Ultra Distance & Trails Running: Mountain
Introduction
After have run 40,000 km (25,000 miles) around the world, Philippe presents several ultra distance races.
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Himal Race 2002: Nepal, Himalayas
The Himal Race is probably one of the most fantastic and ultimate trail. The First edition took place in 2002. In 23 days of race, the runners covered 1,000 km (625 miles) and +38,000 meters from the Annapurna Base Camp to the Mt. Everest Base Camp. Carrying their own backpack, the runners went through six major passes above 5400 m.The second edition was in 2007 from Kathmandu to Dolpo. 900 km, 24 stages and 30 passes above 3000 m.
The next edition will take place in 2010, from the Kanchenjunga Base Camp to Kathmandu.
Race Information:
- Location: Nepal, Himalayas
- Distance: 1,000 km (625 miles) and +38,000 m (125,000 feet) of total ascent
- Duration: 23 days
- Philippe's story and photos (French)
- Race organizer: Basecamp Trekking and Expedition
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Muktinath, Dhaulagiri behind (© P. Gatta) Start at Annapurna base camp (© P. Gatta)
Défi de l'Oisans 2006: France, Alps
The Défi de l'Oisans is a 200 km race round the Ecrins National Park (Alps, France). The trail starts and finishes in Les Deux Alpes and follows the GR54. The race is very well organized by a friendly Team. Below are the details of the stages:Sunday 30/07, stage 1: Les 2 Alpes - Auris en Oisans: 14 km, +810 m
Sunday 30/07, stage 2: Auris en Oisans - Le Chazelet: 28 km, +1790 m
Monday 31/07, stage 3: Le Chazelet - Villar d'Arêne. 5 km "contre le montre", +430 m
Monday 31/07, stage 4: Villar d'Arêne - Monêtier les bains. 21 km, +780 m
Tuesday 01/08, stage 5: Monêtier les bains – Vallouise. 19 km, +950 m
Wednesday 02/08, stage 6: Vallouise - La Chapelle en Valgaudemar. 54 km, +2940 m
Thursday 03/08, stage 7: La Chapelle – Valsenestre. 31 km, +2510 m
Friday 04/08, stage 8: Valsenestre - Les 2 Alpes. 18 km, +1790 m
Total: 200 km, +12,000 m of positive ascent
Race Information:
- Location: France, the Alps
- Distance: 200 km (125 miles), +12,000 m (39,400 feet) of total ascent
- Duration: 8 stages in 6 days
- Race organizer: SMAG
- Benoit Laval's summary of the 2006 race (French)
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Defi de l'Oisans (© P. Gatta) La Meije, Defi de l'Oisans (© P. Gatta)
Cromagnon: Italy and France, Alps
The Cromagnon is a non-stop trail starting in the ski resort of Limone (Italy) and finished at the beach of Cap d'Ail (France) near Monaco. The race crosses the National Park of Mercantour and follows somehow the GR52.There is also a shorter version of the trail called Neander-Trail (57 km). It starts half way of Cromagnon at 8pm and follows the same trail.
Race Information:
- Location: Italy and France, Alps
- Distance: 105 km (65 miles), +5,400m (17,715 feet) of total ascent
- Duration: non-stop race. Maximum 30 hours.
- Race organizer: "Cap d’Ail Macadam"
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Philippe participated to the 8th edition in 2000. The race was 120 km long with 6,100 m of total ascent. It started and finished at Aiguine and followed various trails in the beautiful Canyon of Verdon. There were 3 stages: 1) Aiguine - Rougon: 36 km, +1580m / -1380m. 2) Rougon - Aiguine : 47km, +2470m / -2670m. 3) Aiguine - Aiguine : 42km, +2060m / -2060m.
The race is now called Verdon Canyon Challenge.
Race Information:
- Location: France
- Distance: 120 km (75 miles), +6,100m (20,000 feet) of total ascent
- Duration: 3 days
- Race organizer: AERIA
Le Verdon (© P. Gatta)
White River is a 50 miles trail run in Crystal Mountain, Washington. The race has been created in 1993 and is a national championship event since 2001. The race offers great views of Mount Rainier and the northwest forest.
Race Information:
- Location: USA, Crystal Mountain
- Distance: 80 km (50 miles) and 2,650 m (8,700 feet) of total ascent
- Duration: non-stop, 13-hour limit.
- Race organizer: White River 50 Mile Trail Run
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