PRESS KIT 2025
WELCOME MESSAGE - 1/2
«It is with immense pride and shared enthusiasm from the entire municipal team that I welcome you to our beautiful commune of Malaucène for the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB. This event is a true source of pride for our community, uniting a passion for sport with the breathtaking beauty of our region. The legendary ascent of Mont Ventoux will, I am certain, challenge both the endurance and spirit of every participant. My heartfelt thanks go to the volunteers whose dedication ensures this race is an unforgettable experience. To all of you, I wish a Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB that is memorable, marked by camaraderie, sporting spirit, and deep respect for our natural heritage. »
Jérémie JEAN
Councillor for Youth and Sport
Mairie de Malaucène
«Following the success of the launch last September, which drew nearly 3,000 registrations, we are thrilled to welcome you to the Vaucluse for the inaugural edition of the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB! The enthusiasm has exceeded all expectations from day one, and we are immensely proud of our collaboration with Team Sport 84, who have been organising this event for over 10 years in support of the Pupilles des Pompiers du Vaucluse. The final weekend of April is already shaping up to be extraordinary, and we look forward to sharing it with you — a blend of sport, solidarity, and celebration, set against the breathtaking natural backdrop of Mont Ventoux."
Isabelle VISEUX-POLETTI
Race director - France
UTMB
GROUP
WELCOME MESSAGE - 2/2
"Welcome to the Vaucluse, at the foot of the majestic and unpredictable Mont Ventoux !
Beyond the physical challenge, a rich experience awaits you: a warm, welcoming atmosphere, meaningful connections between runners, supporters and volunteers, and a celebration of trail running in an exceptional natural setting. Malaucène will be the beating heart of this sporting celebration, with a vibrant event village, opportunities to meet and connect, and the collective energy that gives the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB its unmistakable spirit.
Each course has been carefully designed to offer a truly distinctive race experience — blending technical challenges, intensity, and the opportunity to test your limits. But above all, this is a race built on solidarity. By taking part, you’re supporting an essential cause: the orphaned children of the Vaucluse firefighters.
This commitment goes far beyond the competition. It brings us together — runners, organisers and volunteers — in a powerful spirit of generosity and purpose. Every kilometre covered becomes a step towards a better world, where individual effort becomes collective support for those who need it most.
"We look forward to welcoming you for a weekend of sport, connection, and unforgettable emotion!"
Laurent BELMONTE & Pieryves COUDRAY
For Team Sports 84
Presentation
ABOUT THE EVENT
From Provence to a place on the World Stage, the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB® — April 25-27, 2025 — joins the UTMB World Series as the sixth French event on the international calendar.
Established nearly 30 years ago and organised for the past decade by Team Sports 84, the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB offers four race formats: 100M, 100K, 50K and 20K.
Starting in Malaucène, each course offers runners an immersive journey through the landscapes of Provence — weaving through vineyards and hilltop villages under the gaze of the formidable Mont Ventoux, the timeless ‘Giant of Provence’. Celebrated for their scenic beauty and variety, the routes strike the perfect balance between athletic challenge and discovery, crossing 16 communes rich in natural and cultural heritage.
Soutenu par la Collectivité européenne d’Alsace et la Région Grand Est
TEAM SPORTS 84
About Team Sports 84
United by a passion for sport and adventure the members of Team Sports 84 took over the organisation of the Grand Raid Dentelles Ventoux nearly a decade ago, and remain driven by a deep commitment to raising funds for the Pupilles Orphelins des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Vaucluse, under the aegis of the Union Départementale du SDIS 84
. The event is now approaching its 30th anniversary. Behind every kilometre of trail stands a dedicated team of professional and volunteer firefighters from SDIS Vaucluse, supported by a network of volunteers — all brought together by a shared love of sport.
Thanks to their dedication, the Grand Raid Ventoux has rapidly become a landmark event for the trail running community. Now starting a new chapter as part of the UTMB World Series, the race continues to embody its core values: solidarity, environmental respect and sporting excellence.
For its inaugural edition, the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB promises participants an extraordinary adventure rooted in solidarity.
All four race formats — from 20K to 100M — will start and finish in the town of Malaucène, nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
All races are now sold out.
+ 3 000 runners expected across all race formats.
300 volunteers on hand during the event.
Soutenu par la Collectivité européenne d’Alsace et la Région Grand Est
19% female participation across all race formats.
46 nationalities represented.
