Thanks to the support and considerable work of the communities involved in the organization, it was possible to stage a new edition of the Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour® in just nine months following the damage caused by Storm Alex in October 2020.
This seventh edition of the UTCAM® will be particularly dedicated to everyone who was affected, whether directly or indirectly, by this terrible tragedy. It will also mark the reactivation of many sites or trails that were heavily impacted. Nearly 2000 athletes are expected over the weekend, from July 9 to 11.
The flagship event will undoubtedly be this incredible course starting from Place du Palais in Monaco all the way to Saint-Martin-Vésubie, at the heart of the Mercantour National Park, which has never been the case for this race before.
The 150km and 180km formats are somewhat a return to the origins of trail running!
These sublime stage courses will include some navigation without markings, utilizing GPS tracks and a roadbook that will be provided to each runner.
Nine race formats from 5km to 180km will be offered, allowing everyone to participate in the celebration based on their level of practice, experience, or desire.
The courses will also be very diverse with passages through small picturesque villages typical of the hinterland, sections through woodlands, and high mountain ridges at nearly 3000m altitude. The view over the coastline will never be far from the runners, allowing them to fully appreciate the richness of this Azurean territory.
International level elites
Last year, Xavier Thévenard (triple winner of the UTMB®) was the guest of honor for the event, and more than 30 elite athletes took the start of the race.
In 2021, Pau Capell, the current world reference in the discipline and defending UTMB® champion, as well as the Ultra Trail World Tour® winner, will be at the start of the 75km course.
Facing him will be Benoit Girondel, double winner of the Diagonale des Fous, and not to forget the local Yohan Viani, the current record holder of the Grand Traverse of Mercantour.
Main highlights of the weekend:
The 5Km, 150km, and 180km courses will be the first to take off on Friday, July 9, at 10 a.m. from Place du Palais in Monaco.
Then, the other events, starting and finishing in Saint Martin Vésubie, will take place throughout the weekend, starting on Friday, July 9, at 10 p.m. for the 115km course.
