Tour du Mont Blanc
RT
From Run the Wild
Saturday 9th – Saturday 16th September 2023
Past event
16:00 CEST
£200.00 · 1 race
Ultra
Event summary
Join the exhilarating Tour du Mont Blanc, an iconic multi-day trail running adventure organized by Run the Wild, taking place from Saturday, September 9th to Saturday, September 16th, 2023, in the stunning Haute-Savoie region of the Alps. This unforgettable journey invites you to run 100 miles while climbing 9,000 meters, traversing through three countries as you embrace the challenge of a lifetime.
Over the course of six action-packed days, you'll experience breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, explore charming villages, and meander through alpine meadows and high mountain passes. With expert guides leading the way, you'll receive support and training, ensuring you are well-prepared to conquer the trails. Every detail, from logistics and accommodations to refreshment points and even a celebratory champagne toast at the finish line, is expertly managed, allowing you to focus solely on your running adventure. Don't miss the chance to escape the everyday and create lasting memories in one of the world's most beautiful landscapes! Sign up today and secure your spot for this remarkable journey with Run the Wild.
Over the course of six action-packed days, you'll experience breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, explore charming villages, and meander through alpine meadows and high mountain passes. With expert guides leading the way, you'll receive support and training, ensuring you are well-prepared to conquer the trails. Every detail, from logistics and accommodations to refreshment points and even a celebratory champagne toast at the finish line, is expertly managed, allowing you to focus solely on your running adventure. Don't miss the chance to escape the everyday and create lasting memories in one of the world's most beautiful landscapes! Sign up today and secure your spot for this remarkable journey with Run the Wild.
Tour du Mont Blanc
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Races
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Individual Entry - Deposit
Entries closedSaturday 9th Sep 2023
£200.00
Event information
The trip is broken down into 6 days running with a day either side to relax in Chamonix at the beginning and end. The route takes you from Chamonix, France through Italy and Switzerland and back into France.
Arrival Day
Check in from 4pm but you can use the hotel facilities from any point during the arrival day. Group welcome at 6.00pm at the hotel, followed by dinner in Chamonix at 7.00pm.
Day 1: Chamonix to Les Contamines
We start in Chamonix and head down the valley to Les Houches before making our way up over to Les Contamines. Our first night is spent here before we carry on to the steep climb over the Croix du Bonhomme.
Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
The views from the Croix back down the valley and towards Geneva are incredible. From there we head down to spend our second night at Les Chapieux, a remote hamlet and our last stop before heading over into Italy.
Day 3: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur (Italy)
The next morning as the sun rises from behind the Aiguilles des Glaciers you will climb up to the Col de La Seigne. From here the route stretches into the horizon along the valley leading to the mountain pass 25 miles away which marks the border with Switzerland, a point where you will be standing the next day. We sweep down into Italy, staggering views of couloirs and rock buttresses towering on the left, leading up to Monte Bianco. The path undulates on nice smooth trails before a last climb, and then a steep descent into Courmayeur. At around halfway of the total route we will be staying here for pizza and a warm bed!
Day 4: Courmayeur to La Fouly (Switzerland)
Leaving Courmayeur early the next day following a steep ascent out of the valley you may see the sun rise over clouds carpeting the valleys far below. After a couple of hours running there will be time to stop for a refreshment at the Rifugio Bonatti hut, dedicated to the legendary Italian climber. Indeed, you will be passing some of his ground breaking first ascents as you run the route. From there we approach the fearsome Grand Col Ferret marking the Swiss border at 2537m. The trails down from the col are perfect. You will hear the cowbells from the lush green valley below, as you descend through the stunning scented mountain meadows into the little village of Le Fouly, our next stop, the first of two in Switzerland.