SOLIDARITY
A historic commitment to solidarity
More than a race, the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB is grounded in a spirit of solidarity, with a long-standing commitment to the Œuvre des Pupilles Orphelins des Sapeurs-Pompiers du Vaucluse — a cause especially meaningful to event founders Pieryves Coudray and Laurent
Belmonte. In keeping with this tradition, €2 from every race bib sale is donated to the association, continuing a legacy of support that has been central to the event since the very beginning. This year, for the first time, 10 Charity Bibs were also offered to runners wishing to make an even greater contribution — providing an opportunity to support the Œuvre des Pupilles Orphelins while taking part in the race.
The Œuvre des Pupilles Orphelins is much more than an association. Founded on 27 March 1926 by Commandant Guesnet, it was recognised as a public benefit organisation in 1928 and operates under the high patronage of the President of the French Republic. For nearly a century it has supported the children of firefighters, offering essential moral and financial aid when they lose a parent — whether in the line of duty or outside active service.
But its mission extends well beyond practical assistance. The Œuvre des Pupilles Orphelins embodies a deeply rooted spirit of solidarity — a compassionate and enduring community that offers meaningful support to firefighter families during their most difficult moments.
€14,884 raised in support of the Œuvre des Pupilles Orphelins des Sapeurs-Pompiers du Vaucluse.
10 charity bibs.Each bib includes a donation of €375 to the Œuvre des Pupilles Orphelins. Find out more.
1 250€ raised for the UTMB Cares Endowment Fund through runner donations.
THE PROGRAMME
3 DAYS OF SPORT AND CELEBRATION
Race starts – all from Malaucène
• Friday April 25 at 23:59 → 100M
• Saturday April 26 at 07:00 → 50K
• Saturday April 26 at 08:30 → 100K
• Sunday April 27 at 08:30 → 20K
Race finishes – all in Malaucène
• Saturday April 26 from 10:30 → 100K
• Saturday April 26 from 13:00 → 100M
• Saturday April 26 from 16:30 → 50K
• Sunday April 27 from 10:30 → 20K
WOMEN IN TRAIL
In order to enhance fairness and adaptability for women in trail running, the UTMB World Series is introducing suitable measures to ensure that its races address women’s specific needs, offering services that make their participation and experience in trail running easier. For this purpose, the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB organization is implementing the following during its event:
• Making menstrual products and personal hygiene items available at all aid stations for any athletes who may need them,
• Providing separate and suitable facilities, such as distinct restrooms and changing areas for men and women, to offer a respectful and comfortable experience.
In addition, UTMB Group has implemented a pregnancy policy at all UTMB World Series circuit events. This policy is designed to be flexible and accommodating, and applies to pregnant athletes, athletes whose partner is pregnant, as well as athletes undergoing adoption or surrogacy procedures.
Pregnancy policy
The courses
LES PARCOURS
GRV – 100 M
124 km – 6,500m D+
April 25, start at 23:59
4 Running Stones
The Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB 2025's legendary distance!
A unique 124km, 6,500m D+ experience that takes runners deep into the heart of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park.
Link to full course details
GRV – 100 K
89 km – 4,600m D+
April 26, start at 8:30
3 Running Stones
A bold challenge on the slopes of the unpredictable Mont Ventoux!
An epic 89km journey through aweinspiring scenery at the heart of the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park.
Link to full course details
LES PARCOURS
GRV – 50 K
49 km – 2,200m D+
April 26, start at 07:00
2 Running stones
An immersive journey through the wild beauty of the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park.
Featuring the iconic landmarks of Chapelle Saint-Sidoine, the historic Barroux Aqueduct, the Col de la Chaîne, and the untamed Arfuyen.
Link to full course details
GRV – 20 K
28 km – 1,200m D+
April 27, start at 08:30
1 Running stones
The essence of Provence.
This 28km route is an invitation to explore the wonders of Mont Ventoux – blending the thrill of discovery with the breathtaking beauty of nature.
Link to full course details
The favorites
LES FAVORITES FEMMES
Ida Sophie HEGEMANN
From Germany, 100M
The German star will be at the start line of the 100M. Living in Innsbruck, Ida is a passionate athlete with an impressive ability to push her limits. This race will kick off her season, which already promises to be exceptional!
MyUTMB profile
Marie GONCALVES
From France, 20K
After a successful and emotional end to 2024—marked by a victory in the SaintéLyon and a newly earned law degree—Marie is taking on the 20K with a winter training regimen focused on cross-country. It promises to be fast!
