The UltraChampsaur Trail Race
Race Date: 7 and 8 July 2012
4 Day Race Package: 335€ per person
• 3 nights half board accommodation
• Race Entry or Supporters Package
• 4 UltraChampsaur points that you can use to exchange for a range of outdoor activities or body pampering treatments to make the most of your time here.
• Transport to and from the race and transport to and from organised activities
• Return transfers from Gap train station
Situated on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, the Champsaur valley is a hidden marvel of the Alps; little known, wild and unspoilt, with rolling foothills evolving into dramatic mountain summits. It is perfect mountain running country for nature and mountain lovers.
There are three trail routes. The main two, the Champsaurin and UltraChampsaur take place on Sunday 8th July. For beginner trailers there is a 'Trail Decouverte' on Saturday 7th July.
Have a look at the video of the 2011 race.
Trail Ultrachampsaur 2011 par Orcieres1850
The UltraChampsaur 70km and 3600m of ascent - a tough but beautiful trail on mountain footpaths taking in the col de la Venasque (2487M), le Mourre du Piurc (2200 M ) and the Piolit (2450 M). A wild and varied course passing through traditional mountain villages, alpine woods, dramatic mountain passes and taking in one of the best views in the Alps over the Lac du Serre Poncon. All finishers of the UltraChampsaur race receive 2 qualifying points for the
Trail de Mont Blanc. Have a look at the
map of the route.
The Champsaurin 37km and 2200m of ascent- this is a great route following the second half of the UltrChampsaur. It starts off in the heart of the Champsaur valley with a beautiful climb up to an 'airy ridge'. The ridge finishes at the summit of the Piolit with a breathtaking view of the Lac du Serre Poncon before a wonderful descent down to the village of Ancelle. Have a look at the
map of the route.
The Trail Decouverte 17km and 500m of ascent - starting off in on the eve of the big races, this is a beautiful course for people wanting their first mountain or trail running experience. It starts in the village of St Leger Les Melezes, and goes up on to terraces overlooking the valley before doing a loop around a lower ridge and arriving in Ancelle - hopefully in time for the pasta party!! Have a look at the
map of the trail decouverte route.
All the trails are way marked (no navigation requirements) and there are refreshment stops providing soft drinks and snacks such as dried fruit, biscuits and bananas. Safety and security are well managed with first aid posts strategically positioned around the courses and a red cross tent at the arrival. So all you have to do is turn up and run!
There are no kit restrictions so you can wear whatever you like and you don't need to carry any of your own security or safety equipment.
The ambiance is friendly and supportive with most participants in it to finish rather than win. It really is a fantastic running experience! Have a read of Undiscovered Alps director, Sally Guillaume's
blog article about the Gapencimes race - which is in the same region for an insight!!
Dates: 6 - 9 July 2012
335€ per person
Price Includes:
• 3 nights half board accommodation (evening meal and breakfast)
• Race Entry or place on Supporters Bus
• 4 UltraChampsaur points that you can use to exchange for a range of outdoor activities or body pampering treatments to make the most of your time here.
• Transport to and from the race and transport to and from organised activities
• Return transfers from Gap train station
This is a great package for runners or their supporters wanting a quick weekend running challenge in the Alps with a few extras to make the most of your time here.
It is possible to extend your trip to make a longer holiday and really make the most of your trip to the Alps.
With 70km and 3600m of ascent this is a serious trail race for experienced fell, trail and mountain runners only.
The route takes you over wild mountain passes, through larch woods, over spectacular mountain ridges, through traditional alpine villages and rewards you with views from the Ecrins to the lac du Serre Poncon!
A tough trail following the second half of the UltraChampsaur route. Starting with a challenging ascent up to the ridge of the petite Autane, a pretty descent through open mountainside and then through alpine woods before the main challenge of Le Piolit, a dramatic mountain with another spectacular ridge and view from the Ecrins over to the lac du Serre Poncon. The majority of the route is on mountain paths, some of which are reasonably technical.
The perfect length for a first ever trail race. With 17kms and 500m of ascent this is a trail that most average runners and fit walkers can handle.
It is also a great opportunity for supporters of runners in the big race to have a go but still be there to cheer on their friends.
It starts on the eve of the bigger races at 5pm from St Leger Les Melezes and takes you up in to the hills with views over the Gap valley before doing a loop to bring you back to Ancelle. You should arrive just in time for the pasta party!
