Race certified by Finishers: event approved by the organizer

Trace des Maquisards de l'Ain 2026

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Photo credits:

Jeanmichel Deborde

The event in a few words

Today, we run the Trace des Maquisards de l'Ain, an unmissable early-year competition for lovers of trail running and night races 🌒. This race is organized in homage to the resistance fighters who fought against the Nazi occupiers during the Second World War 👏 in the mountains ⛰️ of the Bugey and the Haut-Jura. Relive their daily life through a sporting and historical experience in the middle of February (brr-brr-brr 🥶). Each stride 🏃‍♀️ brings you a bit closer to French history! 🇫🇷

This is a day of commemoration awaiting you, but also one of self-challenge and discovery. Head to the small town of Oyonnax, also known as the "Plastic Valley" for its industrial heritage 🏭, located right in the heart of the Ain, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region 🏔️. An atypical setting with its wild and silent mountains, its flora 🌲, and its foxes 🦊, but above all its hidden monuments deep in the forest... 🫢 Four trails are offered: a 10 km, a 28 km, a 42 km, and a 100 km. Oh, we almost forgot: the ultra-trail can also be run as a relay with two or four runners 👯. They say the more, the merrier... 🤭 No matter the distance you choose, the course is sure to move you. The Trace des Maquisards de l'Ain is an ode to freedom and camaraderie. You'll run alongside athletes from all generations, here to brave the winter cold 🌬️ and honor the memory of these heroes. 🤍

Exploring the Ain is like diving into French history. Several remarkable sites dot the region, such as the Royal Monastery of Brou ⛪, home to the Municipal Museum of Bourg-en-Bresse 🖼️. Otherwise, we recommend visiting the medieval city of Pérouges, which is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, as are Belley and its cathedral. You might plan a visit to the Château des Allymes 🏰 accessible by horseback, or the Cize-Bolozon viaduct. Speaking of water, the department is rich in waterways 💧 and lakes, including the Lac Genin, which you'll partially run along during your race. But will you have earned a rest at the Divonne-les-Bains thermal spa after your race? Only you can decide! 😆 Additionally, the region's natural heritage includes the Regional Natural Park of Haut-Jura, located just above Oyonnax. Treat yourself to culture and history for a weekend! 🤩

So switch on your headlamp 🔦 and step into the legend of the Maquis de l'Ain, where mental strength and solidarity come together to provide you with this extraordinary experience! 🌟

4 reasons to join this race

Enjoy the Night Run ⭐️
Get ready for a night trail run, a perfect reason to head to the Ain region in the heart of winter. Challenge yourself with tough conditions and put your training sessions to the test... Or just embrace the adventure! 😅
Team Relay Joy 🤝
Thankfully, you can split the 100 km race into two or even four parts! We didn't dare hope for such a relief, but we're so grateful we could hug the organizers 🤭.
Soar at Villars-les-Dombes 🦅
Just an hour south of Oyonnax lies one of France's oldest bird parks 🇫🇷. It hosts over 3,000 birds in a 380-hectare reserve in the heart of the Dombes region. 35 hectares are open to the public 😳, making it one of the most visited attractions in the area.
Bon Appétit! 🍽️
Around the race, indulge in the culinary treasures of the Ain region: comté cheese, poultry, Bressan galette, or Vonnassian crêpe. You'll be spoiled for choice. Your post-run feast awaits! 😋

A distance for every taste

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

On February 15, 2025, starting at 10 AM, at Valexpo Oyonnax.

The start times are as follows:

  • 100 km (solo, 2-person and 4-person relay): Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 5 PM at Ambertieu-en-Bugey Station

  • 42 km (solo): Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 9 PM in Maillat

  • 25 km (solo): Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 8 PM in Nantua

  • 10 km (solo): Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 9 PM at Lake Genin

You must be at least 20 years old in the year of the race to participate in the 100, 42, and 28 km events, and at least 16 years old for the 10 km event.

Your registration includes:

  • A welcome gift

  • Refreshments

  • Electronic timing

  • Live tracking

  • A finisher's gift

  • A meal for the runner

Yes, the following items are required: (In the event of extreme weather, the organizers reserve the right to change the mandatory equipment up to 24 hours before the race starts)

  • A headlamp with spare batteries

  • A rain jacket

  • An emergency blanket

  • A hydration system with a minimum capacity of 1 liter (except for 10 km)

  • Food reserves (except for 10 km)

  • A whistle

  • A warm jacket

  • The outermost layer of clothing must have reflective material so the runner is visible

  • Gloves

  • A hat or bandana

  • A personal cup

  • A mobile phone with a charged battery and the race HQ number

Licensed runners must present their valid Athlé Compétition, Athlé Entreprise, Athlé Running license, or a 'Pass’ J’aime Courir' issued by the FFA, completed by a doctor, valid on the date of the event, or a sports license issued by one of the following federations stating no contraindication to competition athletics or running: Defense Clubs Federation (FCD), French Adapted Sport Federation (FFSA), French Handicap Sport Federation (FFH), National Police Sports Federation (FSPN), ASPTT Sports Federation, French Sports and Culture Federation (FSCF), Sports and Gymnastics Federation of Labour (FSGT), Union French for Secular Works of Physical Education (UFOLEP).

Non-licensed runners must provide a medical certificate indicating no contraindication to competitive athletics or running, dated less than one year before the event, or its copy, or the Health Prevention Journey, available on the website https://pps.athle.fr/

If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.

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La Trace des Maquisards
La Trace des Maquisards
La Trace des Maquisards
La Trace des Maquisards
La Trace des Maquisards

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