Trail des Sources du Lac Léman

The Trail des Sources du Lac Leman is a 68-kilometer ultra trail race with 3,800 meters of elevation gain that takes place in the hinterland of Evian-les-Bains, in the Haute-Savoie department. This endurance event bears an evocative name referencing the mineral springs that emerge from the depths of the Chablais massif to feed Lake Geneva. Evian-les-Bains, world-famous for its mineral water, is an elegant thermal town situated on the southern shore of Lake Geneva.

The 68-kilometer course explores the Evian hinterland, a mountainous territory that rises from the lake shores to the peaks of the Chablais. Runners start from the lakeside, at approximately 370 meters of altitude, to venture into the mountains and reach altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters. This altitudinal range of more than 1,600 meters creates a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from vine-covered hillsides and broadleaf forests to high-altitude pastures and rocky summit zones.

The Chablais, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is a pre-Alpine massif whose complex geology explains the region's wealth of mineral springs. Rainwater and snowmelt seep into the limestone and sandstone layers of the massif, becoming charged with minerals during an underground journey lasting several years, before resurfacing as pure and mineralized springs. The Trail des Sources du Lac Leman invites runners to discover on the surface what water traverses in the depths.

With 3,800 meters of positive elevation gain over 68 kilometers, this race falls into the demanding ultra category. The profile is marked by sequences of significant climbs and descents, with no true flat sections. The trails are varied: wide forest paths in the lower sections, technical trails at altitude, ridge passages exposed to wind. The descents are sometimes steep and slippery, particularly in forest sections where the pre-Alpine climate's humidity makes the ground muddy.

The fauna and flora of the course reflect the diversity of environments crossed. Low-altitude forests shelter roe deer, wild boar, and rich forest birdlife. Higher up, chamois frequent the rocky slopes and marmots populate the alpine meadows. The flora ranges from orchids in the hay meadows to gentians and edelweiss in the alpine grasslands. The Chablais alpine pastures are the domain of the Abondance cattle breed, whose milk is used to produce Abondance and Reblochon PDO cheeses.

Evian-les-Bains is a prestigious destination offering an exceptional start and finish setting. The town, with its Belle Epoque palaces, casino, theater, and gardens, is a refined resort. The Palais Lumiere, a former thermal establishment converted into an art center, is one of the town's iconic monuments. The elegant atmosphere of Evian contrasts with the wild ruggedness of the mountain course, creating a striking contrast.

For international runners, Evian-les-Bains is approximately 45 minutes from Geneva airport. The town is also accessible by boat from Lausanne, Switzerland, crossing the lake in 35 minutes. Trains serve Evian station from Annemasse and Geneva. Accommodation is varied and high-quality, ranging from luxury hotels to mountain lodges.

Assistance is an essential element on a 68-kilometer ultra with such elevation gain. Managing nutrition, hydration, equipment, and mental state over such a distance requires organized external support. A local assistant familiar with access roads and terrain conditions can optimize each resupply and adapt strategy based on the runner's condition and weather.

The Trail des Sources du Lac Leman is an exceptional race connecting the gentleness of Lake Geneva to the wildness of the Chablais mountains. It is a vertical journey that tells the geological story of the region, from the shores of Western Europe's largest lake to the Alpine ridges.