Marathon des Oussailles

The fastest marathon in France

The Marathon des Oussailles is named after the stream that runs through the gorges between Aulus-les-Bains and Erce, in the Garbet valley. This marathon is famous for being one of the fastest in France, even in the world: with a course that is 95% downhill, times are often exceptional. The start is given at 8:30 am from the spa town of Aulus-les-Bains, perched at 750 meters altitude at the end of the Garbet valley, and the finish is at the athletics stadium of Saint-Girons, at 400 meters altitude, after crossing the villages of Seix, Oust, and Eycheil.

Three races for all levels

The Marathon des Oussailles offers three races adapted to different levels of practice:

• The Marathon (42.195 km): starts from Aulus-les-Bains at 8:30 am, individually or in a team of 4 runners. The course goes down the Garbet valley and then the Salat valley to Saint-Girons.
• The Half-Marathon (21 km): starts from Seix at 9:30 am, for those who want to experience the course in a shorter format.
• The 10 km: starts from Eycheil, a race accessible to all runners.

A course through the most beautiful valleys of Couserans

The Marathon des Oussailles course is a true journey through the valleys of Couserans. From Aulus-les-Bains, a spa town known for its sulfurous waters and waterfalls, runners descend the Garbet valley, one of the wildest and most preserved in the Ariège Pyrenees. The course follows streams and forests, passes through picturesque villages with stone and slate houses, before joining the Salat valley and finishing in the streets of Saint-Girons. The landscapes are strikingly beautiful, with mountains, beech forests, and mountain pastures.

A friendly and sporting event

Beyond athletic performance, the Marathon des Oussailles is a friendly and festive event. Organized by the OMSEP (Municipal Office of Sports and Physical Education) in partnership with the Town Hall of Saint-Girons, it mobilizes dozens of volunteers who ensure the refreshments, safety, and entertainment along the course. Bib collection takes place the day before at the Saint-Girons stadium. The atmosphere at the finish is warm, with encouragement throughout the course from the inhabitants of the villages crossed.