With only three days left until the 41st edition of the Mont-Blanc Marathon officially begins, we present to you the most important numbers and statistics of this competition throughout its rich history.
Eight races
The Marathon of Mont-Blanc offers 8 races throughout 3 days of competition.
Although the Marathon was introduced in 2003, the 23 km du Mont-Blanc or the "Cross du Mont-Blanc" has been run since 1979.
Nevertheless, the Marathon itself is not the toughest race of the competition. The 90 km du Mont-Blanc is one of the most technical races in France and should be finished in less than 24 hours.
The Vertical KM, an alpine race, was first run in 2011. This race is not recommended in case of vertigo and the finish is done through via ferrata (steps, cables, pedals, handrails).
Regardless, the Marathon du Mont-Blanc offers races which are excellent for beginners, such as the 10 km du Mont-Blanc, for juniors, such as the Young Race Marathon, or for children, such as the Mont-Blanc Mini Cross.
The Spanish legend Kilian Jornet
Known for owning the record for the fastest ascent & descent of Mont-Blanc in less than 5 hours, Kilian Jornet won the 2018 Mont-Blanc Marathon for an elevation gain of almost 2700 meters in 3 hours 54 minutes 54 seconds.
The Catalan runner also won the Marathon of Mont-Blanc in 2017.
Killian Jornet is also the triple winner of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. In 2018, he was at the starting line of the UTMB, but he had an allergic reaction to a bee sting and was forced to quit the race.
Killian Jornet will not participate in the 2019 Marathon du Mont-Blanc.
The Golden Trail Series
Since last year, the Mont Blanc Marathon is part of the Golden Trail World Series, a private series worn by Salomon.
Race bonuses are set up for the Top 5 Men and Women. Each of the riders in the first five places wins each 1000 euros.
Read more about the Golden Trail Series.
KM Vertical Record
... was established in 2015 by François Gonon, who climbed 1,000 m vertical drop over a distance of 3.8 km in 34 m 07 sec.
The record is not expected to be broken this year.
80 km event was actually...91 km long
In 2013, the 80 km of Mont-Blanc was first introduced.
After five years, recent GPS and map assessments showed that the route was actually 91 km long!
Consequently, the race changed its name in 2018.
The numbers
Around 40,000 people to either join the races or root for the participants, more than 10,000 runners, including 300 elites, 80 countries represented & 500 volunteers.
Read everything you need to know about the Marathon du Mont-Blanc in 2019.
