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Vars Moutain Trail 23 And 42km 36

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Thibaut Blais

The 5 mountain passes

25 km / 1,400 m elevation gain

Saturday 25 July 2026

Genuine

Mountain trail

Take on the challenge of the 5 Cols Trail Run, a demanding 25 km race with 1,400 metres of elevation gain, now in its third year. Specially designed for trail running enthusiasts seeking adventure and the chance to push their limits, it starts at the Col de Vars, a symbolic location marking the halfway point of the marathon distance, where participants will follow in the footsteps of runners who set off a few hours earlier.

Pace management will be crucial on this course, the majority of which takes place at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. At the start of the course, get ready to tackle the longest climb of 670m, which will take you straight to the Tête de Paneyron. You will then skirt around Lac de l’Etoile until you reach the Col de Serenne. In the final stage of the race, you’ll reach the Col de la Coulette and be treated to the famous panoramic view of the Vars ridges. A breathtaking panoramic vista will reward you before you finish your run in the Pinée forest, just before arriving in the village of Sainte-Marie.

The news

Departure:

Start: 9.00 am (compulsory, free shuttle bus) – At Col de Vars

Distance:

25 km

Elevation gain:

1,400 m elevation gain

Km 11: Les Couniets car park at 2.00 pm

Format:

Individual Mass Start

Maximum number of race numbers:

700

Compulsory equipment:

1-litre water supply, personal cup, windbreaker, whistle, emergency blanket.

Category:

From Junior to Masters

Entry fee:

€35

Race number collection: 

Friday evening 3pm – 8pm, Saturday 5am – 7.30am

2 Refreshment Stops

Les Couniets car park / Sainte-Marie at the finish line

Timekeeping for the event

1 refreshment station

Safety and first aid along the route

A 100% local welcome gift

A 100% personalised Vars Mountain Trail race T-shirt

1 finisher’s beer

A wide range of high-quality prizes for the podium finishers

Prize-giving ceremony

An ‘Athlé compétition’ or ‘Athlé running’ licence issued by the FFA, or a ‘J’aime Courir’ pass issued by the FFA and completed by a doctor

OR

A valid sports licence

OR

A PPS (Health Prevention Programme) number provided online by the FFA, for non-licence holders

Reliving the 2025 race

More and more

Permanent trail running routes!

Come and run in Vars and discover our trail running routes!

Find out more