Vercors Marathon 2027
- Next event : Sat, June 5, 2027Date confirmed
- Last event : Sat, June 27, 2026
The event in a few words
Ready to live an extraordinary adventure in the heart of the mountains of Isère? 🌲 The Vercors Marathon is the event you absolutely must not miss! It is quite simply the first road marathon in Europe at over 1,000 m of altitude! 🤯 Yes, here, even your finish time is allowed to climb higher. In the land of the fir tree, all your senses will be awakened 🤩. Between the scents of spruce and beech 👃, you won't know where to turn your head (or your nose)! 🤗 Stay alert too: you might come across a black grouse or an Alpine ibex 🐐. Don't panic if it looks down on you: it's at home, and it doesn't have a bib.
Whether you are a fan of the 10 km, the 20 km or the marathon, this is the chance to lace up your sneakers and set off on sublime courses, in the heart of spectacular nature 🌿. Two hikes are also on the program, the 11 km "Resistance Hike" and the 5 km "Gourmet Hike" 🚶➡️, perfect for those who prefer to admire the scenery without looking at their watch. Imagine yourself crossing lush green forests and breathing the pure air of the summits 🌬️. These road races 🛣️ in the middle of nature promise you breathtaking landscapes (conveniently, the altitude takes care of that too) and an intensity that will thrill you! ⛰️ The courses are nestled in the largest regional park in France, between the towns of Villard-de-Lans, Lans-en-Vercors, Autrans and Méaudre. You can even climb up to the Col de la Croix Perrin at 1,218 m of altitude ⬆️. Keep going: the view at the top is well worth the burning calves.
But the adventure doesn't end there 🎉. Once you've crossed the finish line, why not explore the surroundings? Your legs may protest, but your traveler's heart will be delighted. You could discover the charming city of Grenoble, just over an hour's drive away, where the Bastille offers you an incredible panoramic view of the region. For thrill-seekers, the Vercors Regional Natural Park is just waiting for you for a hike or a mountain bike ride! 🚴 And to top it all off 👑, a little romantic getaway to Lake Monteynard-Avignonet is perfect for relaxing and enjoying an enchanting setting 🌅. And if you prefer a family nature outing, the Aquarium des Tropiques in Allex has a fascinating visit in store for you! 🧡
Join us for this sporting challenge and dive into the unique experience of the Vercors Marathon! Your new adventure starts now, and your finisher's medal is waiting for you up there! 😉
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
19.9 km
10.7 km
Kids
- Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 8:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 502mD+
- 1 loopx42.195 km
A few more words
The start is at Villard-de-Lans, heading due west: Fenat and Méaudret open the loop, then the route climbs back north via La Gorge, Le Coin and La Prairie, passing through Méaudre 🌲. Around km 12, Le Cotel and Thorenas go by before Autrans, where a cut-off time is set at 11 a.m. The northernmost point of the loop is around km 21, above Autrans, then the eastern side leads back south via Le Bouchet and Écharlière ⛰️.
The decisive moment comes around km 29: the Col de la Croix Perrin (1,218 m) delivers 5.4 km of climbing at an average gradient of 4% for 216 m D+ 😅. The rest of the course is played out at around 1,000 m of altitude, for a total of 502 m D+. After the summit, the descent heads toward Lans-en-Vercors, where a second cut-off time is set at 2 p.m. Le Peuil, Bouilly, La Côte and Les Geymonds then lead to Villard-de-Lans, with one last short climb before the finish line 🏁.
The course is 100% on road and track, with gorges, open plateaus, forest sections and views of the Vercors ridges. 7 aid stations are spread along the loop 🥤.
19.9 km : 20 km
Road Running- Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 6:30 PM
- Elevation gain : 201mD+
- 1 loopx19.9 km
A few more words
The race starts from Villard-de-Lans in the early evening, for a loop that climbs north via La Molière and Les Geymonds 🌅. The outbound leg follows the Via Vercors and passes by La Côte, Les Eymards and Bouilly, up to the turnaround at Lans-en-Vercors, reached around km 10. The return goes along the "old Villard road", bucolic and rugged: Le Peuil, Les Françons, Les Blancs, Les Girards, Bonneton, Les Lombards and Les Mourets follow one after another 🌾.
The profile stays gentle over the first half, at around 1,000 m of elevation, then the return climbs to the high point, around km 16.5, at approximately 1,100 m. The total reaches 201 m D+ 💨. 360° panoramas over the massif and the Vercors ridges accompany the loop, with 4 aid stations and a final descent to Villard-de-Lans 👀.
