VERTICALE DU GRAND SERRE 2026

La Verticale du Grand-Serre, scheduled for September 27, 2026, is a world-renowned vertical kilometer (VK) race that challenges runners to conquer an exact elevation gain of 1,000 meters over the shortest possible distance. Spanning just 1,811 meters in length and validated by expert surveyors, this course stands as the most compact VK event globally.
The race begins at Cholonge on the Chemin des Lavanches before ascending to a breathtaking finish near the summit of Grand-Serre. Atop the mountain, participants are rewarded with an awe-inspiring 360-degree view that encompasses several iconic massifs including Vercors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, Taillefer, and Dévoluy.
The course's layout offers spectators unparalleled visibility as runners make their way from start to finish, enhancing the dramatic spectacle of this vertical challenge. This unique setting has cemented La Verticale du Grand-Serre as a premier destination for VK enthusiasts and record seekers alike.
Competitors are drawn not only by the stunning scenery but also by the opportunity to match or surpass world-class performances set on this demanding course. Notably, Axelle Mollaret holds the women's world record with an impressive time of 34 minutes and 1 second from September 29, 2019, while Rémi Bonnet boasts the fastest male performance recorded at 30 minutes and 13 seconds on September 30, 2018. Even Kilian Jornet has set a personal best of 30 minutes and 25 seconds here in 2015.
This event promises to be an exhilarating experience for runners eager to test their limits against the mountain's formidable terrain and its storied history of elite performances.