Oompa loompa doompety doo! 🤪 That’s the tune that’ll pop into your head when you see all those runners on the Alpine trails 🔎.
“Courchevel, you only go there to ski, right?” ❄️ Oh, think again—sure, in winter it’s non-stop sliding down the slopes, that’s for sure. But in summer, all nature lovers crave these landscapes! 🏞️ Since the MDS Crazy Loops Courchevel has been a success every year, why not keep it going? 🤓 3 days, not of rest, but of challenge and connections! By the way, your quads will probably remember the trip too—the program is, how to put it… Pretty packed 🔥. The goal is as simple as it is addictive: you have 3, 6, 9, 12 or 24 hours to rack up as many loops as possible on a 3 to 5 km📍 course. If you’re quick on the uptake, you’ll recognize the concept of the backyard 🔄, except you’re not obliged to set off again every hour 🕘. Basically, it’s the pure DNA of the Marathon des Sables showing up at altitude for a challenge where you run, you walk, you stop to wolf down a slice of reblochon, and you head back out stronger than ever under a breathtaking starry sky 🌌.
If you love outdoor sports, you’ve probably already heard of Courchevel 🤫. Careful—this time we’re talking about the municipality, not the ski resort. Yep, snow doesn’t fall all year long, so the white blanket will be put away, and the mountains will slip into their finest green coat to keep the party going 💚. With what awaits you, we promise the effort will almost become secondary compared to the beauty of the show 🤩. Running in the heart of the French Alps, ladies and gentlemen, is a privilege. But the real magic of the Crazy Loops is its supportive and inclusive soul 🫂. You share the trail with Para sport teams, which means you’ll be able to support them, accompany them, and even help them crest a climb 🥵. On a steeper section, a technical descent, or just for the joy of sharing, you can, at any moment, join a Para team and lend a hand 💪. That’s the beauty of sport 😍. More good news: our four-legged friends are welcome in the race 🐕. Between loops, the race village becomes the beating heart of the party—you’ll create unique bonds to make it to the end of the adventure 👯♀️. To live the experience to the fullest, you have two options: the bivouac offer of two nights under an MDS tent, or the self-sufficient offer if you prefer to bring your own tent or book accommodation 🏠. Whether you choose to sleep under the stars or to cocoon after your feats, the atmosphere will remain festive, Alpine and decidedly laid-back 🧘. You run, you walk, you push yourself to the limit, you lift others up, you stop… and you set off again until exhaustion 🥱.
Once you’ve completed your 42nd loop (or your 2nd—it’s up to you 😌) and your calves are begging for a break, the adventure continues 💥. But you might as well ignore all the muscles pulling at you when you’re in the middle of the Vanoise National Park! For your general knowledge, this area has been twinned since 1972 with the Gran Paradiso National Park 🪽 (that sets the tone), and together they form one of the largest protected areas in Europe with 1250 km2 📏. In short, in this living, breathing green space: a walk or a swim, paragliding or rafting, tree-top adventure or mountain biking, raclette or fondue (just because the calendar says July doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself)... 🫕 In short, the choices are many, and boredom is nowhere to be found.
Ready to be run ragged? 😵💫 Don’t loops this event!
You have 24 hours to complete as many loops as possible, at your own pace! 🤗 One loop is between 3 and 5 km 🔄.
Friday, July 31: Set-up & course discovery
Arrival on site and camp set-up at the bivouac
From 2:00 pm: First arrivals at the bivouac and start of kit/technical checks
Discover the Crazy Loop course
Gear test
Saturday, August 1: Race kick-off
Final preparations
Official race start
3, 6, 9, 12 or 24 hours of running on the Crazy Loop
Sunday, August 2: Finish & celebration
Arrival of the last teams
End of the race
Awards ceremony
Free departure back to the resort or home
The exact timetable will be shared closer to the event.
No, it’s not required. However, the organisers will ask you to complete a medical questionnaire.
The organisers will provide water for each participant. You’re responsible for your own food throughout the weekend.
Yes — here’s the required kit:
A pair of trail-running shoes
A rain jacket
An extra warm layer
A pair of sunglasses
Sunscreen
A headlamp (must be switched on from nightfall) + a full spare set of batteries or a battery pack
An emergency blanket
A whistle
5 safety pins
A fully charged mobile phone
A small first-aid kit
A bottle or soft flask (minimum 500 ml)
An ID document
Euros (cash)
For the night (bivouac option):
A sleeping bag
Your entry includes:
Race bib for the adventure
3, 6, 9, 12 or 24 hours of racing
Access to the bivouac
Timing chip
Support from the organising team and on-site medical cover during the race
Bag drop/storage for personal belongings
Awards ceremony
To volunteer for this race, please submit your application here: https://waaultra.typeform.com/to/ljk08KtD?typeform-source=marathondessables.com
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