Day 5: La Fouly to Trient
The trail passes through forests running alongside the river and through tiny Swiss villages and fields of hay and wild flowers before heading up to Champex-Lac. Champex is a paradise in the mountains and sits at the juncture to another famous hiking route and potential running adventure – the Walker’s Haute Route. Three more high points stand between us and Chamonix, and around another 25 miles. The view from the next climb is hard to take in, since you can see all the way down to Martigny, 1500m below. Its broad flat valley leads to Zermatt and beyond. The path descends from here through some rocky and tree root covered trails to the Col de la Forclaz and then steeply down to Trient and its beautiful pink church and backdrop of dramatic glaciers, where we spend our last night on the trail.
Day 6: Trient to Chamonix (France)
Our last day, today we will complete our journey and return to Chamonix. A steep climb up from Trient provides one of the most impressive views on the whole route of the Mt Blanc Massif which dominates the horizon, its glacier pouring over into the Chamonix valley below and the end of our adventure. We trot down through the mountain trails into Chamonix to celebrate. It’s an amazing achievement, 104 miles / 168km and 9,000m ascent crossing over 3 countries.
Departure Day
Time to relax and explore Chamonix, maybe take a trip up the Aiguille du Midi, or just chill by the pool. If you wish to stay longer ask us for the hotel rate.
Arrival Day
Check in from 4pm but you can use the hotel facilities from any point during the arrival day. Group welcome at 6.00pm at the hotel, followed by dinner in Chamonix at 7.00pm.
Day 1: Chamonix to Les Contamines
We start in Chamonix and head down the valley to Les Houches before making our way up over to Les Contamines. Our first night is spent here before we carry on to the steep climb over the Croix du Bonhomme.
Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
The views from the Croix back down the valley and towards Geneva are incredible. From there we head down to spend our second night at Les Chapieux, a remote hamlet and our last stop before heading over into Italy.
Day 3: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur (Italy)
The next morning as the sun rises from behind the Aiguilles des Glaciers you will climb up to the Col de La Seigne. From here the route stretches into the horizon along the valley leading to the mountain pass 25 miles away which marks the border with Switzerland, a point where you will be standing the next day. We sweep down into Italy, staggering views of couloirs and rock buttresses towering on the left, leading up to Monte Bianco. The path undulates on nice smooth trails before a last climb, and then a steep descent into Courmayeur. At around halfway of the total route we will be staying here for pizza and a warm bed!
Day 4: Courmayeur to La Fouly (Switzerland)
Leaving Courmayeur early the next day following a steep ascent out of the valley you may see the sun rise over clouds carpeting the valleys far below. After a couple of hours running there will be time to stop for a refreshment at the Rifugio Bonatti hut, dedicated to the legendary Italian climber. Indeed, you will be passing some of his ground breaking first ascents as you run the route. From there we approach the fearsome Grand Col Ferret marking the Swiss border at 2537m. The trails down from the col are perfect. You will hear the cowbells from the lush green valley below, as you descend through the stunning scented mountain meadows into the little village of Le Fouly, our next stop, the first of two in Switzerland.
Day 5: La Fouly to Trient
The trail passes through forests running alongside the river and through tiny Swiss villages and fields of hay and wild flowers before heading up to Champex-Lac. Champex is a paradise in the mountains and sits at the juncture to another famous hiking route and potential running adventure – the Walker’s Haute Route. Three more high points stand between us and Chamonix, and around another 25 miles. The view from the next climb is hard to take in, since you can see all the way down to Martigny, 1500m below. Its broad flat valley leads to Zermatt and beyond. The path descends from here through some rocky and tree root covered trails to the Col de la Forclaz and then steeply down to Trient and its beautiful pink church and backdrop of dramatic glaciers, where we spend our last night on the trail.
Day 6: Trient to Chamonix (France)
Our last day, today we will complete our journey and return to Chamonix. A steep climb up from Trient provides one of the most impressive views on the whole route of the Mt Blanc Massif which dominates the horizon, its glacier pouring over into the Chamonix valley below and the end of our adventure. We trot down through the mountain trails into Chamonix to celebrate. It’s an amazing achievement, 104 miles / 168km and 9,000m ascent crossing over 3 countries.
