The Early Years
2004Established in 2004, the Marathon du Mont-Blanc is now 22 years old. From its first edition in Chamonix, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in France.
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Course & Elevation
An iconic alpine marathon starting in Chamonix and finishing at the foot of Mont-Blanc, traversing the Chamonix Valley with relentless elevation changes through stunning mountain scenery. The course passes through classic alpine villages including Les Praz, Argentière, and Vallorcine before descending back toward Chamonix. This is one of the most challenging marathon courses in Europe, demanding significant climbing and technical trail management.
Surface: road Profile: Mountainous
Weather
Typical climate for the race month — an estimate, not a forecast or a race-day record
Temperature 16°C
Humidity 65%
Rain Chance 35%
Early summer alpine conditions with cool mornings and mild afternoons. Occasional mountain showers possible, with significant temperature variation between valley floor and higher elevations.
Related Guides
The Race
Chamonix
Race Lore
The Hills That Break You
With 2800m of elevation gain, the Marathon du Mont-Blanc is not a course for the faint-hearted. The climbs are where races are won and lost — where the gap between training and undertrained reveals itself without mercy. Locals say the course doesn't beat you; it just waits for you to beat yourself.
Only the Committed Finish
The Marathon du Mont-Blanc carries an "extreme" difficulty rating for good reason. The combination of terrain, conditions, and distance creates an event where finishing is a genuine achievement. Drop-out rates are high, preparation requirements are serious, and the line between adventure and misadventure is thin.
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Registration
Registration Opens January
Registration Closes March
Entry Cost €95-€125
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Fun Facts
- ▸ The race traverses four valleys and crosses the Chamonix Valley multiple times with over 2,800m of climbing—more elevation than most ultra-marathons.
- ▸ The finish elevation of 2,385m at the base of Mont-Blanc makes this marathon one of the highest-finishing point standard marathons in Europe.
- ▸ Named after Europe's highest peak, Mont-Blanc (4,808m) is visible throughout much of the race course.
- ▸ The race attracts elite trail and fell runners who treat it as a training objective for larger ultramarathons and alpine challenges.
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