On the weekend of June 15, 16, and 17, Azur Sport Organisation, its President Pascal THIRIOT, and the Department of Alpes-Maritimes (represented by its president Charles Ange GINESY) will launch the fourth edition of the Ultra-Trail Azur Mercantour.
This year, two new distances will complete the range of Trails de la Vésubie. As an alternative to the 145 km, a 90 km race is offered starting in Nice and finishing in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Additionally, the well-known Kilomètre Vertical de Saint-Martin-Vésubie for trail enthusiasts is included in this weekend.
More than 2000 participants (representing 23 nationalities) are expected to take on the tough challenges that comprise the edition (with a 52% dropout rate in the 145 km race in 2017).
This pronounced enthusiasm for the Ultra-Trail can be explained by the discovery of a preserved natural heritage, at the heart of a splendidly dense flora and fauna. Breathtaking landscapes, 360° panoramas with the blue horizon, as well as natural treasures such as Mont Chauve, the Plateau de la Madone d’Utelle, and Mont Pépoiri, the highest point on the course at 2674 meters, are not to be missed.
This year, the Ultra-Trail welcomes many elite runners, like the Camus brothers, who will join the multitude of amateurs. You can follow them live using a smartphone and the “Dotvision Motion” app, which offers a very efficient Live tracking system.
Finally, the 2018 edition is marked by a focus on safety, with 800 volunteers lending a hand throughout the weekend to ensure the smooth conduct of the events.
by Loris Nicolao, Isefac
