On Sunday, under a bright sun that swept away the storms, 2,237 runners set off from Chamonix in a race in the heart of nature, a 42 km reference with 2,540 m of elevation gain, counting for the elite circuit Golden Trail World Series .

Rolling and narrow paths that wind through an ocean of greenery but also steep slopes that are particularly difficult to negotiate and enhanced by the strong point of the course: the aiguillette des Posettes (2200 m altitude).

Before having for only horizon, the chain of Mont-Blanc.

"Above all else, I want to take advantage of the place. When I run in the mountains, I have no idea of ​​the time I'm going to be able to do. In trail running, there are beautiful landscapes and it's even more magnificent at Mont - Blanc. I want to be amazed!", Mehdi Mainguené, a 44-year-old Breton, told AFP, who barely two years ago defined himself as "champion in any category of sofa, Netflix option".

This Rennais takes part in his first mountain trail on Sunday, after starting to run in 2020.

Challenge

"The trail has an even more ecological side than the road. The trailers take more care of nature. And then, the advantage in trail is that you can sometimes walk. On the road, it's not a defeat of walking but hey, it's embarrassing", continues this father of three children, inspired by stars in the field, like Alexandre Boucheix, alias "Green cap": "he paved the way for people like me by showing that it is possible. It's a modern image of trail running".

An athlete refreshes herself on her way during the Mont Blanc marathon in Chamonix, June 26, 2022 OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE AFP

According to a study conducted last March by the French Athletics Federation, France has 1.4 million trail runners.

And these are nearly 2,200 events offered this year.

The Mont-Blanc Marathon, with eight events (from the vertical kilometer to 90 km), is one of the pioneers.

It was in 2003 that the 42 km entered the program of the event created in 1979. And 20 years ago, the word trail did not exist.

"I would never have come for a 23 km race. It's the marathon and Chamonix side that attracts me", underlines William Henry, a trail addict for ten years and who has never exceeded 20 km.

"Mont-Blanc is a mythical destination, it's a challenge. I want to do great races and impress myself. Trail running is a sharing of values, a moment of freedom where we become aware of everything and nothing. And in addition, these are races where the pros and the amateurs run together. We see that nowhere else, "rejoices this 43-year-old executive.

Values

The event was won by Briton Jonathan Albon in 3h 35min 20sec, ahead of Italian Davide Magnini (3h 39min 41) and Japanese Ruy Ueda (3h 40min 42).

Enthusiasts will oscillate between 8 and 10 hours to complete their journey.

An athlete runs the Mont Blanc marathon here at the passage of Chamonix, June 26, 2022 OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE AFP

Maxime Martinet observes.

The 24-year-old Savoyard dreams of 42 km but "fell in love" with trail running less than a year ago, he does not feel ready yet.

"I'm learning. But already on a 10 km, it's a sick thing!", He explains, after completing his first 10 km in 1:19, won by the South African Llewellyn Groeneveld (37:29).

Traveling salesman, Maxime trains every weekend.

The one who really discovered vegetables for his diet five years ago, loves more than anything "the values ​​generated by this sport" and testifies to the enthusiasm.

"There are more and more people. I meet guys who are finishers of the Diagonale des fous (mythical ultra-trail on Reunion Island, editor's note), like a guy learning like me. And I meet a lot of coaches on the trails", he slips, delighted to "no longer be alone" in his corner.

© 2022 AFP