Has the Tour de France left you with an urge to compete in the French Alps, but two wheels is not your forte? On July 30, 2011, 1000 runners are due to take to the mountains and compete in a running event that stretches from 11km to 60km.
For first-timers, the 6 Discovery, in the mountains above La Plagne, is ideal. Debuting this summer, runners have 2.5 hours to cover 11km, of which 600m is hill walking. If heights make you weak at the knees, beware, as the race starts off at 1924m, and then climbs 227m to reach the culminating point.
Runners who wish to push themselves to the limit should look to the 6000D, which spans 60km and 4000m of vertical ascent. This race is open to everyone, but make sure that you've had plenty of trail running practice beforehand.
There will be lots of activities on site for spectators, so bring a couple of your friends along for support. After the race there will be a pasta party to refuel on carbohydrates.
1000 runners are expected to take part, with 100 of them running the 11km, and if you feel like adding on to that number next year, registration opens at the end of December 2011.
For more information on all of the races, see www.la6000d.com
