How to Choose Your Race at the Monteynard Passerelles Trail?
The Monteynard Passerelles Trail is an event where you come as much to run as to enjoy the landscapes, the atmosphere, and a friendly moment. But with so many races, how do you know which one is right for you? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you find your perfect match.
Whether you are a beginner, an experienced trail runner, or just here for fun, there is definitely a race that suits you!
The article is divided into five sections:
- Choose according to the schedule ->
- Choose according to distance ->
- Which races cross the suspension bridges? ->
- What if I want to share the joy of running with others? ->
- Other tips to help you decide ->
A Question of Date, to Start!
To make the Monteynard Passerelles Trail accessible to as many participants as possible while keeping a friendly atmosphere, the event spans 6 days of races! We could start with distances, but we prefer to remind you that with events organized over 2 weekends, you have no excuse not to join!
A First Weekend for an Easy Start (July 5 & 6)
The 14th edition of the Monteynard Passerelles Trail will be inaugurated by the Trail du Drac on Saturday, July 5 at 5:00 PM. With this 14 km race, kick off the 14th edition in a festive and sporty atmosphere. This accessible yet technical course is the perfect way to start your adventure while enjoying the stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The next day, Sunday, July 6, we meet for a 100% Petit Train de la Mure day! The two races of the day revolve around this famous tourist train, beloved by the people of Matheysine!
You can choose between 2 races:
- Mine Express: a duo race (you complete the entire course with your partner), 15 km / 800 m D+ from La Motte d’Aveillans to La Mure. The special feature? The Petit Train de la Mure will take you to the start at the La Mine Image museum!
- Le Petit Train: 28 km / 1,350 m D+ race passing by the most beautiful viewpoints of the Petit Train de la Mure.
Midweek Afterwork for a Quality Evening
A trail race on a Tuesday evening is quite original, isn’t it? For those eagerly waiting for vacation, Le 3rd Poste lets you escape into the history of Matheysine, retracing the mining past of the territory! Starting Tuesday, July 8 at 7:15 PM, you have time to leave work, put on your shoes and headlamp, and run 17 km / 750 m D+ between Prunières and La Motte d’Aveillans!
The Second Weekend as the Grand Finale
This is the original weekend of #TPM, and the atmosphere rises: partner village, animations, a big crowd… It’s the excitement of a major event in an idyllic setting!
Saturday starts with the Trail de Côte Rouge (27 km / 1,300 m D+) in the morning, then Trail de l’Ébron (16 km / 750 m D+) later in the afternoon.
On Sunday, the long races take off. Starting at 5:00 AM, it’s the Grande Course (63 km / 3,000 m D+) leaving first from La Mure. The Maratrail (40 km / 2,150 m D+) starts at 7:15 AM!
A Question of Distance
Perhaps the most obvious question: how many kilometers are you ready to cover? No need to be an ultra-trail runner to enjoy it, promise!
Less than 20 km:
You are here to discover trail running or enjoy a beautiful outing without spending the whole day? Here’s how to distinguish our 4 races under 20 km!
- Trail du Drac (14 km / 750 m D+): the most accessible race, featuring a double suspension bridge crossing!
- Trail de l’Ébron (16 km / 750 m D+): slightly longer with the same elevation gain! First cross the Ébron bridge, then the Pont de Brion, another historic landmark!
- Mine Express (15 km / 800 m D+): the only duo race, complete the course with your partner. Bonus: start on board the Petit Train de la Mure!
- Le 3rd Poste (17 km / 750 m D+): perhaps the warmest race, strong atmosphere around Matheysine’s mining history. Starting 7:15 PM on Tuesday, ideal for a friendly post-work run!
Between 25 and 30 km:
- Trail du Petit Train (28 km / 1,350 m D+): 100% Matheysine, with viewpoints like Le Balcon du Petit Train, EDF dam view, La Motte d’Aveillans mines, Sénépi foothills, and Pierre Plantée panorama. Even without a bridge, the scenery is stunning!
- Trail de Côte Rouge (27 km / 1,300 m D+): 100% Trièves, for lovers of climbs and descents, includes aerial passage on Ébron Bridge. Also passes through Monestier-de-Clermont with lively village atmosphere!
If you already have some experience and want a real but reasonable challenge:
Over 40 km:
You love long distances, burning legs, and strong emotions:
- Maratrail (40 km / 2,150 m D+): roughly a marathon distance, but this time you climb the Sénépi summit, the Everest of #TPM, offering 360° views! Bonus: double passage over both suspension bridges, 4 crossings above the lake!
- Grande Course (63 km / 3,000 m D+): the queen of races. Total immersion in the region’s most beautiful landscapes, varied route, not overly demanding!
With or Without Suspension Bridges?
Monteynard Lake is famous for its two suspension bridges (a major highlight), but Trièves and Matheysine also offer other beautiful landscapes. Prefer avoiding heights? No worries, there are options for everyone.
Races that do not cross the bridges:
These races remain stunning (we promise!):
- Mine Express, with its beautiful passage over the Sénépi pastures!
- Trail du Petit Train, to discover the Grand Balcony and its view of the dam, the Vercors, and the lake!
- Le 3rd Poste, with an incredible sunset to admire from Sénépi
Races that cross only one bridge:
- Drac Bridge
- Trail du Drac (it’s easy to remember)
- Ébron Bridge
- Trail de l’Ébron (also easy to remember)
- Trail de Côte Rouge
The Two Footbridges
- La Grande Course, with a crossing of the Drac footbridge, followed by a crossing of the Ébron footbridge!
- Le Maratrail, this time following a “lasso” route, crossing both footbridges twice, for a total of four iconic crossings over the lake! It’s the perfect challenge for thrill-seekers!
Sharing the Fun with Others!
Running is great, but sharing the experience is even better! Three formats for running together are offered during the 14th edition:
Relay Format
Pass the baton to your teammate!
- Le 3ème Poste relay for 2
- Leg 1: 8 km / 350 m ascent
- Leg 2: 9 km / 400 m ascent
- La Grande Course relay for 3
- Leg 1: 13 km / 600 m ascent
- Leg 2: 22 km / 1,400 m ascent
- Leg 3: 28 km / 1,000 m ascent
Duo Format
Both teammates complete the entire distance together and must finish at the same time!
- Mine Express (15 km / 800 m ascent)
Other Tips for Choosing
If you prefer an intimate atmosphere, choose an event on July 5, 6, or 8. With smaller fields and fewer participants at the start, you’ll enjoy more peace and quiet!
If you prefer the excitement of large events, come for the races on July 12 and 13, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere, activities, an animated village, a refreshment stand, and more.
In any case, don’t worry: everything is designed to maintain a warm atmosphere and smooth flow on both the courses and in the village!
So, Have You Made Your Choice?
Whether you are there to push your limits, explore the region, or simply have a great time, the Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard guarantees a unique experience. Sign up, lace up your shoes, and see you on the trails (or on the footbridges!). 😊
