Trail la Perce-Roche

Trail la Perce-Roche: Sisteron's Vertical Adventure

The Trail la Perce-Roche was born in 2017 from the passion of two runners, Adrien Clerc and Jean-Henri Haniquaut, who dreamed of creating a race that would showcase Sisteron's spectacular landscapes. That year, they organized an "off" edition (edition #0) bringing together about sixty trailers from all over the region to share a course and a picnic, all for free. The edition remains memorable for its surprising weather conditions: snow fell on the morning of May 1st on the heights of Sisteron.

The Birth of an Association and an Event

From this first adventure, a group of runners united by the same passion and the desire to make the event last was born. They founded the La Perce-Roche association, based in Sisteron, which organizes the trail every year with the support of the municipality, local partners, volunteers, and local associations. The first official edition took place in 2018 with two courses of 10 and 25 kilometers.

Routes Between Sky and Earth

The Trail la Perce-Roche routes are known for their aerial and technical nature. Each race takes runners through the underground staircase of the Sisteron citadel, an emblematic monument of Haute-Provence, before propelling them onto the steep trails of the Baume mountain and the Gache ridges. The highlight of the course is the passage through the Trou de l'Argent cave, a through cavity equipped with bars, cables, and a ladder that requires runners to crouch and progress through the rock.

Three Formats for All Levels

The event offers three trail races and a Nordic walking event:

• La Péperce-Roche (10 km, 400 m D+): an accessible trail for everyone, ideal for beginners and runners who want to discover the beauty of the course without the elevation gain of the longer formats. Start at 9:30 AM.
• La Perce-Roche (25 km, 1,600 m D+): the mythical and original format of the event, with single tracks, ridge lines, and technical passages. Start at 8:30 AM.
• La Perverse-Roche (44 km, 2,600 m D+): the ultra format reserved for experienced trailers, extending the 25 km by an additional 19 kilometers and 1,000 m of positive elevation gain. Start at 7:30 AM.
• Nordic Walking (10 km): untimed course open to walkers.

An Exceptional Natural Setting

Sisteron, nicknamed the "Pearl of Haute-Provence," is a gateway city between Dauphiné and Provence, guarding the Durance gorge. The citadel, a listed Historic Monument, overlooks the town from its rock and offers a breathtaking panorama of the valley and surrounding mountains. The trail routes cross varied landscapes: oak forests, limestone cliffs, windswept ridges, and balcony trails above the Durance, offering participants total immersion in the Provençal nature.

A Friendly and Committed Event

The Trail la Perce-Roche is distinguished by its friendly spirit and its local roots. The entire organization relies on passionate volunteers. The aid stations offer local products, and the event is committed to reducing its environmental impact. After the race, runners and their companions gather on the esplanade of the Marres sports complex to share a festive moment by the lake.