Marseille-Aix

All roads lead to Rome Marseille! 📍 Definitely, the Vieux-Port loves to see trail runners roll in! 😎 After the mythical Marseille-Cassis in October, a new trail race makes its debut starting from the Canebière: the Marseille-Aix! ↔️ No way to run on asphalt here; you’ll dive into the nature of the Bouches-du-Rhône, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur! 🌞 In the pine forests of the Massif de l'Étoile, even the birds have a singing accent 🐦. You won’t get to hear cicadas sing 🎶, because in March the mercury hasn’t reached 22° yet 🌡️. But that will be to your advantage! You’ll be able to run in the South, under the end-of-winter sun 🌞 that won’t make you overheat. Feels like perfect race conditions, right? 😏

But by the way, which city-to-city will you tackle? 🤔 Two events are announced: a mara-trail of 42 kmand 1 023 mD+ connecting Marseille to Aix-en-Provence and a 12 km and 240 mD+ connecting Gardanne to Aix 🗺️. It’s also possible to do the 42 km in relay! The relay zone will be located at Simiane, which will give 24 km and 646 mD+ for the first relay runner and 18 km and 377 mD+ for the second 🧑‍🤝‍🧑. You’ll need to choose your duo wisely and pick the section you want to cover 🤓, so you don’t find yourself grinding up a too-steep climb! 😅 For the newcomers to the sport wishing to start trail running in serenity 💆‍♂️, the 12 km will surely spark your sense of adventure! 💪 Like the mara-trailiens (it's like a marathoner, but in the mountains 😬), you’ll have a triumphant finish at the Parc Jourdan, right in the heart of the city of Aix-en-Provence 🌳. It’s there, by the way, that the kids’ races will take place! 🧒 "Le Petit Métropolitain", that’s its name, gathers events from 500 to 1 500 m for youngsters aged 7 to 15 years. And since the criterion here is simply to have fun, their races aren’t timed! 🥰

After you finish, you’ll want a little treat to celebrate! 😋 You can explore the famous city of Aix-en-Provence for its culture and pretty squares... 💭 But mainly for its culinary delights (we’re starting to know you, little foodie 😉)! You won’t have trouble finding a cozy local restaurant 🍽️ to savor the regional specialties like calissons or a bouillabaisse 🤤. And if the Bonne Mer calls you, head to discover Marseille (42 km from here if you’ve been paying attention ☝️), with its Mediterranean charm 🌊, you’ll be able to enjoy the Vieux-Port without the pressure of the start 😌. And why not visit the majestic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde ⛪, which watched over you at the start of your race? As a trail runner, you’re an outdoor-loving, so let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the Calanques, ideal for recharging after all that adrenaline! 🥵

Marseille-Aix isn’t just a race, it’s your next adventure starting from the Phocaean City!🏅