UTGC | 120 KM

This 120-kilometer route is a true adventure through the wilderness! You’ll traverse varied terrain, mountain ridges, and dense forests, passing by waterfalls and lakes in the Bugey region. With a cumulative elevation gain of 5,000 meters, the UTGC 120 km is a test of endurance, courage, and determination. This race is reserved for the most seasoned and passionate runners, whether running solo or in a 5-person relay team.

Start | 312:00 p.m. – Jean Morin Gymnasium, 149 Chem. des Soupirs, 01300 – Belley
Finish |Verbaou Recreation Area, Av. Jean Falconnier, 01350 – Culoz-Béon

The race is limited to 600 entries for the solo category and 250 for the 5-person relay 

Estimated arrival times | 1st man – 4:00 p.m. | 1st woman – 6:00 p.m. |Last runner – 5:00 a.m. (Sunday)

Awards Ceremony |7:00 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:
– Fridays between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM

The UTGC 120 KM Relay is an epic adventure for teams of five (teams of four are permitted if necessary), traversing the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the Grand Colombier, where runners tackle challenging elevation gains and technical trails while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps.

UTMB Index: 20K

Relay zone (to be confirmed):

Leg 1 – Belley / Innimond: 25 km, 1,200 m elevation gain / 600 m elevation loss

Stage 2 – Innimond / Contrevoz: 17 km, 400 m elevation gain / 900 m elevation loss

Stage 3 – Contrevoz / Hauteville Plateau: 32 km, 1,250 m elevation gain / 900 m elevation loss

Stage 4 – Hauteville Plateau / Col de la Biche: 23 km, 1,200 m elevation gain / 800 m elevation loss

Stage 5 – Col de la Biche / 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.

9 aid stations anda meal at the finish line for solo runners.

Refreshment Station 1: Conzieu, mile 14

Refreshment Station 2: Innimond, km 25

Refreshment Station 3: Contrevoz, mile 43

Refreshment Station 4: Prémilieu, km 56

Refreshment Station 5: Hauteville Plateau, km 75

Refreshment Station 6: Songieu, km 88

Refreshment Station 7: Col de la Biche, km 97

Refreshment Station 8: Col Grand Colombier, km 107

Refreshment Station 9: Finish Line

Maximum race time: 26 hours

Conzieu, km 13: 6:00 a.m.

Contrevoz, km 43: 1:00 p.m.

Hauteville Plateau, km 75: 7:00 p.m. 

Grand Colombier Pass, km 108: 2 hours 30 minutes

Departure from the En Verbaou Recreation Area, Av. Jean Falconnier, 01350 – Culoz-Béon

  • Shuttle departure time: 2:00 a.m.
  • Information on shuttle bus service in the " Practical Information" section

The 120-km Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier takes you through the picturesque and diverse villages of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, offering varied landscapes and an unforgettable adventure.

Belley: The tour begins in Belley, the historic capital of the Bugey region, known for its Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and charming medieval streets. You’ll immediately find yourself immersed in an atmosphere rich in history and culture.
Arboys-en-Bugey: This wine-growing village welcomes you with its vineyards and views of the Rhône. The trails wind through wooded hills and cultivated fields, offering a pleasant and varied start to the route.
Colomieu: A small village nestled in the hills, Colomieu is surrounded by forests and meadows. The rural paths here are peaceful and offer a refreshing break in the heart of nature.
Conzieu : This peaceful village, surrounded by greenery and rolling hills, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Conzieu is an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.
Lhuis : Lhuis, with its stone houses and picturesque narrow streets, is a gem of the Bugey region. The village is surrounded by vineyards and forests, offering an enchanting setting for runners.
Ambléon : Nestled in the heart of nature, Ambléon is surrounded by forests and hills. The trails around the village offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a total immersion in nature.
Marchamp: This small village is known for its tranquility and natural beauty. The paths here are surrounded by fields and woods, offering a serene and picturesque experience.
Innimond: Located at a higher altitude, Innimond offers spectacular panoramic views of the Bugey. The steep trails and mountain views make it a highlight of the route.
Saint-Germain-les-Paroisses: A charming village with traditional houses and a peaceful atmosphere. Runners will traverse wooded trails and meadows, enjoying the tranquility of the countryside.
Contrevoz: Surrounded by hills and forests, Contrevoz is a picturesque village offering varied landscapes. The trails around Contrevoz are ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
Cheignieu-la-Balme: A small village nestled at the foot of the mountains, Cheignieu-la-Balme offers wooded trails and breathtaking views of the Alpine landscape. A perfect place to appreciate the natural beauty of the Bugey region.
Virieu-le-Grand: A vibrant village with a rich historical heritage. Runners will appreciate the old streets and surrounding landscapes, combining history and nature.
Hauteville Plateau: At an altitude of 800 meters, this lush plateau offers meadows and forests stretching as far as the eye can see. An ideal spot to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy exceptional panoramic views.
Sutrieu: Nestled in a quiet valley, Sutrieu is surrounded by dense forests and cultivated fields. Small rivers and waterfalls add a refreshing touch to the route.
Champagne-en-Valromey: This hilly village, famous for its vineyards and historical heritage, offers winding trails through the hills and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Arvière-en-Valromey: Located at the foot of the Grand Colombier, this village will enchant you with its lush forests and alpine meadows. The panoramic views of the Alps are breathtaking, despite the challenging elevation gains.
Culoz-Béon : 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)
Seniors: Ages 23–34 (born 1992–2003)
Masters: Ages 35 and older (born 1991 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