ULTRA | 80 KM
The Grand Colombier 80K Ultra! Get ready for a major athletic challenge through breathtaking scenery. With 3,300 meters of elevation gain, this race is reserved for runners eager for a great adventure. The Grand Colombier 80 km Ultra is a demanding course that traverses majestic mountains, lush valleys, and steep trails, offering runners an unforgettable experience, whether running solo or in a 3-person relay.
Departure | 6:00 a.m. – Town Hall, 159 Route des Alpes, 01300, Contrevoz
Finish | Verbaou Recreation Area, Av. Jean Falconnier, 01350 – Culoz-Béon
The race is limited to 600 entries for the solo category and 150 for the 3-person relay
Estimated arrival times | First man – 1:00 p.m. | First woman – 2:30 p.m. | Last runner – 11:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony |5:00 p.m. – Verbaou Recreation Area, Av. Jean Falconnier, 01350 – Culoz-Béon
At the gym in the En Verbaou Recreation Area, Av. Jean Falconnier, 01350 – Culoz-Béon:
– Friday between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The Ultra 80 km Relay is an intense race for teams of three (teams of two are accepted if necessary), in which participants take turns running to conquer the technical trails and impressive elevation gains of the Grand Colombier, all while being rewarded with magnificent Alpine views and lush green forests.
UTMB Index: 20K
Stage 1 – Contrevoz / Hauteville Plateau: 32 km, 1,250 m elevation gain / 900 m elevation loss
Stage 2 – Hauteville Plateau / Chalet d’Arvière: 23 km, 1,200 m elevation gain / 800 m elevation loss
Stage 3 – Chalet d’Arvière / Culoz: 23 km, 800 m elevation gain / 1,800 m elevation loss
Order of runners: When you register, you’ll list the relay runners in a specific order, but you can ask us to change that order at any time leading up to the event.
7 aid stations and a meal at the finish line for solo runners.
Refreshment Station 1: Premilieu, km 12
Refreshment Station 2: Hauteville Plateau, km 32
Refreshment Station 3: Songieu, km 45
Refreshment Station 4: Col de la Biche, km 54
Refreshment Station 5: Col Grand Colombier, km 65
Refreshment Station 6: Finish Line
Maximum race time: 5:00 p.m.
Hauteville Plateau, km 32: 12:30 p.m.
Grand Colombier Pass, km 65: 8:30 p.m.
Departure from the En Verbaou Recreation Area, Av. Jean Falconnier, 01350 – Culoz-Béon
- Shuttle departure time: 4:45 a.m.
- Information on shuttle bus service in the " Practical Information" section
The 80-km Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier takes you through picturesque villages in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, each offering stunning scenery and a unique atmosphere. Here is an overview of the villages along the route:
Contrevoz: This charming village is surrounded by hills and forests. The trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature, with varied landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Cheignieu-la-Balme: Nestled at the foot of the mountains, Cheignieu-la-Balme is a picturesque little village with wooded trails and breathtaking views of the alpine landscape. A perfect place to appreciate the natural beauty of the Bugey.
Virieu-le-Grand: Virieu-le-Grand is a vibrant village with a rich historical heritage. Runners will enjoy the old streets and surrounding landscapes, combining history and nature in an enchanting setting.
Hauteville Plateau: At an altitude of 800 meters, this lush plateau offers meadows and forests stretching as far as the eye can see. The fresh air and exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make this stage particularly revitalizing.
Sutrieu: This village, nestled in a quiet valley, is surrounded by dense forests and cultivated fields. Small rivers and waterfalls add a refreshing touch to the route, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.
Champagne-en-Valromey: Champagne-en-Valromey is famous for its vineyards and historical heritage. The winding trails through the hills offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, making this stage both beautiful and memorable.
Arvière-en-Valromey: Located at the foot of the Grand Colombier, this village enchants with its lush forests and alpine meadows. The panoramic views of the Alps are breathtaking despite the challenging elevation gains, offering an unforgettable experience.
Culoz: The race ends in this town on the banks of the Rhône. Culoz offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding mountains, marking a picturesque and memorable finish.
Give yourself the best chance of success in your race with a personalized training plan and tailored advice right on your smartphone with RunMotion Coach, the official coach of the Ultra Trail Grand Colombier!
More information here: Training / Preparation
Youth: Ages 20–22 (born 2004–2006)
Adults: Ages 23–34 (born 1991–2002)
Masters: Ages 35 and older (born 1990 or earlier)
Reminder : Participation in any competition is subject to participants’ mandatory submission to the organizer of:
– A PPS certificate (paper, electronic, or QR code) indicating that the person has completed the Health Prevention Course (or “PPS”) established by the FFA via its dedicated platform, the terms of use for which will also be established by the FFA. To be valid, the PPS must have been completed no more than three months prior to the date of the event for which the person wishes to register.
– Or a “Athlé Compétition,” “Athlé Entreprise,” or “Athlé Running” license issued by the FFA, or a “Pass’ J’aime courir” issued by the FFA and completed by a doctor, valid on the date of the event. Please note: other licenses issued by the FFA (Santé, Encadrement, and Découverte) are not accepted
– Or a valid sports license as of the date of the event, which must clearly state, by any means, that there are no medical contraindications to participating in competitive sports, competitive track and field, or competitive running, and which must be issued by the following federations: Federation of Defense Clubs (FCD), French Federation of Adapted Sports (FFSA), French Handisport Federation (FFH), National Police Sports Federation (FSPN), ASPTT Sports Federation, French Sports and Cultural Federation (FSCF), Sports and Gymnastics Federation of Labor (FSGT), French Union of Secular Physical Education Organizations (UFOLEP)