Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier
The legendary Bugey trail, from the ridges of the Grand Colombier to the banks of the Rhône
2026
About UTGC
UTGC — edition 2026
2nd Edition — UTGC 2026
The second edition of the Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with a notable change of season compared to the first edition in May 2025. Autumn will offer runners different colors and atmosphere on the trails of Bugey.
The six race formats are renewed: UTGC 120 km (5,000 m D+) starting from Belley, Ultra 80 km (3,300 m D+) starting from Contrevoz, 45 km by Mac Sport (2,000 m D+) starting from Hauteville-Lompnes, Trail 30 km (1,400 m D+) and Gravel Run 16 km (100 m D+) starting from Seyssel, and Trail 10 km (300 m D+) starting from Culoz. Relay options (5 runners for the 120 km, 3 runners for the 80 km) are also maintained.
Online registrations opened on November 19, 2025, at noon on the Yaka Inscription platform. A 10% discount is applied for groups of 10 or more registrants, provided registration is finalized before July 26, 2026. Bib number collection will take place on Friday, September 25 from 4 PM to 8 PM and Saturday, September 26 from 5 AM to 6 AM at the gymnasium of the En Verbaou leisure area in Culoz-Béon.
Highlights UTGC 2026
Key Facts for 2026
- Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
- Season change: moved from May to September
- 2nd edition of the UTGC in the Bugey
- 6 race formats from 7 to 120 km
- Registration open since 19 November 2025
- Group discount: -10% for 10 or more registrations (before 26 July 2026)
Programme UTGC 2026
Program — 2026 Edition (Saturday, September 26)
Six races from 7 to 120 km, all with a common finish line in Culoz-Béon (En Verbaou leisure area). Official start times and locations:
- 03:00 AM — UTGC 120 km (5,000 m D+) · Start Belley (Gymnase Jean Morin) · Solo or 5-person relay · the longest event of the competition
- 06:00 AM — Ultra 80 km (3,300 m D+) · Start Contrevoz (town hall) · Solo or 3-person relay · UTMB-indexed event
- 07:30 AM — 45 km by Mac Sport (2,000 m D+) · Start Hauteville-Lompnes (Mac Sport)
- 05:00 PM — Trail 30 km (1,400 m D+) · Start Seyssel · ascent of Grand Colombier
- 02:00 PM — Gravel Run 16 km (100 m D+) · Start Seyssel · rolling course along the Rhône
- 10:00 AM — Trail 10 km (300 m D+) · Start and finish in Culoz · the popular race
Bib number collection
Friday, September 25 from 4 PM to 8 PM and Saturday, September 26 from 5 AM to 6 AM, at the gymnasium of the En Verbaou leisure area in Culoz-Béon. Shuttles connect the different starting points to the finish line.
Prices UTGC 2026
Practical information — UTGC
Practical Information
Finish Area and Start Village
En Verbaou leisure area, Culoz-Béon gymnasium (01350). Bib collection and on-site registration at the gymnasium.
Getting There
By car: Culoz is accessible via the A40 (Belley exit) then the D904. From Lyon, allow approximately 1h15. From Geneva, approximately 1 hour.
By train: Culoz station, served by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional trains from Lyon, Chambéry and Geneva.
Shuttles
Shuttles run between Culoz and the various start locations (Belley, Contrevoz, Hauteville-Lompnes, Seyssel) on the eve of and on race day.
Bib Collection
Friday before the race from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday morning from 5am to 6am at the gymnasium of the En Verbaou leisure area in Culoz-Béon.
Food
A meal is provided for runners in the 120 km and 80 km solo events. Food available at the finish village.
Minimum Age
120 km and 80 km: 20 years. 45 km and 30 km: 20 years. 16 km: 18 years. 7 km: 16 years (with parental consent).
Contact
Official website: ultratrailgrandcolombier.com
Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier: Trail Adventure in the Heart of the Bugey
The Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier (UTGC) is a trail running event born in 2025, rooted in the spectacular landscapes of the Bugey, in the south of the Ain department. The Grand Colombier, an iconic summit reaching 1,534 metres, overlooks Lac du Bourget and the Rhône valley, offering runners breathtaking panoramas over the Alps, the Jura and the Ain plain.
Six Races for Every Profile
The UTGC stands out for the richness of its offering, with six race formats suited to all levels:
- UTGC 120 km (5,000 m elevation gain): the ultimate ultra, starting from Belley, available solo or as a five-person relay
- Ultra 80 km (3,000 m elevation gain): starting from Contrevoz, solo or three-person relay, UTMB-indexed event
- 45 km Mac Sport (2,000 m elevation gain): starting from Hauteville-Lompnes
- Trail 30 km (1,300 m elevation gain): starting from Seyssel
- Gravel Run 16 km (100 m elevation gain): rolling course starting from Seyssel
- Run 7 km (200 m elevation gain): accessible race starting from Culoz
All finishes converge at Culoz-Béon, in the heart of the En Verbaou leisure area, creating a festive and warm atmosphere around the finish line.
An Exceptional Playground
The courses cross varied and wild landscapes: summit ridges with panoramic views, dense beech and fir forests, waterfalls, mountain lakes, Bugey vineyards and the banks of the Rhône. The ascent of the Grand Colombier, famous among Tour de France cyclists, is the legendary passage of the event. Nine aid stations on the 120 km course are set in remarkable natural sites.
A Convivial and Committed Event
Beyond sporting competition, the UTGC aims to be a convivial event, open to families and supporters. The finish area in Culoz offers a rest space at the gymnasium, food and a festive atmosphere. The organisation also promotes the Bugey region, its natural and gastronomic heritage. Shuttles are provided between the various start locations and the finish to ease participant logistics.
Where does it take place — UTGC
UTGC in brief
History of UTGC
Edition 2025 May 2025Other festivals near Culoz-Béon
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