Departure Day
Time to relax and explore Chamonix, maybe take a trip up the Aiguille du Midi, or just chill by the pool. If you wish to stay longer ask us for the hotel rate.
Overnight accommodation in a 4* spa hotel at the beginning and end of the trip (based on twin sharing)
First night evening meal in Chamonix included from a highly rated restaurant
Overnight accommodation en route (based on twin room sharing or small dormitory, supplement for single room)
Bag transport to each day’s end destination
Packed lunch everyday and refreshment point on the last day
All evening meals and breakfasts, except for the evening meal in Courmayeur and on the last night in Chamonix
A qualified Trail Running Guide for the team, with you every step of the way
Training plan
Medal
Champagne at the finish
104 miles / 168km of some of the best scenery in Europe
First night evening meal in Chamonix included from a highly rated restaurant
Overnight accommodation en route (based on twin room sharing or small dormitory, supplement for single room)
Bag transport to each day’s end destination
Packed lunch everyday and refreshment point on the last day
All evening meals and breakfasts, except for the evening meal in Courmayeur and on the last night in Chamonix
A qualified Trail Running Guide for the team, with you every step of the way
Training plan
Medal
Champagne at the finish
104 miles / 168km of some of the best scenery in Europe
Start from Chamonix, France and run through Italy and Switzerland. You will be running for 6 days, with a day either side for travelling and exploring Chamonix
Transport to/from Chamonix via Geneva can be booked with one of the many minibus operators, such as Chamexpress, Mountain Drop-Offs, Alpybus or Swiss Tours. The journey takes around 1.25hrs and needs to be booked before travelling.
The first and last nights are in the central 4* spa hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons (or similar alternative) including breakfast each morning, based on sharing a twin room. You can request a single room (supplement applicable). Amenities include the spa with heated outdoor pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. The hotel also has an outdoor space to relax in, with views of Mont Blanc.
The evening meal on the first evening is included in your booking and is a great chance to meet the team and your guide. For the 6 stages there will be a mixture of village hotels and auberges with twin and triple/small dormitory rooms. We pick the best available on the route and include breakfast and evening meals (except for Courmayeur) as well as packed lunch each day you are running.
The evening meal on the first evening is included in your booking and is a great chance to meet the team and your guide. For the 6 stages there will be a mixture of village hotels and auberges with twin and triple/small dormitory rooms. We pick the best available on the route and include breakfast and evening meals (except for Courmayeur) as well as packed lunch each day you are running.
We average around 18 miles / 29km, plus 1,500m height change for each of the 6 days we are running. You’ll need to be prepared to be out on the trails for most of the day. We walk the uphills so there is time to soak up the scenery and pace ourselves for the duration of the trip. If it’s your first time to the Alps, you might be surprised by how much hiking can be involved, almost 50% of the route, but it is inevitable in such steep environments. It’s important to train before you arrive, particularly with multi-day hikes and runs. We recommend you have run a marathon distance in 4.5 hours or less and have some experience on alpine trails. Runners are grouped by ability to maximise your enjoyment. A free training plan is provided for you to follow in the lead up to the trip.
This adventure can also be easily booked for a private group, see our bespoke options.
This adventure can also be easily booked for a private group, see our bespoke options.
