Created in 1979, the Cross du Mont-Blanc will celebrate its 43rd edition in 2022
After a departure from the paraglides landing area, the course gradually goes up Chamonix valley passing successively by the hamlets of Bois and Lavancher to reach Argentière (1250m).
Runners bypass Argentière to join le Planet by the path of the les Rambles. Then, towards Montroc taking the municipal road and then join the trail to join the hamlet of Tré le Champ, a pretty village located just before the mountain pass, and continue through the south balcony towards la Flégère.
After a crossing to the magnificent Combe de la Charlanon (1812m), the race continues with a very nice open balcony trail on the Mont Blanc Massif, which will lead runners to the end of the race.
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Well that was the blurb .. now for an actual personal report from our Race Correspondent Kate at the race finish:
After Covid postponements Angie McCarthy and I finally made it out to France for this race. We met up in Chamonix on the Thursday and collected our bibs. A full kit check and photo ID was required. The expo had lots of gear and nutrition stalls to tempt us – I went for some caffeine bars as in the UK a strong coffee before a race is part of my routine.
We could see our final destination from the apartment – the race is advertised as 1680m of climbing and 870m descent – our Garmins were to tell a different story (24.35Km,1918m ascent,913m descent). We met up with Lesley and Peter Sinclair from Stockport Harriers later in the day who had done the race preCovid. Along with Angie’s partner Tony we recce’d the first 10K to Argentière. We quickly realised that this was going to be as tough as we had feared.
Friday the weather was bad with thunderstorms and the 90Km was cancelled – must have been heart wrenching for the runners- and organisers after previous Covid restrictions. After a quiet evening and last minute prep it was great to see the sunshine and clear peaks on Saturday morning.
Great atmosphere at the start – we were off in the 3rd wave at 8.20. Despite running steadily knowing what was to come it took a mile to settle my breathing – race nerves! Angie passed me but I could see her until the meadows before the first check point.
The checkpoint/feed station was where we crossed to the other side of the valley to Mont Blanc. Very efficient with water refills given from hose pipes into our reusable cups and/or water bottles. Lots to eat too – fruit, cheese, salami, chocolate etc. Crossing the wobbly scaffolding steps over the road was disconcerting as was trying to avoid other runners poles.
From then on it was a slog uphill – hands on thighs but trying to enjoy the stunning views and alpine flowers. Finally, we reached a more level section where I was spotted by a guide from the Engadine XC ski marathon. The world is a small place!
Next was a very rooty descent where caution was paramount – I envied those who could fly past. Some scrambling over rocks caused a logjam further on but the views were worth it. Finally, the second checkpoint at Flegère came into sight – a slog up the ski lift access road. The caffeine bar from the expo was very welcome at this point. And I bumped into Angie at the feed station – she was carrying a large stick to fend off other runners poles!
It was good to know we were on the last leg – fears of not making the cut off time of 6 hrs were long gone. More “undulations” including one with a handrail due to it steepness and the final zigzags and summit at Planpraz came into sight. I was able to pick my feet up – anything for the photographers! Great support from spectators at the finish which helped too.
Finished in 4:23 and Angie in 4:26 – we were 6th and 7th in our age cat and absolutely delighted. Free hotdog and beer at the finish was well earnt. Watching the marathon finishers the next day in the centre of Chamonix was awe inspiring – and a reminder of what can be achieved.
Kate
Well done Kate & Angie, quite an achievement.