Trail des Glières

The Trail des Glières unfolds each October around Thorens-Glières in the Haute-Savoie department of France, offering four main trail courses plus children’s races. The entry-level Marmotte Speed is a 10 km route with 500 m of climbing, ideal for newcomers or those wanting a brisk mountain challenge. Stepping up, the Chamois Rapide delivers 21 km and 1,400 m of ascent, traversing forest trails and technical terrain. Further ahead, the Écureuil Fou covers 41 km with 2,400 m of gain, featuring rugged climbs and sweeping plateau crossings. For experienced runners or paired duos, the signature Furious Bouquetin spans 56 km and about 3,400 m of elevation gain, pushing through wild landscapes, cliff-side passages, and panoramic plateaus in a true test of endurance and camaraderie.

Beyond racing, the event immerses participants in the raw beauty and powerful history of the Glières plateau, a major site of French Resistance during World War II. Trails traverse limestone ridges, alpine meadows, and forests that once sheltered the resistance, known as maquis fighters, adding historical depth to every ascent. Alongside technical terrain and far-reaching views across the Bornes and surrounding massifs, the spirit of remembrance adds a unique historic element to the challenge.

Whether you’re tackling the full distance solo, sharing the journey in duo, or simply sampling the terrain, the Trail des Glières delivers a deeply rewarding blend of effort, scenery, and legacy amidst Haute-Savoie’s wild beauty.