Travel
Drinks
Snacks to sustain you on route
Evening meal in Courmayeur and last night in Chamonix
Personal insurance (required)
Drinks
Snacks to sustain you on route
Evening meal in Courmayeur and last night in Chamonix
Personal insurance (required)
UK MANDATORY KIT LIST
COVID-19 SAFETY:
Face covering (e.g. mask or buff)
Hand sanitiser
CLOTHES:
Wicking top and shorts / leggings
Socks
Trail running shoes (sufficient tread)
ACCESSORIES:
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the number of your Run Leader and Event Director (charge before use and make sure it's in a waterproof case or bag)
Whistle (normally found attached to your bag)
Personal first aid kit (eg: blister packs, sunscreen, inhaler etc)
Water bottles or bladder (if distance or weather requires it)
Snacks (if distance requires it)
Lightweight, comfortable running pack, max 12 litres (if distance requires it)
WEATHER DEPENDENT ITEMS:
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Sun hat / cap
Warm hat and gloves
Waterproof bags / dry bags
Please note: we will not be checking your kit on the day, unless there is adverse weather conditions. We highly recommend you bring these items for your safety.
EUROPE MANDATORY KIT LIST
COVID-19
Face covering (e.g. mask or buff)
Hand sanitiser
CLOTHES:
Lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably Goretex / Event – must have a hood and sleeves)
Lightweight waterproof trousers or leggings (optional for Intro to the Alps and Running & Yoga trip)
Wicking top and shorts / leggings
Sun hat / cap
Warm hat and gloves
Additional warm layer / thermal top (for when we stop or it gets cold)
Socks (eg: Injinji)
Trail running shoes (sufficient tread)
ACCESSORIES:
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the number of your Run Leader and Event Director (charge before use and make sure it's in a waterproof case or bag)
Lightweight, comfortable running pack (5-12 litres ideal for our weekend trips, 11-15 litres for longer trips)
Water Bottles / Bladder with minimum of 1 litre capacity in total
Sunglasses (the sun is very strong in the Alps)
Snacks to sustain you for the planned route (eg: TRIBE bars, trail mix, chocolate)
Salt Tablets (e.g. Nuuns, especially in hot weather)
Emergency cash
Waterproof bags / dry bags to keep stuff dry
Headtorch (only on multiday trips eg: TMB for use in accommodation)
Whistle (normally found attached to your bag)
Personal first aid kit (eg: blister packs, sunscreen, asthma inhaler etc)
We will be checking your kit for our European adventures.
POLES
Although not mandatory, we highly recommend trail running poles for our European adventures, especially if you are taking part in the TMB or similarly longer trips. They have been proven to help! We recommnend Leki's lightweight trail running poles due to their comfort, durability and design. We demonstrate how to use poles correctly on all of our trips, including in the UK
COVID-19 SAFETY:
Face covering (e.g. mask or buff)
Hand sanitiser
CLOTHES:
Wicking top and shorts / leggings
Socks
Trail running shoes (sufficient tread)
ACCESSORIES:
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the number of your Run Leader and Event Director (charge before use and make sure it's in a waterproof case or bag)
Whistle (normally found attached to your bag)
Personal first aid kit (eg: blister packs, sunscreen, inhaler etc)
Water bottles or bladder (if distance or weather requires it)
Snacks (if distance requires it)
Lightweight, comfortable running pack, max 12 litres (if distance requires it)
WEATHER DEPENDENT ITEMS:
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Sun hat / cap
Warm hat and gloves
Waterproof bags / dry bags
Please note: we will not be checking your kit on the day, unless there is adverse weather conditions. We highly recommend you bring these items for your safety.
EUROPE MANDATORY KIT LIST
COVID-19
Face covering (e.g. mask or buff)
Hand sanitiser
CLOTHES:
Lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably Goretex / Event – must have a hood and sleeves)
Lightweight waterproof trousers or leggings (optional for Intro to the Alps and Running & Yoga trip)
Wicking top and shorts / leggings
Sun hat / cap
Warm hat and gloves
Additional warm layer / thermal top (for when we stop or it gets cold)
Socks (eg: Injinji)
Trail running shoes (sufficient tread)
ACCESSORIES:
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the number of your Run Leader and Event Director (charge before use and make sure it's in a waterproof case or bag)
Lightweight, comfortable running pack (5-12 litres ideal for our weekend trips, 11-15 litres for longer trips)
Water Bottles / Bladder with minimum of 1 litre capacity in total
Sunglasses (the sun is very strong in the Alps)
Snacks to sustain you for the planned route (eg: TRIBE bars, trail mix, chocolate)
Salt Tablets (e.g. Nuuns, especially in hot weather)
Emergency cash
Waterproof bags / dry bags to keep stuff dry
Headtorch (only on multiday trips eg: TMB for use in accommodation)
Whistle (normally found attached to your bag)
Personal first aid kit (eg: blister packs, sunscreen, asthma inhaler etc)
We will be checking your kit for our European adventures.