10 km
Road Running- Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 7:00 PM
- Elevation gain : 150mD+
- 1 loopx10.7 km
A few more words
The 10 km stays close to Villard-de-Lans. The route leaves the center via Payonnère, descends toward La Molière, then climbs toward Les Geymonds, reaching it around km 4 🔥. It then heads east via Les Bonnets and Ville Vieille to Bonneton (km 6). The high point, at about 1,100 m, comes around km 7, near Les Lombards.
The descent follows through Les Chaberts, Les Mourets and Les Cochettes, ending in Villard-de-Lans via Les Jeandiats 🍃. The loop course uses the Via Vercors before returning along the "old Villard road", with 360° panoramas of the massif 🤩. The elevation gain remains reasonable: about 150 mD+, with 1 aid station.
Races for children / juniors 👶
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Bib pick-up takes place at the following times:
Friday, June 4, 2027 from 2pm to 8pm, Place Pierre Chabert
Saturday, June 5, 2027 from 6:30am to 6pm, Place Pierre Chabert
Sunday, June 6, 2027 from 9am to 10am, at the hike starting point
Starts take place at the following times:
Marathon: Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 8am in Villard-de-Lans
20 km: Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 6:30pm in Villard-de-Lans
10 km: Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 7pm in Villard-de-Lans
Kids Race: Friday, June 4, 2027 at 5:30pm in Villard-de-Lans
Resistance Hike: Sunday, June 6, 2027 at 10am, starting location: 2027 info to come
Gourmet Hike: 2027 info to come
The minimum age depends on the event:
Marathon: over 20 years old
20 km: over 18 years old
10 km: over 16 years old (with parental authorization)
Kids Race: from 6 to 15 years old (with parental authorization)
11 km hike: 2027 info to come
Marathon:
First 800 bibs* (all events combined): €63
Remaining bibs: €70
On-site prices (start date: 2027 info to come): €85
Cancellation guarantee: €8.50
2028 deferral option: €6
20 km:
First 800 bibs* (all events combined): €40
Remaining bibs: €42
On-site prices (start date: 2027 info to come): €60
Cancellation guarantee: €5
2028 deferral option: €3.50
10 km:
First 800 bibs* (all events combined): €25
Remaining bibs: €30
On-site prices (start date: 2027 info to come): €40
Cancellation guarantee: €3
2028 deferral option: €2
Hike:
First 800 bibs* (all events combined): €18
Remaining bibs: €22
On-site prices (start date: 2027 info to come): €30
Cancellation guarantee: €3
2028 deferral option: €2
No, it is not mandatory; however, you will need to present a PPS certificate dated less than one year before the date of the race.
Solid and liquid aid stations are placed along the course roughly every 5 km: 7 points on the marathon, 4 on the 20 km and 1 on the 10 km. For solids, there are dried fruits and dry cakes; for liquids, still water and sparkling water (non-exhaustive list). A traditional refreshment station awaits you at the finish, but there is no finish-line meal.
Mandatory equipment:
A food reserve
A survival blanket for all courses
At the aid stations, no cardboard or plastic cups will be provided; it is the participant's responsibility to be equipped with a container (such as a flask or collapsible cup).
Optional equipment:
A mobile phone with a charged battery
Poles are prohibited (except for hikes). Animals are not allowed on the course.
Baggage storage is available. Please note, bags are limited to 20 L (Gymbag type) for the following formats: Marathon, 20 km, 10 km, 5 km Hike and 11 km Hike. Unfortunately, there will be no changing rooms or showers.
By train: Getting to the Vercors by train and shuttle
From Paris: TGV Paris-Grenoble in 3 hours, followed by a road shuttle (45 min). TGV Paris-Valence in 2h10, then a taxi (1h) or a Citiz car-sharing vehicle.
From Marseille: TGV Marseille-Grenoble in 2h35 with a connection in Valence. TGV Marseille-Valence in 1h10, followed by a taxi (1h) or a Citiz vehicle.
From Lyon: TER Lyon-Grenoble in 1h25, followed by a coach. In Grenoble, regional buses reach the Vercors in about 45 min (Grenoble SNCF train station is located 30 km from Villard-de-Lans). Regular services serve all the villages of the Vercors.
By coach and bus:
All year round, regional coaches connect Grenoble to the villages of the Vercors. Departure from Grenoble station.
By car:
From the north of France: about 6 hours from Paris. Route: A6 motorway Paris > Lyon, then A48 Lyon > Grenoble. After the toll, take the Villard-de-Lans exit (RN532). Before the village of Sassenage, turn right towards "Le Vercors".
From the south of France: about 3 hours from Marseille. Route: A7 motorway Marseille > Valence, Valence Sud exit, then A49 Valence > Grenoble. Take the La Baume-d'Hostun exit, towards Villard-de-Lans. At Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, follow the RD 531 towards Villard-de-Lans.
If you still have questions, you can contact the organizers by email: info@marathonvercors.com
Focus
More info on this race
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