Monaco is to be the start line of the Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour, one of the world’s most gruelling cross-country running events in the world, this coming Friday. 

At 125 kilometres of hard and unforgiving terrain with elevation gains of up to 3,000 metres, it is no exaggeration to call the Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour one of the toughest races of its kind in the world.  

The hardcore athletes taking part will assemble themselves on the Quai Albert Ier of Monaco’s Port Hercule on Friday 7th July in preparation for a 7pm start that evening. 

Upon leaving the harbour, the runners will traverse the steep, urban sprawl of Monaco on a route along the Rue Grimaldi, Rue de la Turbie, Boulevard Rainier III, Boulevard de Belgique, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique and Avenue Hector Otto. From there, it will be up on to the Moyenne Corniche in the direction of the Col de Turini.  

Drivers and pedestrians in Monaco alike are being asked to give the competitors 15 minutes of grace between 7pm and 7.15pm as they wind up to the French border. The affected roads and pavements will be reopened as soon as the last runner has passed through.  

This event will mark the ninth edition of the epic race. The finish line has been set for Saint Martin Vésubie on 9th July.  

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department