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Your Choice, Your Challenge!

The Massif Cantalien features tremendous terrain and provides the ideal backdrop for the Merrell Oxygen Challenge which proposes 6 Trail Running events between the 13 and 16 May 2010.

Compose your à la Carte Challenges by choosing those events you feel at home in!

Click below to discover the course of all Trail running events :

ONLINE REGISTRATIONS FOR THE MERRELL OXYGEN CHALLENGE ARE NOW CLOSED

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Inscriptions are possible on site.
Please contact us at merrelloxygenchallenge@aso.fr for checking the events availability
or any further information.

Thursday 13 May 2010

Prologue: Uphill Race




• Duration : 4 minutes 30


Difficult to imagine anything simpler: just line up with a GPS loaned by Garmin, and you have 6 minutes to get as far up as possible, on a straight slope with an average 20% gradient. Running (if you can) or walking. This fun and original race will also make it possible for you to discover your real "engine power". Be careful not to start off too quick, 4 minutes 30 is a very long time when you’re flat out...


• Start time: one runner per minute between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• A resting electrocardiogram and specific medical certificate are mandatory to take part. In addition, an exercise electrocardiogram is recommended for this event which requires significant cardiovascular effort.
• Open to those of 20 years of age and over
• Fees: €7 (includes loan of GPS)
• Register now

Friday 14 May 2010

Endurance Trail Traking

• Difficulty level : 3/5






Discover the detailed map of the course with all relevant information
   


• Discover the profile of the timed specials
• Distance: 24 km / positive altitude difference: 1350m / negative altitude difference: 1920m
• 5 timed special sections
• Time limit : 6 hours 30 min


The Merrell Oxygen Challenge will be presenting an innovative and fun event for the 2nd year running: Endurance Trail Tracking. It starts from the summit of the Plomb du Cantal and follows a 24-km route including 5 timed special sections, linked by non-timed sections (which correspond to “active hiking” mode for experienced trail riders).

The aim of the game is to achieve the best total time over all the special sections, meet other competitors and enjoy the landscapes during the non-timed sections. Each special section will be short and dynamic (varying in distance from 250 m to 1500 m), with varied profiles designed to test different skills. The most complete runners will come out on top.


• Start time: one runner per minute from 7.30 a.m
• Open to those of 20 years of age and over
• Fees: €25
• Register now

Saturday 15 May 2010

70-km Trail

• Level of difficulty : 5/5






Discover the detailed map of the course with all relevant information
   


• Total distance : 70 km
• Positive altitude difference : 3300 m
• Time limit : 16 hours 30


The 70-km race is the leading event of the weekend for trailers. It will show you the finest spots of the Cantal Mountains, in the heart of Europe’s biggest Volcano.

This trail is very demanding in terms of gradient, length and technical ability, and will once again count amongst the most difficult races in France. It is characterised especially by the wide range of terrains encountered, includes many technical zones and often leads competitors along mountain ridges. With starter’s orders given at 5 a.m., this trail is reserved for very well trained and prepared competitors.

NEW FOR 2010: the route boasts several new portions and 95% of the course is along trails and tracks. Even though it has been shortened by ten kilometres in relation to 2009, this race remains a real challenge not to be underestimated


• Start time : 5 a.m.
• Open to those of 20 years of age and over
• Fees: €49
• Register now

45-km Trail

• Level of difficulty : 4/5






Discover the detailed map of the course with all relevant information
   


• Total distance : 45 km
• Positive altitude diffrence : 2050 m
• Time limit : 9 heures


A genuine trail route with a mixture of fast sections, single tracks and technical zones. This route requires considerable experience of trail running to be appreciated and represents the ideal challenge for regular trailers and marathon runners who want to try out trailing. All this in the very heart of Europe’s biggest volcano!

NEW FOR 2010: the route has been lengthened by a few kilometres to reach a composition that is almost 100% trail.


• Start time : 9 : 30 a.m.
• Open to those of 20 years of age and over
• Fees: €32
• Register now

Sunday 16 May 2010

21-km Trail

• Level of difficulty : 2/5






Discover the detailed map of the course with all relevant information
   


• Total distance : about 21.5 km
• Positive altitude difference : 1000 m
• Time limit : 4h30


A real trail with very little road, for competitors who want to discover this sport, especially recommended for road runners who want to give trailing a try. The technically difficult parts are limited but not inexistent whilst the length and gradient make this trail accessible for runners who are used to semi-marathons or other endurance leisure sports.


• Start time : noon
• Open to those of 20 years of age and over
• Fees: €18
• Register now

10-km Trail

• Level of difficulty : 1/5






Discover the detailed map of the course with all relevant information
   


• Total distance : 10,5 km
• Positive altitude difference : 480 m
• Time limit : 3 hours


NEW FOR 2010: ideal for discovering trailing, this accessible route will be completely remodelled compared to the 2009 edition. With very little tarmac, this trail will suit competitors wanting to debut in this discipline. Care is necessary, however: the 500 m uphill gradient requires good general fitness.


• Start time : 1 p.m.
• Open to those of 16 and over. For under 18s, parents’ signed consent is mandatory
• Fees: €10
• Register now

The Big Challenge: the Merrell Oxygen Series

The Merrell Oxygen Challenge offers Trail Runners the chance to take up the A la Carte Challenges. But for the most seasoned among you, we’ve devised The Big Challenge: the Merrell Oxygen Series!

The concept is simple: complete 3 events of different formats over 3 days. Are you ready to take on the Big Challenge?

Your enrolment for the Merrell Oxygen Series will be validated when you are registered for each of the 3 events.
Each individual participating in the Merrell Oxygen Series will receive an additional gift : a reflecting technical vest.