MyUTMB profile
Audrey TANGUY
From France, 50K
Reasoned about athletes' competition and challenges pendant 5 secondes
Having recently become a mother to little Marceau, Audrey will be back in competition in the 50K! It’s a new challenge for the two-time team world champion: “I’m continuing the challenge of preparing for my season with Marceau at every training session! I can’t wait to see how this version of my training will translate into race results!”
MyUTMB profile
LES FAVORIS HOMMES
From the USA, 100K
Ben is an athlete of unique versatility. Equally at ease on short and long distances, he stood out by reaching the podium in both the Diagonale des Fous and the SaintéLyon in 2024, only a few weeks apart.
MyUTMB profile
Baptiste CHASSAGNE
From France, 100K
With his 2nd place finish at the 2024 UTMB, Baptiste has emerged into the spotlight. His winter training went well, and this will be his first race under his new On Running colors. All eyes will be on him.
MyUTMB profile
Thomas CARDIN
From France, 50K
Thomas is currently on a streak of five consecutive victories, notably including the European Championships, the Grand Trail des Templiers, and the SaintéLyon. Alongside his athletic career, Thomas works as a primary school teacher.
MyUTMB profile
DHIMAN
Amateurs runners with an extra-ordinary story
DES COUREUSES EXTRA-ORDINAIRES
Géraldine RICHARD GRAMBOIS (84)
Registered for the 100M
A woman of challenge
At 48 years old, Géraldine is preparing to take on a significant milestone at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB: her very first 100M.
A self-employed nurse based in South Luberon, this Normandy native discovered trail running in 2014 after stepping away from climbing in search of a sport more compatible with life as a young mother.
Since then, she hasn’t looked back. Running has become her way of maintaining a vital balance between her professional, personal and family life.
Géraldine sees this race as an opportunity to test herself by running at night and to accumulate Running Stones in pursuit of her dream to take part in the UTMB for her 50th birthday in 2026. She’ll take on the course alone, true to her independent approach to the sport, driven by a deep and enduring passion.
Laura BERRUER MAUBEC (84)
Registered for the 100M
The youngest woman on the 100M
At just 25 Laura will be the youngest woman to take on the 100M at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB.
A physiotherapist from Maubec, where she was born and still resides, Laura is no stranger to long distances finishing 4th at the Restonica Trail last year.
Trail running has been part of her life from the very beginning. Encouraged by her parents, she discovered the sport at the age of 13 when she took part in a local race they organised near their home. It was love at first run and she hasn’t stopped since.
At 20, she began to increase the distances, gradually shifting from trail to ultra-trail.
With a weekly training schedule that includes six sessions across running, strength training and cycling, Laura is driven by a long-term goal: to complete the iconic Diagonale des Fous on Réunion Island. She first attempted it at 23 but was forced to withdraw at kilometre 80.
DES COUREURS EXTRA-ORDINAIRES
Jacques ROTONDI BEDARRIDES (84)
Registered for the 100M
A familiar face on Mont Ventoux
At 66, Jacques shows no sign of slowing down — neither at work nor in sport.
A lifelong resident of Vaucluse, he discovered running at almost 60 after accepting a friendly bet. What began as a challenge quickly turned into a passion, and competition naturally followed.
Now preparing for his first 100M, Jacques trains five to six times a week on the trails of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux. Alongside his training, he helps his daughter and son-in-law run their local shop in Bédarrides.
He’s a regular at the French national championships over 10K, half marathon and marathon distances — but it’s in ultra-trail that Jacques finds his greatest satisfaction, where the rewards come hard-earned.
Running is a family affair for Jacques, and over the years he has inspired countless others to join him on the trails.
At the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB, he won’t be alone. His wife, daughter and grandchildren will be cheering him on at aid stations, while friends and family will be waiting at the finish ready to celebrate the next chapter in his remarkable journey!
Quentin et Théophile MAZZIA PARIS (75) – AVIGNON (84)
Registered for the 100M
Twin brothers at the start line
Quentin and Théophile, both 32, are twin brothers — one a lawyer, the other a trainer.
They hadn’t planned it, but the twin connection prevailed and both independently signed up for the 100M at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB.
Originally from Avignon and now living in Paris, the brothers discovered trail running in 2018, just months apart, shortly after finishing their studies. It began as a way to get back in shape after five years of unhealthy habits.
