Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier
The legendary Bugey trail, from the ridges of the Grand Colombier to the banks of the Rhône
About UTGC
The Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier (UTGC) is a major trail running event in the Bugey, in the heart of the Ain department. Created in 2025, this trail offers six race formats ranging from 7 to 120 kilometres, crossing the ridges, forests and valleys of the Grand Colombier massif, the highest point of the Bugey at 1,534 metres altitude. Based from Culoz-Béon, the UTGC offers runners breathtaking landscapes of lakes, waterfalls and Jura peaks, with the legendary ascent of the Grand Colombier as the crowning moment.
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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.
UTGC — edition 2026
Second edition of the Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier on 26 September 2026. The UTGC switches to autumn for its second year. Six races from 7 to 120 km through the Grand Colombier massif. Registration open since 19 November 2025.
2nd Edition - UTGC 2026
The second edition of the Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier will be held on Saturday 26 September 2026, with a notable change of season compared to the first edition in May 2025. Autumn will offer runners different colours and atmosphere on the Bugey trails.
All six race formats return: UTGC 120 km (5,000 m elevation gain) starting from Belley, Ultra 80 km (3,000 m elevation gain) starting from Contrevoz, 45 km starting from Hauteville, Trail 30 km and Gravel Run 16 km starting from Seyssel, and Run 7 km starting from Culoz. Relay options (5 runners for the 120 km, 3 runners for the 80 km) are also maintained.
Registration opened on 19 November 2025 at noon. Bib collection will take place Friday 25 September from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday 26 September from 5am to 6am at the gymnasium of the En Verbaou leisure area in Culoz-Béon.
Programme UTGC 2026
Races Offered - 2026 Edition
- UTGC 120 km (5,000 m elevation gain) - Start Belley - Solo or 5-person relay
- Ultra 80 km (3,000 m elevation gain) - Start Contrevoz - Solo or 3-person relay
- 45 km Mac Sport (2,000 m elevation gain) - Start Hauteville-Lompnes
- Trail 30 km (1,300 m elevation gain) - Start Seyssel
- Gravel Run 16 km (100 m elevation gain) - Start Seyssel
- Run 10 km (200 m elevation gain) - Start Culoz
Common finish at Culoz-Béon. Bib collection: Friday 25 September from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday 26 September from 5am to 6am.
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)
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
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — UTGC
Zone de loisirs En Verbaou - Gymnase de Culoz-Béon
Zone de loisirs En Verbaou, 01350 Culoz-Béon