How to choose your race on the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard?
The Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard is a trail running event where people come as much to run as to enjoy the scenery, the atmosphere, and a friendly get-together. But with so many races to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Don’t panic, we’re here to help you find what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced trail runner, or just here for fun, there’s bound to be a race that’s right for you!
The article is divided into five sections:
- Choose based on the calendar ->
- Choose based on distance ->
- Which races pass through the Himalayan mountain bridges? ->
- What if I want to share the pleasure of running with others? ->
- Other tips for making your choice ->
First, a question of dates!
To allow as many participants as possible to enjoy the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard while maintaining a friendly atmosphere, the event has been spread over six days of competition! We could have started by talking about the distances, but we prefer to remind you that with events organized over two weekends, you no longer have any excuse not to be available!
A gentle start to the season with the first weekend (July 4 & 5)
The 15th edition of the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard will be inaugurated by the Trail du Drac on Saturday, July 4 at 5:00 pm. Come and kick off this edition of the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard in a festive and sporting atmosphere with this 14 km race. This accessible but technical course will be the perfect opportunity to start your adventure in style, while enjoying the magnificent panoramic views offered by the lake and surrounding mountains.
The next day, Sunday, July 5, we’ll meet up for a day dedicated entirely to the Petit Train de la Mure! The two events of the day will revolve around this famous tourist train, which is the pride and joy of the inhabitants of the Matheysine region!
You can choose between two events:
- Mine Express: a duo event (you complete the entire course with your teammate), covering 13 km / 700 m elevation gain between La Motte d’Aveillans and La Mure. What makes this event unique? It’s the Petit Train de la Mure, which will take you from the race start to the La Mine Image museum!
- Le Petit Train: a 27 km / 1,400 m elevation gain race that passes by the most beautiful viewpoints of the Petit Train de la Mure.
In the middle of the week, enjoy a quality after-work event!
A trail race on a Tuesday evening—quite unusual, isn’t it? For those eagerly awaiting their vacations, the 3rd Post offers an escape into the history of the Matheysine region with this race that traces the area’s mining past! Starting at 7:15 pm on Tuesday, July 7, you’ll have time to leave work, put on a pair of shoes and a headlamp, and run 16 km / 700 m elevation gain between Prunières and La Motte d’Aveillans!
The second weekend as a grand finale
It’s the original #TPM weekend, and the atmosphere is heating up even more: partner village, entertainment, large crowds… It’s the excitement of a major event in an idyllic setting!
On Saturday, we will start with the Côte Rouge Trail (27 km / 1,300 m elevation gain) early in the morning, followed by the Ébron Trail (16 km / 750 m elevation gain) later in the afternoon.
On Sunday, it’s time for the long races to get underway. Starting at 5:00 am, the Grande Course (64 km / 3,000 m elevation gain) will be the first to set off from La Mure. The Maratrail (40 km / 2,100 m elevation gain) will start at 7:15 am!
A question of distance
Perhaps the most obvious question is: how many kilometers are you prepared to cover? You don’t need to be an ultra-trail runner to enjoy it, we promise!
Less than 20 km:
Are you here to discover trail running or enjoy a nice outing without spending the whole day doing it? Here’s how to differentiate between our four distances under 20 km!
- Trail du Drac (14 km / 750 m elevation gain): this is the most accessible race in the #TPM, and it includes two bridge crossings!
- Trail de l’Ébron (16 km / 750 m elevation gain): a little longer, but with the same elevation gain! You cross the lake for the first time on the Ébron footbridge, then a second time on the Pont de Brion, another historic monument!
- Mine Express (13 km / 700 m elevation gain): this is the only event that is run in pairs, where you complete the entire course with your partner! The added bonus: you reach the start aboard the Petit Train de la Mure!
- The 3rd Post (16 km / 700 m elevation gain): perhaps the most welcoming event, with a strong atmosphere surrounding the mining history of the Matheysine region. Starting at 7:15 pm on Tuesday evening, this event is ideal for sharing a friendly moment after work!
Between 25 and 30 km:
- Petit Train Trail (27 km / 1,400 m elevation gain): a 100% Matheysine event, it revolves around the most beautiful viewpoints of the Petit Train de la Mure: the Petit Train balcony, the view of the EDF dam, the Motte d’Aveillans mining galleries, the foothills of the Sénépi and the panorama of Pierre Plantée. Even without the footbridge, magnificent landscapes await!
- Côte Rouge Trail (27 km / 1,300 m elevation gain): a 100% Trièves event for lovers of beautiful climbs and descents, with an aerial passage over the Ébron footbridge. It also offers a passage through Monestier-de-Clermont with a lively atmosphere provided by the village!
You already have some experience and want a real challenge, but a reasonable one:
Over 40 km:
You love long distances, burning legs, and strong emotions:
- The Maratrail (40 km / 2,100 m elevation gain): roughly the legendary distance of a marathon, but this time you have to climb to the summit of Sénépi, the Everest of the #TPM, which offers a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains! As a bonus, this route includes two crossings on the two footbridges, meaning four dizzying crossings over the lake!
- The Grande Course (64 km / 3,000 m elevation gain): the ultimate challenge. Get ready for total immersion in the region’s most beautiful landscapes, with a varied route that is not too demanding!
With or without footbridges?
Lake Monteynard is famous for its two suspension bridges (although this is a major attraction, the Trièves and Mathyesine regions offer other wonders that are just as beautiful). But if you prefer to avoid vertigo, don’t worry, there are options for everyone.
Races that do not pass through the footbridges:
These races remain wonderful (we promise):
- Mine Express, with its magnificent passage through the Sénépi mountain pastures!
- The Trail du Petit Train, to discover the Grand Balcon and its view of the dam, the Vercors, and the lake!
- The 3rd Post, with an incredible sunset to contemplate from the Sénépi.
Races that pass through a single footbridge:
- Drac Footbridge
- Trail du Drac (it’s easy to remember)
- Ébron Footbridge
- Trail de l’Ébron (again, easy to remember)
- Trail de Côte Rouge
The two footbridges
- The Grande Course, crossing the Drac footbridge, then crossing the Ébron footbridge!
- The Maratrail, but this time, we’ll be doing a “lasso” route and crossing both footbridges twice, making a total of four legendary crossings over the lake! It’s the perfect challenge for thrill seekers!
Share the fun with others!
Because running is great, but sharing is even better! Three formats to share are available for the 15th edition:
Relay format
We pass the baton to our partner!
- The 3rd Post in a 2-man relay
- Relay 1: 7 km / 300 m elevation gain
- Relay 2: 9 km / 400 m elevation gain
- The Grande Course in 3-man relays
- Relay 1: 14 km / 600 m elevation gain
- Relay 2: 22 km / 1,400 m elevation gain
- Relay 3: 28 km / 1,000 m elevation gain
Duo format
Where the two teammates cover the entire distance together and must finish the race at the same time!
- Mine Express (13 km / 700 m elevation gain)
Other tips for choosing
If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, choose one of the events on July 4, 5, or 7. With reduced capacity and fewer people at the start, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful experience!
If you prefer the atmosphere of big events, come to the races on July 11 and 12, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere, entertainment, a bustling village, a refreshment bar, and more.
In any case, don’t worry, everything is done to maintain a warm atmosphere and smooth flow on the courses and in the village!
So, have you made your choice?
Whether you’re here to push your limits, discover the region, or just have a good time, the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard guarantees a unique experience. Sign up, get your sneakers ready, and we’ll see you on the trails (or on the footbridges!). 😊
