Izer'Loop 2027
- Next event : Sat, May 15, 2027Date confirmed
The event in a few words
In Isarnodurum, whose Gaulish name would mean “iron market,” people no longer trade ingots: they now forge minds of steel ⚒️. Set course for Izernore, a Haut-Bugey village in Ain, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a stone’s throw from Oyonnax and Lake Nantua 🗺️. Izer'Loop sets up camp there in mid-May, just after the Ice Saints: in theory, frost has laid down its arms 🥶. Days are often mild, though a shower can still drop in. The 3 a.m. loop will remind you that you’re running at the foot of the Jura massif 🌙.
Your playground fits into a 5.95 km loop for about 150 mD+, to be completed in under an hour… again, again, and again 🔄. The marked course circles the remains of the Gallo-Roman temple, whose columns have watched over the village since Antiquity 🏛️. Over one lap, the terrain stays playful. Multiplied by 30, it will climb to 4,500 mD+ for 178.5 km on the clock—enough to turn the smallest bump into an Alpine pass! ⛰️
The concept of the backyard ultra fits in one line: one start every hour, on the dot, until only one runner remains standing 🕰️. We owe this diabolical format to Lazarus Lake, the twisted mind behind the Barkley Marathons, who named it in honor of his dog, Big 🐕 .
Created in 2026 by the Orga'Run association, Izer'Loop wraps the concept in a toga and immediately joins the family of Culture & History races. The storyline: Julius Caesar wants to reform his army and organizes the event to find the most enduring soldier of the Empire ⚔️. Every 5 laps, you’ll climb one rung in the hierarchy of the Roman army, from legionary to imperator. The last one standing will inherit the supreme title of Commander-in-Chief (Caesar’s armies) 👑. Ultra-trail rookies will aim for a rank; old hands will set their sights on the throne 🎯. To avoid a Hundred Years’ War, the arena closes its doors after the 30th loop 🛡️.In the event of a tie at that time, the fastest on the last lap will be crowned 🥇.
Before or after the battle, the village can be explored at recovery pace 🚶. On Church Square, the Izernore Archaeological Museum brings Isarnodurum back to life, the only known ancient settlement in Haut-Bugey. The Stone Path, for its part, strings together seven panels through the alleys 🧭. To replenish reserves, the local star is the pike quenelle with Nantua sauce, coated in a crayfish butter that gives it its rosy hue 🦞. The aid-station pasta had better watch out 😏. Heavy legs will then go loosen up on the shore of Lake Nantua, a glass of Bugey wine as a reward 🍷—in moderation: the 31st loop doesn’t exist.
Ave, runner: those who are about to lap salute you! 🫡
5 reasons to join this race
A word from the organizer:
"For this first edition, we welcome you in a unique setting, in a friendly and sporting spirit steeped in history. Many surprises await you. Don’t forget that ‘In the Arena, History grants glory only to the last one standing.’"
The distance you'll all agree on
5.95 kmTOP
- Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 150mD+
- 5.95 km
A few more words
Marked out and unchanging, the 5.95 km course packs around 150 mD+ and winds around the remains of the Gallo-Roman temple.
Strictly forbidden to take shortcuts: any voluntary departure from the course results in disqualification—Rome does not forgive desertion 🚫. No outside assistance is allowed on the loop; your close guard will wait in the assistance zone. When night falls, headlamp strapped to your skull, you’ll rediscover every turn from a new angle 🌌.
After 30 laps, the total will climb to 178.5 km and 4,500 mD+, an ultra menu served in portions of less than an hour 🍽️. Back each time to base camp, where every minute gained turns into a minute of rest.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Bib pickup will take place at the Izernore village hall at the following times:
Friday, May 14, 2027 from 5 pm to 9 pm,
Saturday, May 15, 2027 from 6 am to 8 am.
The bib and electronic chip must be worn visibly for the entire duration of the event.
The start of the first loop will be given on Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 9 am, in Izernore.
A new start will then be given every hour. The race will end at the latest after the 30th loop, i.e. on Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 3 pm.
The race is open to anyone who is at least 20 years old on the day of the event.
Registration is open from Friday, October 9, 2026 to Sunday, May 2, 2027, exclusively on Finishers.
from the 1st to the 150th runner: €57.5,
A full refund, excluding the platform's management fees, is possible upon written request sent no later than Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm. After this date, the organization may consider a refund exceptionally if it deems the reason valid. Bibs are personal and cannot be transferred, except in the case of a serious impediment, upon presentation of a medical certificate. No cancellation insurance is offered.
Each participant must provide, at registration or at the latest when picking up their bib, one of the following documents:
a valid sports license authorizing participation in competitive running,
a valid Health Prevention Pathway (PPS) certificate.
A light aid station is offered in the start/finish area at the end of each loop. A hot pasta dish is served every 5 hours to runners still in the race. A refreshment stand is also set up. Participants may bring their own food for break times, in the area defined by the organization.
Yes. Each loop must be completed in under one hour, and each participant must present themselves on the start line at the exact time of each new start, or they will be eliminated. The event is limited to 30 loops and ends no later than Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 3 pm.
Yes, showers, changing rooms, and toilets are available to participants. The organization declines all responsibility in the event of loss, theft, or damage to personal equipment.
Yes, each participant must carry the following equipment:
a bib visible throughout the event,
a water reserve of at least 250 ml,
a survival blanket,
a headlamp at night,
a charged and switched-on phone, with the race HQ number saved (06 02 15 55 56).
Registration includes:
the bib and timing via electronic chip,
light refreshments at the end of each loop,
the pasta dish served every 5 hours,
access to rest areas,
a runner T-shirt,
the rescue service set up throughout the event.
If you still have questions, you can contact the organizers by email: izerloop@gmail.com
You can check the race rules here
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