Conquer the Peaks of the Alps with Sky Race Montgenèvre

The Sky Race Montgenèvre is back for its 21st edition, set to take place on July 13 and 14, 2024. This iconic race, known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and challenging courses, has become a favorite among trail runners. With roots in the 2018 French Trail Championships, the Sky Race continues to evolve, offering new routes and events that attract both seasoned athletes and newcomers.

Key Takeaways:

• Dates: July 13 and 14, 2024
• Location: Montgenèvre, the oldest resort in the Alps
• New events: Sky Race Kids and Sky Race Solidaire
• Routes: Sky Race Max, Sky Race Chaberton, Sky Race des Anges, and more

The Most Beautiful Trail Race

The Sky Race Montgenèvre, often hailed as one of the most beautiful trail races in France, has earned its reputation through the challenging nature of its courses and due to the stunning aesthetic appeal of its surroundings. Since its inception, the race has seen a steady increase in participation, reaching 1,200 competitors. The event gained further prestige by hosting the World Trail Challenge IAU in 2009 and serving as the venue for the French Long and Short Trail Championships in 2018.

Originally held in the Guisane Valley near Serre Chevalier until 2009, and later in the Clarée Valley with its picturesque upper valley lakes, the Sky Race eventually found its home in the Pays des Ecrins, near Vallouise. Here, runners were introduced to new trails leading to Lake Ascension and the Ayes Valley in Briançonnais.

For the past four years, the Sky Race has been hosted in Montgenèvre, the oldest ski resort in the Alps. The race’s first year in Montgenèvre was marked by the grueling 90km course, featuring two climbs of over 3000 meters, which proved to be a formidable challenge for participants, with some finishing 24 hours after the start. In subsequent years, the event expanded to include more manageable distances and new courses, such as the 25km Val Sky Race, which quickly became a favorite among participants.

In 2018, the Sky Race reached a new level of recognition by hosting the French Trail Championships. Three new routes were introduced, linking Montgenèvre with Italy, including the Sky Race des Anges and an expanded 63km Sky Race Max, which featured over 80% new terrain. The daring Sky Race Chaberton also took on both sides of Montgenèvre.

Ready to Race?

The Sky Race Montgenèvre continues to captivate trail runners with its stunning landscapes and challenging courses. With new events and routes in 2024, this race promises to be an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful regions of France.