Col de la Forclaz and then steeply down to Trient and its beautiful pink church and backdrop of dramatic glaciers, where we spend our last night on the trail.
Our last day, today we will complete our journey and return to Chamonix. A steep climb up from Trient provides one of the most impressive views on the whole route of the Mt Blanc Massif which dominates the horizon, its glacier pouring over into the Chamonix valley below and the end of our adventure. We trot down through the mountain trails into Chamonix to celebrate. It’s an amazing achievement, 54 miles / 88km and 4,500m ascent crossing through 3 countries.
Avenue de Courmayeur, Chamonix, France, 74400
Tring, United Kingdom
Run the Wild is the UK's premier, dedicated trail running holiday company. It was founded in 2013, born out of the self-sufficient running and climbing adventures that its founder, Simon James pursued in his spare time. All of the team at Run the Wild are passionate about running; we often even get quite emotional about it! The company was founded to bring this experience of running trails in the wild; free of the usual race and logistical burdens, to you. We love exploring places, not just running races. We love meeting people and having an adventure together.
We want you to have an amazing time running and exploring some of the most spectacular trails in the UK and Europe. This is achieved by a professionally led running team, comprised of experienced, qualified lead runners, planned routes, full logistical support for you and your kit, as well as food and accommodation. You’ll be part of a small group of runners of similar ability to share the experience with. Your enjoyment and safety is our priority so you can be assured that you are in good hands. Are you ready for the challenge? We will be with you every step of the way.