UT4M is a 160km ultra marathon in Grenoble, France. Distance: 160km. Elevation: 10,000m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 65/100). DNF rate: 35%. Time limit: 52h. Surface: trail. Established 2013.
UT4M
Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
"160km connecting four mountain ranges around Grenoble — 10,000m of climbing through limestone, karst, and granite."
A 160km loop linking four distinct Alpine massifs around Grenoble with 10,000m of climbing — four different mountain characters in one race.
The Course
A massive loop around Grenoble connecting four distinct mountain ranges: Vercors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Taillefer. 160km with 10,000m of climbing through varied alpine terrain from limestone plateaus to granite ridges. Each massif has its own character.
mountainous
loop
12
2,800m
6
Runner Experience
Solid aid station network with 12 stops along the course. Standard ultra fare — food, electrolytes, first aid.
Mountain village finish with local food, drinks, and a relaxed post-race atmosphere. The setting rewards the effort.
Race Day Weather
14°C
4° – 28°
55%
35%
Mid-summer Alpine conditions. Hot in Grenoble's valley, cold at altitude. Large temperature swings between night mountain sections and daytime valley running.
Stats & Records
2013
300
42:00:00
21:15:33
Xavier Thevenard (2022)
27:30:12
Sabrina Stanley (2023)
Entry
€200
November
months
Lore & Trivia
UT4M (Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs) encircles the city of Grenoble, France, by traversing four mountain ranges: Vercors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Taillefer. The 170km course with 11,000m of gain is one of the most vertical races in the Alps — the profile is a continuous wall of climbing and descending with barely a flat metre. Grenoble sits in a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides, and UT4M exploits this geography ruthlessly, sending runners up and over every ridge that contains the city. The race is France's hardest domestic ultra — tougher than most UTMB events, though less famous.
- ▸ 170km with 11,000m of gain — circles Grenoble through 4 mountain ranges.
- ▸ Vercors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Taillefer massifs.
- ▸ One of the most vertical races in the Alps.
- ▸ France's hardest domestic ultra marathon.
- ▸ Grenoble's mountain geography creates a natural amphitheatre course.
- ▸ Night sections through the Chartreuse limestone cliffs are dramatic.
- ▸ Less famous than UTMB but arguably harder.
UT4M is 170km of vertical. The city of Grenoble sits in a bowl, and you run over every wall of that bowl.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is UT4M? +
UT4M is a 160km (160km) ultra marathon with 10,000m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is UT4M? +
UT4M is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 65/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 35%. Runners have 52 hours to finish.
How do I enter UT4M? +
Qualifying ultra or ITRA points required. Entry costs €200. with a maximum of 450 starters.
What is the weather like at UT4M? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 4°C to 28°C) with 55% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. Mid-summer Alpine conditions. Hot in Grenoble's valley, cold at altitude. Large temperature swings between night mountain sections and daytime valley running.
Are crew and pacers allowed at UT4M? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 100km. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for UT4M? +
The men's course record is 21:15:33 set by Xavier Thevenard in 2022. The women's course record is 27:30:12 set by Sabrina Stanley in 2023.
What is the average finish time for UT4M? +
The average finish time is 42:00:00. About 300 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 35%.
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