Théophile shares that he was nearly 100kg when he started running. Within a year, he had lost 30kg — an experience that changed his life and deepened his love for the sport.
Though fuelled by the same passion, the two have always trained separately, each fitting their sessions around busy lives. The Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB will be their first opportunity to run a 100M together — and to finally share a race side by side.
With the course passing close to the family home, their parents will be there to cheer them on, and their father will even be part of the support crew!
Practical information
HOW TO FOLLOW THE EVENT
LIVE TRAIL
An essential app for runners and supporters.
LiveTrail is an essential race companion offering realtime tracking of selected runners throughout the event.
With live tracking, predicted checkpoint timings, list of favourites, interactive course profiles, runner comparisons, webcams and more, it’s the ultimate tool for staying connected on and off the trail.
Event's social media
Stay up to date with the latest news, connect with the community, and experience the event from the inside while sharing your own journey along the way.
ACCREDITATIONS : Les accréditations média sont ouvertes. Please register via this form. All requests will be reviewed and responded to ahead of the event. A confirmation email will be sent to all approved applicants.
Information
THE WORLD'S LEADING TRAIL
RUNNING CIRCUIT
LE PLUS GRAND CIRCUIT MONDIAL
DE TRAIL RUNNING
UTMB® World Series is the global benchmark for trail running, uniting across some of the world’s most breathtaking and iconic locations.
Organised to the highest standards of quality, the UTMB World Series events welcome trail runners of all levels — from passionate amateurs to the sport’s elite — offering everyone the chance to experience the spirit of UTMB close to home.
These races serve as the official pathway to the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc, and offer qualification for the UTMB World Series Finals: OCC, CCC and UTMB.
UTMB World Series
Race calendar
Discover the full list of UTMB World Series races : HERE.
UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
LES PARTENAIRES
UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
MAIN PARTNER
As the Premier Partner of the UTMB World Series, HOKA plays a key role in the growth of the global trail running community a reflection of the brand’s remarkable rise within the sport. Originally embraced by trail and ultra-trail runners for its highperformance footwear, HOKA quickly became a go-to brand for athletes pushing their limits. Known for its innovative line of trail running shoes, the brand has subsequently built a strong and loyal presence within the ultra-running world.
In 2020, HOKA expanded its offering with the launch of a new apparel line, developed in collaboration with some of the sport’s top athletes, including Jim Walmsley, Magdalena Lewy Boulet, and Ludovic Pommeret.
HOKA’s global footprint continues to grow rapidly, with significant momentum across international markets from Europe to Asia mirroring its strong expansion in the United States.
MAINPARTNER
Dacia is the Main Partner of the UTMB® World Series circuit in Europe. The UTMB® World Series circuit shares numerous core values with Dacia, including solidarity, inclusivity, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
TECHNICAL PARTNER
As the Technical Partner for sports nutrition and hydration during UTMB World Series events, Näak will supply energy bars, waffles, and drink mixes at the majority of circuit races, including the flagship event of the season, the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc.
Gels and purées will also become available at aid stations throughout the year as Näak expands its product range. Näak products provide sustained energy thanks to high-quality, sustainable ingredients, helping runners go further and longer. Näak will also offer nutrition plans to all participants to support their preparation.
Näak’s slogan, ‘Fuel your ultra, preserve your playground’, perfectly embodies the brand's approach to nutrition. From the selection of sustainable proteins and responsible sourcing practices to the company's B Corp certification, Näak consistently acts with the conservation of mountain playgrounds in mind, creating a positive impact for future generations. All products are made with sustainable proteins and GMO-free ingredients.
TECHNICAL PARTNER
Suunto has supported adventurers since 1936and has been involved in trail runningfrom its very beginnings. Their sporting heritage is enriched by a strong team of elite runners, includingUTMBwinners CourtneyDauwalter,FrançoisD’HaeneandPau Capell.
Suunto watches stand out thanks to their award-winning design, market-leading battery life, reliability, andfeatures specificallytailoredfortrainingandcompetition.
As Technical Partner and Official GPS Watch, Suunto will help runners navigate the trails and achieve theirdreamsduringthe 50UTMBWorldSeriesevents,drawinguponitsheritage and expertise in GPS sports watches. Athletes equipped with a Suunto Vertical or Suunto Race watch can download intuitive GPS maps in three different map styles, highlightingimportant landmarks,contourlines,waterfeatures,trails, andvariousterraintypes.
