About This Race
The Grand Raid Ventoux 125K stands as the signature ultra distance in this UTMB World Series event, circling the legendary Mont Ventoux through the vineyards, forests, and exposed lunar landscapes of Provence. Starting and finishing in Bedoin, runners traverse the mountain's complete ecosystem multiple times, experiencing the stark transitions from Mediterranean valleys to the windswept summit that has humbled Tour de France cyclists for generations. The course demands not just physical endurance but tactical wisdom, as multiple ascents require careful pacing to preserve energy for the final reckoning with Ventoux's barren upper slopes. This is a race for experienced ultra runners comfortable with technical descents, sustained climbs, and the mental challenge of revisiting difficult terrain. The extended time on course means potentially navigating significant weather variations, from warm valley starts to conditions that can turn harsh above treeline regardless of season. The 125K distance transforms Mont Ventoux from a single formidable obstacle into a recurring presence that tests both strategy and resolve.
The route circles Mont Ventoux through multiple approaches, taking runners through the region's varied terrain including forested trails, rocky technical sections, and the mountain's distinctive white scree slopes near the summit. Runners experience the mountain from different aspects, with each ascent revealing new perspectives on this isolated limestone giant that dominates the Provençal landscape. The course links village aid stations in traditional stone settlements, providing crucial respite between major climbing efforts.
Location
Practical Info
Late April in Provence typically offers mild valley temperatures, but Mont Ventoux's exposed summit can experience strong winds and significantly colder conditions. Weather variability is a defining characteristic of this mountain.
Bedoin is a small village with limited lodging that fills quickly for this event. Early booking is essential, with additional options in nearby Carpentras or Malaucène.
Best For
Notable Features
Part of the UTMB World Series, this race offers runners the chance to tackle Mont Ventoux—one of Europe's most iconic climbs—through an ultra running lens rather than the cycling approach that made it famous. The course provides repeated encounters with the mountain's striking upper reaches, where white limestone creates an almost otherworldly landscape visible from miles away. The race also serves as a qualifier for UTMB Mont-Blanc, adding competitive significance for runners targeting that event.