POLES
Although not mandatory, we highly recommend trail running poles for our European adventures, especially if you are taking part in the TMB or similarly longer trips. They have been proven to help! We recommnend Leki's lightweight trail running poles due to their comfort, durability and design. We demonstrate how to use poles correctly on all of our trips, including in the UK
Event video
Organiser's description
Run the most iconic multi-day trail running route in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc! Looking for an incredible running adventure? Look no further! Over 6 days you will run 100 miles, climb 9,000m, pass through 3 countries and achieve the running challenge of a lifetime. Famous for the UTMB race, the route circumnavigates the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, passing by its 71 glaciers and 400 summits.
The TMB is truly, the ultimate running adventure and provides memories to last a lifetime. It’s a perfect way to escape every day life and find true freedom on the trails. You will run through chocolate box villages, alpine meadows and high mountain passes and experience breath taking views of Mont Blanc. Guided, with all your logistics taken care of, we ensure you make the most of your trip. From pre-trip training through to running the route, we are with you every step of the way.
It’s broken down into 6 stages with a day to relax in Chamonix at the beginning and end of the trip, in total 8 days. Our experienced guides will immerse you in the rich and varied history and cultures along the way, bringing the area to life. They will provide technical instruction such as how to use running poles and dealing with hills. We include a refreshment point, logistics as well as food and accommodation with no hidden costs. To celebrate your incredible achievement we include champagne at the finish!
As with all Run the Wild holidays, all you have to do is book your flights, turn up and run – we will take care of the rest!
Total cost is 2595 Euros. A deposit of £200 is taken at the time of sign-up. A further £550 is required one week later, once we’ve got back in touch, this will make up your 30% deposit. The balance is required 6 weeks before the trip is due to start. Let us know if you prefer to schedule payments following your deposit. You will also have a chance to chat with the guide and ask and questions once you have reserved your place. Alternatively please contact us.
The TMB is truly, the ultimate running adventure and provides memories to last a lifetime. It’s a perfect way to escape every day life and find true freedom on the trails. You will run through chocolate box villages, alpine meadows and high mountain passes and experience breath taking views of Mont Blanc. Guided, with all your logistics taken care of, we ensure you make the most of your trip. From pre-trip training through to running the route, we are with you every step of the way.
It’s broken down into 6 stages with a day to relax in Chamonix at the beginning and end of the trip, in total 8 days. Our experienced guides will immerse you in the rich and varied history and cultures along the way, bringing the area to life. They will provide technical instruction such as how to use running poles and dealing with hills. We include a refreshment point, logistics as well as food and accommodation with no hidden costs. To celebrate your incredible achievement we include champagne at the finish!
As with all Run the Wild holidays, all you have to do is book your flights, turn up and run – we will take care of the rest!
Total cost is 2595 Euros. A deposit of £200 is taken at the time of sign-up. A further £550 is required one week later, once we’ve got back in touch, this will make up your 30% deposit. The balance is required 6 weeks before the trip is due to start. Let us know if you prefer to schedule payments following your deposit. You will also have a chance to chat with the guide and ask and questions once you have reserved your place. Alternatively please contact us.
Location
Chamonix, France
Tour du Mont Blanc
RT
Run the Wild
Run the Wild is the UK’s first premier, dedicated trail running adventure holiday company. Exploring places... not running races.
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Since
2015
Events
230+
Avg. review
5.0
