MARATHON DU MONT BLANC 2024 (30 JUN): GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. RACE PREVIEW

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on June 25, 2024 in chamonix, golden trail world series 2024, marathon mont blanc, marathon mont blanc 2024, trail running france, trail running spain | Leave a comment

MARATHON DU MONT BLANC 2024 (30 JUN): GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. RACE PREVIEW. Our GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES section bring to us the race preview of the Marathon du Mont Blanc.

The Golden Trail World Series returns to France for the fourth stage of the season: the Marathon du Mont-Blanc. Set to take place on June 30th, 2024, this iconic race will see elite runners tackle a challenging 42km course with 2,540 meters of vertical gain in the picturesque setting of Chamonix.

Photo David Gonthier

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MARATHON DU MONT BLANC 2024 (30 JUN):

GOLDEN TRAIL WORLD SERIES. RACE PREVIEW

The Marathon du Mont-Blanc is a trail running classic, renowned for its iconic route that offers stunning views of Mont Blanc, a vibrant atmosphere in the streets of Chamonix, and energetic fan zones where supporters passionately cheer for the runners. It’s no wonder this race has been a staple of the Golden Trail World Series since its inception.

This race is not only renowned for its breathtaking scenery but also for its competitive field. With many runners making their debut in the 2024 season at this event, the excitement is palpable. Will Rémi Bonnet secure a victory in his first race of the season? Can Elhousine Elazzaoui finally conquer this French classic? On the women’s side, will Sophia Laukli return to her top form following an early-season injury, or will challengers like Mădălina Florea and Judith Wyder take the lead? All will be revealed on June 30th.

MARATHON MONT BLANC 2023 PHOTO DAVID GONTHIER

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MARATHON DU MONT BLANC 2024: THE TRACK

• Date: 30th June 2024
• Start Time: 6:45 AM (CET)
• Distance: 42km
• Elevation Gain: 2,540m
• Location: Chamonix, France

After setting off from the Place du Triangle de l’Amitié in Chamonix (1035m), you gradually climb up the Chamonix valley, passing through the hamlets of Les Bois and Le Lavancher to reach Argentière (1250m). Runners bypass the village of Argentière and reach Le Planet via the Chemin des Rambles, before continuing along the small northern balcony to the village of Le Tour. From here, the route continues to the Aiguillette des Posettes (2185m) along a path passing through the Chaleyre. The route then descends to the village of Vallorcine via the Col des Posettes (1997m) and the Plan de l’Envers path. From Vallorcine (1260m), you reach the hamlet of Le Buet, then take the Chemin des Diligences to the Col des Montets (1461m) in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Facing the Mont-Blanc chain, the path rises to La Flégère (1875m). After a balcony traverse to the combe de la Charlanon, you’ll finish with a long descent on a lovely path that takes you back to Chamonix to finish the race on the Place du Triangle de l’Amitié.

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MARATHON DU MONT BLANC 2024: THE FAVOURITES.

WOMEN’S RACE

After being sidelined due to injury, Sophia Laukli (USA – Salomon) is expected to compete in the Marathon du Mont-Blanc. If she is fully recovered, she will be a formidable competitor. However, she will face tough competition from Maude Mathys (CHE – Asics), who won the first leg in Japan and placed second in China. Mădălina Florea (ROM – Salomon), the GTWS 2023 final winner, and Judith Wyder (CHE – Hoka), second in the 2023 GTWS overall ranking, are also strong contenders. Miao Yao (CHN – Salomon), who finished second in last year’s race, will also be vying for a podium spot.

Other notable competitors include Clémentine Geoffray (FRA – Kiprun), Sylvia Nordskar (NOR – Hoka), Theres Leboeuf (CHE – Leboeuf/Compressport), Caitlin Fielder (NZL – Salomon) and Daniela Oemus (GER – Nike Trail).

Women’s record: 4:14:49 Sara Alonso in 2022

Photo David Gonthier

MEN’S RACE

All eyes are on Rémi Bonnet (CHE – Salomon), the winner of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and winner here the last year, as he makes his season debut. He will face Elhousine Elazzaoui (MAR – Nnormal), the current Series leader and three-time podium finisher this season. European Champion Roberto Delorenzi (CHE – Brooks) and Bart Przedwojewski (POL – Salomon), who finished on the podium at Zegama behind Kilian Jornet and Elhousine Elazzaoui, are also key competitors. Daniel Pattis (ITA – Brooks) aims to replicate his podium success from China at Mont-Blanc.

Other contenders include Robert Pkemoi (KEN – Joma), Frédéric Tranchand (FRA – Scott), Francesco Puppi (ITA – Nike Trail), Anthony Felber (FRA – Sidas X Matryx) and Cesare Maestri (ITA – Nike Trail)