January 30

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VOLVIC VOLCANIC EXPÉRIENCE: EXPANDING IN ITS THIRD EDITION

Posted by on January 30, 2019 in trail running, trail running 2018, trail running south africa, trail running spain, trail running spain 2018, Ultra Trail, ultra trail france, volvic experience | Leave a comment

 

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The Volvic Volcanic Experience (VVX) offers an athletic experience immersing you in an exceptional setting, one of the most emblematic places in the Auvergne region: the Chaîne des Puys-Limagne Fault, recently registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. At the heart of this unique, preserved natural site, the VVX is a sensory odyssey for all athletes, trail runners, and hikers bringing them into contact with living nature.

A remarkable land, the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, moulded by volcanoes, stone, and water. A journey of the senses where people of all ages who love outdoor activities and exploration enjoy vibrant, well-preserved natural areas. Three days of wonder, enjoyment, and conviviality meeting men and women who love their region.

 

Photo: Gerard Fayet – terredexception.com

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VOLVIC VOLCANIC EXPÉRIENCE 2019: The races

 

The VVX is compound of 4 races, 110km, 43km, 25km and 15km, located in the heart of a region shaped by volcanic eruptions. Apart of these for, this year there will be two new races, the Great Volcanic Crossing Experience – Trail Adventure Race: 220 km/7500-m climb and the VVX Kid’s trail run with several distances.

 

Let’s see the different races here:

Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne Experience (110km – 4 ITRA points): A trail for the toughest runners through the very heart of the Auvergne volcanoes, it can also be completed in relay teams of two or three. Designed to take in the entire Chaîne des Puys zone, which recently became a UNESCO world heritage site, this race allows you to explore this exceptional region in a completely new way, thanks to the balance of scenery and ascents up some of the area’s characteristic hills. Part of the trail includes an ascent to the summit of the legendary Puy de Dôme (1,465m) to view the spectacular sunrise. For this third instalment of VVX, the trail will have a few nice surprises and will be extended to 110km to give you the chance to explore the northern part of the Chaîne des Puys. The final 30km of the Volvic Catchment Area Experience trail will bring this spectacular volcanic experience to a close.

 

 

Volvic Catchment Area Experience (43km – 2 ITRA points): A trail for the initiated runners amongst you, offering a route through the northern part of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park and all around the Volvic catchment area, a protected natural zone which is the source of the mineral water that takes its name. This course offers superb views of the Chaîne des Puys that stretches more than  30km towards the south, between the Faille de Limagne, enclosed valleys and the Plateau des Dômes.

 

 

Volcanic Experience Trail (25km – 1 ITRA point): The Volcanic Experience trail will be back in 2018 for this third instalment with a new feature—part of the trail will pass through two active volcanic rock quarries! The trail will take you through part of the Chaîne des Puys/Faille de Limagne Experience trail to show you some of the main volcanoes in the northern part of the Chaîne des Puys, such as Puy de la Nugère, Puy de Jumes and Puy de la Coquille. Trail bonus: breathtaking views from Puy des Gouttes and others.

 

 

Lava Stone Experience (15km): A short, accessible trail with limited climbing and natural surroundings between Volvic and its neighbouring villages. This race offers a number of exceptional panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys, which recently became a UNESCO world heritage site. It crosses a prime area for Volvic stone extraction and includes unique pathways lining several of the territory’s characteristic quarries.

 

 

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VOLVIC VOLCANIC EXPÉRIENCE 2019: What is new?

 

The “XGTV®” Great Volcanic Crossing Experience. Trail Adventure Race (220 km / 7500 / 6 ITRA points): For this third edition, the Aventure en Terre Volcanique association is offering a new, long-format race it will happening from 29 to 31 May 2019 in addition to the four VVX races.
This duo or solo ultra is based on an original concept with out-of-the-ordinary features. The spirit of the Great Volcanic Crossing Experience is one of mental engagement, solidarity, and adventure that incorporates athletic values and mountain sports, all at the heart of the French volcanic landscape.

This test of ultra-endurance will take competitors on a 220-km route through the Auvergne volcanoes (total climb of 7,500 m), along the most emblematic Grande Randonnée hiking trails in five areas: the Dômes mountains, the Dore mountains, the Cézallier massif, the Cantal massif, and the Artense plateau.

This adventure race, where participants will be equipped with nothing more than a GPX-track road book and will follow the red-and-white Grande Randonnée trail blazes 95% of the time, requires a good sense of direction on and off the trail. The route offers a chance to discover the richness and diversity of the different zones of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park.

The Great Volcanic Crossing Experience can be undertaken solo or in a team of two. Two categories will be established. The participants will be travelling through a sometimes rugged and demanding mountainous environment, requiring a certain level of technical, physical, and mental capabilities.

Runners must have run at least two trail ultras of over 100 km in the last three years.

 

 

VVX KIDS’ TRAIL RUN, new kids races: Kids also need their race! Takes place on the same site as the adults’ race. Waves of 20 kids will be sent off at a time; the next wave will leave as the last gets back to the starting line. Each child will be able to do as many circuits as they like during the 30 minutes allotted. This event is for children born between 2005 and 2013, divided into three categories:

Red circuit, 500 m/10-m climb: children born in 2013, 2012, and 2011

Blue circuit, 700 m/15-m climb: children born in 2010, 2009, and 2008

Yellow circuit, 1,100 m/20-m climb: children born in 2007, 2006, and 2005

Limited to 200 participants

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MORE ON SKIMO, TRAIL RUNNING AND MOUNTAIN GEAR

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Info by Abel de Frutos for Trailrunningspain