Which distance should you choose at the Trail de Haute Provence?

One setting, nine doses ⛰️

The Trail de Haute Provence sets up its arches in Forcalquier, at an altitude of 651 m. Meet up over the Ascension weekend—the perfect window for running in May. All the races share the ridgelines of the Montagne de Lure at 1,825 m, the land of Jean Giono, and the Truques climb, the final challenge common to everyone from the 10 km to the ultra. All that’s left is choosing your dose.

Which format for which profile? 🧭

If you’re just starting out, THP10 is made for you: this short trail with 330 mD+ forgives everything, with a 2.5 km climb, a basin with an unbelievable blue, and a runnable downhill. THP20 doubles down with 800 mD+ over 21.3 km: this discovery trail lets you feel just how much elevation really changes things. THP30, meanwhile, sets off on Friday evening, headlamp on, for 27.7 km and 1,100 mD+ in a night atmosphere.

Already wrapped up the short format? Then you’ll need to bump up the mileage. Starting from Limans, THP40 stays gentle in terms of ratio. It’s the first true long distance that doesn’t push you into the red. THP50, starting from Montlaux, runs alongside the Ganagobie Abbey and then the olive groves of Lurs—the obvious option when you’re coming from the marathon and you’re tired of asphalt. THP60 switches category completely 🥵, with 43 mD+ per km, and an early-morning start from Lardiers.

One tip to prepare well: think more in terms of elevation gain per kilometer than total distance! For example, 800 mD+ over 21 km hits your legs much harder than 1,236 m spread over 39 km. Also remember to check the cut-off times, factoring in your real uphill pace, so you don’t get caught out.

Running with others, another way to choose 🤝

THP80 can be done as a relay of 4, THP160 as 9, and companies line up their teams of 5 on the THP10 Pro. On Thursday evening, kids and juniors can run for free through the streets of Forcalquier over three distances to choose from: 500 m, 1.2 km, or 3.3 km. The weekend becomes a family affair.

The right distance is the one that forces you to train without putting you off. Nine entry points, one finish line, the same Truques climb for everyone.

And after Haute Provence? 🌍

In France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur extends the season with the Marseille Outdoor Experiences by the sea, then the Semi-Marathon and 10 km of the Durance to work on speed again. Higher up, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc awaits the points you’ve picked up on UTMB Index races. Internationally, the Western States, dear to Courtney Dauwalter, and the Marathon des Sables stand as the next horizons!