Trace des Maquisards de l'Ain 2026
See more about the offers- Next event : Mid-February 2026
- Last event : Sat, February 15, 2025
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
A distance for every taste
100 km
42 kmTOP
28 km
10 km
Trail 100 km
Trail- Mid-February 2026
- Elevation gain : 4100mD+
- 100+ runners in the last edition
A few more words
The grand start of the 100 km race takes place at the station of Ambérieu-en-Bugey, more than 50 km away from Oyonnax, as night falls🌙.
Over 12 mountain passes await you on the course, with a total of 4,390 meters of elevation gain. Shortly after the start, you'll be tackling the nearby mountains, heading towards the Ambérieu Woods 🌲. Luckily, there’s some shade, because by the time you reach the first pass before descending to Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey, you'll have already climbed nearly 500 meters in the first 7 km... A brief moment in the valley and a greeting to the Albarine River later, and you’ll be at the second pass, between the Bois Mandon and Bois de Niroit 🪵. After the 21st km, you can refuel near Ongieu, before heading up to the Évosges pass. "Heading" might be a strong word given the terrain... 😅
After passing by Buinand Pond 🏊, near Évosges, you'll be taking on the Crêt Maréta. A steep descent will take you to Pézières. Then, the village of Corlier will give you a chance to regain some strength with the second refreshment stop of the event, just before reaching the 40 km mark. A 5 km descent will offer a breather before heading into the Montréal Forest and along the shores of Lac de Nantua 💦.
After this well-deserved breath of fresh air, a major challenge awaits as you head back to tackle the final passes, beginning with the Fulet pass 😳. Your last few kilometers will be somewhat more gentle, and you'll start to see signs welcoming you towards the finish line 🏁. Enjoy the final descent straight to the checkered flag! 😍
100km (relais à 2 ou 4)
Trail- Mid-February 2026
- Elevation gain : 4100mD+
- Mid-February 2026
- Elevation gain : 1700mD+
Trail 28 km
Trail- Mid-February 2026
- Elevation gain : 1190mD+
Trail 10 km
Trail- Mid-February 2026
- Elevation gain : 150mD+
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/
Focus
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