Trail la Perce-Roche

Trail la Perce-Roche: The Vertical Adventure of Sisteron

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 highlighting the spectacular landscapes of Sisteron. That year, they organized an "off" edition (edition #0) bringing together about sixty trail runners from all over the region to share a course and a picnic, all free of charge. The edition remains memorable for its surprising weather conditions: snow made an appearance 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 was born, united by the same passion and the desire to perpetuate the event. 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.

Courses Between Sky and Earth

The routes of Trail la Perce-Roche are renowned 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 La Baume mountain and the Gache ridges. The highlight of the course is the passage through the Trou de l'Argent cave, a traversing cavity equipped with bars, cables, and a ladder, which forces runners to bend down 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, approximately 400 m D+): a trail accessible to all, ideal for beginners and runners wishing to discover the beauties of the course without the elevation gain of the longer formats. Start at 9:15 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 trail runners, which extends 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. Start at 9:25 AM.

An Exceptional Natural Setting

Sisteron, nicknamed the "Pearl of Haute-Provence," is a gateway city between Dauphiné and Provence, guardian of the Durance cluse. The citadel, classified as a Historic Monument, dominates the city from its rock and offers a breathtaking panorama of the valley and surrounding mountains. The trail courses cross varied landscapes: oak forests, limestone cliffs, windy ridges, and balcony paths above the Durance, offering participants a total immersion in Provençal nature.

A Friendly and Committed Event

The Trail la Perce-Roche stands out for its friendly spirit and local roots. The entire organization relies on passionate volunteers. Refreshment stations offer local products, and the event is committed to a reduced 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 water's edge.