The Ultra-Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour returns from July 3-5 with a twelfth edition marked by an increase in registrations. Eight races are on the program, including two new formats. More than 3,000 trail runners will start between Monaco and Mercantour.
The Ultra-Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour (UTCAM) will bring trail enthusiasts together from July 3-5 in the Alpes-Maritimes. The start will be given from the Principality of Monaco before finishing in the Vésubie valley. The course thus maintains its identity between sea and mountain.
The program includes eight events. Among the new additions, La Belle Épopée will make its debut. This multi-stage race will span three days for a total of 82 kilometers. The start will be given at the Princess Antoinette Garden in Monaco. Up to 160 participants will take part in this new format.
The Vertical 5 KM will also start from Monaco towards the Auguste Trophy. The first two stages of La Belle Épopée will then lead competitors to La Turbie then Saint-Martin-Vésubie. The final stage will follow the 30-kilometer route.
Long distances on Saturday’s program
Saturday will be dedicated to the longest formats. The Ultra-Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour 120 kilometers will start at 5 a.m. with nearly 300 runners expected. The 75-kilometer Skyultra will be full with 400 registered participants. The 50-kilometer Skymarathon will bring together 700 participants on its side.
The defending champion, Théo Le Boudec, will be competing in the 120 kilometers to defend his 2025 victory, following an initial win in 2024.
Younger participants will also have an opportunity with the third edition of the Pitchoun Trail. Nearly 100 children, aged 4 to 13, will participate in the two races offered in the streets of Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
On Sunday, the Mercantour 30-kilometer Skyrace will bring together more than 1,000 runners. This event will also serve as the final stage of La Belle Épopée. Another new addition will appear with the Mysterious Race 15 kilometers. The course will remain secret until race day. Only the distance will be known to participants.
Nearly 800 volunteers will support the organization during the three days. One hundred rescue workers will be distributed across the different sectors of the route.
More than 3,000 female and male participants will take on this twelfth edition, approximately 400 more than in the 2025 edition.
Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Department, highlights this growth: “The exceptional success of this 12th edition of the UTCAM, with a record of more than 3,000 female and male participants, testifies to the growing attractiveness of this event that has become essential in the calendar of major trail races, both nationally and internationally. As title partner, the Department is proud to support an event that highlights the exceptional landscapes of Mercantour, our natural heritage and the values of trail running: self-improvement, respect for the environment and friendliness. I wish to commend the remarkable commitment of the volunteers and members of the New Dream Côte d’Azur association, whose passionate work makes it possible to provide top-level organization. I wish everyone a wonderful edition and much pleasure on the trails of our territory.”
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