Vercors Marathon

Vercors Marathon

In the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, where the mountains meet winding roads and breathtaking panoramas, the Vercors Marathon has quickly established itself as a unique benchmark on the European marathon scene. While the flagship event remains the legendary marathon, the weekend also offers a 20 km, a 10 km and a hike, allowing a wide range of participants to experience the Vercors, whatever their level or goal. Held in June, often with ideal weather conditions and designed both for seasoned runners and for those seeking a distinctive experience, the Vercors Marathon promises challenges and jaw-dropping scenery.

Run at over 1,000 meters above sea level, the marathon is an exceptional event that combines the demands of a 42.195 km course with the untamed beauty of a preserved alpine plateau, passing through beautiful villages such as Villard-de-Lans, Lans-en-Vercors and Autrans-Méaudre.
Like other French races such as the Marseille-Cassis, the Vercors Marathon is notable for featuring fairly high elevation gain for a road race. Indeed, participants will need to prepare their legs for the expected 550 meters of elevation gain! Great climbs that will make runners work up a sweat while reminding them that this marathon is a real challenge.

One of the key points of the course is the Col de la Croix Perrin. This pass, in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, tops out at 1,218 meters above sea level. To reach this high point, participants will have to summon all their energy as they tackle a section of 5 kilometers with 216 meters of elevation gain.

Finally, for those who might be put off by the altitude and elevation gain, the beauty of the scenery more than makes up for the course’s little difficulties. The Vercors has to be earned, and that is precisely why this race exists. The Vercors is a magnificent mountain range straddling