Trail la Perce-Roche
Aerial trail in the heart of the Sisteron citadel and the Haute-Provence ridges
About 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.
La Perce-Roche — edition 2026
The 6th edition of the Trail la Perce-Roche took place on Friday, May 1st, 2026, in Sisteron, after a year-long break in 2025. The event offered three trail races (Péperce-Roche 10 km, Perce-Roche 25 km, and Perverse-Roche 44 km) as well as a Nordic walking event, starting from the Les Marres sports complex.
6th Edition - May 1st, 2026
After a year-long break in 2025, the Trail la Perce-Roche returned for its 6th edition on Friday, May 1st, 2026, in Sisteron. The event offered another exceptional day on the aerial trails of the citadel and the ridges of Haute-Provence.
Races on the program
Four formats were offered to participants:
- La Perverse-Roche (44 km, 2,600 m D+): start at 7:30 AM, the ultra format for experienced trail runners. Six aid stations (3 solid / 3 liquid) marked the course.
- La Perce-Roche (25 km, 1,600 m D+): start at 8:30 AM, the mythical and original course, with three aid stations (2 solid / 1 liquid).
- La Péperce-Roche (10 km, approximately 400 m D+): start at 9:15 AM, a trail accessible to all, with a new route passing through the Sisteron citadel.
- Nordic walking (10 km): start at 9:25 AM, untimed course open to walkers.
Registration
Registrations were open online on the Sportips platform (code PERC26) accessible from the official website laperceroche.fr. On-site registrations were also possible up to 20 minutes before the start with a 5 € surcharge.
Programme La Perce-Roche 2026
Program for Friday, May 1st, 2026
- 7:30 AM — Start of La Perverse-Roche (44 km, 2,600 m D+): ultra trail with citadel, Baume forest, Trou de l'Argent, Gache ridges, and black marls west of Sisteron (6 aid stations)
- 8:30 AM — Start of La Perce-Roche (25 km, 1,600 m D+): technical and aerial trail with citadel, Baume forest, Trou de l'Argent, Gache rock bar (3 aid stations)
- 9:15 AM — Start of La Péperce-Roche (10 km, approximately 400 m D+): trail accessible to all with a new route passing through the Sisteron citadel
- 9:25 AM — Start of Nordic walking (10 km): untimed course
Highlights La Perce-Roche 2026
- Return of the trail after a year-long break in 2025
- Four formats: 10 km, 25 km, 44 km, and Nordic walking
- Passage through the Sisteron citadel and the Trou de l'Argent cave
- New route for La Péperce-Roche passing through the citadel
Prices La Perce-Roche 2026
Practical information — La Perce-Roche
Access and Starting Point
Start and finish: Esplanade du Complexe sportif des Marres, Plan d'eau des Marres, 04200 Sisteron.
By car: Sisteron is accessible via the A51 motorway (Marseille – Gap), exit Sisteron Nord or Sisteron Sud. The Marres complex is located on the banks of the Durance, near the town center. Free parking on site.
By train: Sisteron SNCF station, served by TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur on the Marseille – Briançon line. The Marres complex is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
Registration
Registration is exclusively online on the official website laperceroche.fr via the Sportips platform. Places are limited (total quota of 1,000 bibs: 300 for the 10 km, 300 for the 25 km, 200 for the 44 km, 200 for Nordic walking). Online registration closes a few days before the race. On-site registration possible up to 20 minutes before the start of each event (supplement of 5 euros).
Bib Collection
Bib collection takes place the day before the race (from 2 PM to 5 PM) at a partner store in Sisteron, and on the morning of the race on the Marres esplanade up to 20 minutes before the start of each event.
Mandatory Documents
Participants must present a valid FFA license or a medical certificate of non-contraindication to competitive running dated less than 12 months ago. Walking poles are not allowed on the trail courses.
Aid Stations and Safety
Solid and liquid aid stations are located along the routes. A medical team and an ambulance are present on site. Time barriers are enforced on the long courses.
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Where does it take place — La Perce-Roche
Complexe sportif des Marres
Plan d'eau des Marres, 04200 Sisteron