In three short years the Tour de Mont Blanc Ultra has become the premier ultra-running event in Europe attracting over 2500 competitors and countless thousands of spectators.

The ingredients for success are simple - the Alps are at the heart of Europe and Chamonix, with Mont Blanc, is at the heart of the Alps. The concept of running a full circuit of this massif, through 3 countries, over mountain passes with constant view of soaring peaks and plunging glaciers is compelling. Added to this is some organisational genius - the race is not some sideshow tolerated by the locals it is centre stage; the biggest show in town and being part of it feels like being part of the Tour de France.


So, what can you expect? Well - this is not a wilderness race. In fact sometimes you may struggle to get some peace and quiet as the continentals seem chatty all the way and there is the constant clack, clack of walking poles. The scenery is stunning though. As you climb through the trees up and away from les Houches you start to enter the mountain world, through the moonlight night hours you pass over the Col de la Balme and the rugged col de Bonhomme before dropping precipitously down to Les Contamines.





Then climbing steadily you regain all that lost height to finally arrive at Col de la Seigne. Soon it will be light and you start to see the full majesty of the Mont Blanc range open up on the left - the tumbling glacier du Miage, the Elizabetta hut perched on a rocky outcrop and the huge bulk of Mont Blancs Italian side. Another steep drop takes you to Courmayer and the brief disorientation of running through the busy town streets before you switchback up around 80 metres to the refuge Bertone. Now you have simply stunning views all the way up to the Col Ferret where you cross over from Italy into Switzerland and can look forward to around 22km of non-stop downhill.

After the sharp little climb to the Swiss spa/retirement town of Champex (all very orderly here) you are into the last third of the race but it is worth remembering that there are still some fierce climbs and much of the trail on these final miles is a little narrower and more technical that the early sections. Save something for these final miles or you will pay the price - trust me, I know!! If its daylight you will have the chance to savour the extensive views as you run through the delightful alps around Bovine (complete with lowing cattle adorned with bells) and then enter the "finishing straight" at Argentiere. Whatever your position you will feel like a hero as you enter Chamonix main square and cross under the huge finish banner. Its location ensures a crowd night and day right from 5pm Saturday when the winners come home to 5pm Sunday when the last finishers trot in.

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