The Lake Annecy Maxi-Race is a renowned trail run that takes place every year in May. The race offers magnificent views not only of the lake but also of the mountains.
A playground between lake and mountains
This race is not just a trail run. It’s an opportunity to discover yourself and the natural wonders of the Alps. The range of race formats on offer allows every runner to choose a route that suits their expectations and abilities: short trails, ultras, marathons, solo or relay. What they all have in common is the magic of the scenery and the chance to experience unspoilt nature. The routes pass through Semnoz, Les Bauges, Doussard, Le Veyrier and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Over time, the organisers have developed the concept of this race to satisfy as many competitors as possible:
- Showcasing the region: the routes follow the most scenic paths around Lake Annecy.
- Fostering community spirit: 15 organisations are involved, with 600 volunteers. Between €30,000 and €40,000 is donated to partner organisations.
- Races designed by runners for runners, with the aim of enhancing the experience.
- An eco-friendly race: reduced plastic use, with refreshments sourced locally or organically.
Entertainment is organised at the starting point, on Albigny beach, including a marching band and a ‘wheel of fortune’ offering the chance to win organic products at the Greenweez stand.
The different races
The Annecy Lake Maxi-Race is a must-attend trail running event in France. Several types of races are on offer:
- The Ultra Race is a 114 km course with 7,000 m of elevation gain that circles the lake, including a loop through the Bauges massif.
- The flagship event of the Maxi-Race covers 88 km and 5,200 m of elevation gain. The R-Race 4 is reserved for competitors who live in the Savoie region.
- The Marathon Race covers 39 km with 2,900 m of elevation gain.
- The Marathon Experience covers 45 km and 2,400 metres of elevation gain.
- And finally, the Short Race, covering 16 km with 950 m of elevation gain, which also features a women-only version.
Races for children are also available. The routes are ITRA-certified and form part of the “UTMB World Series Qualifiers”.
Practical information
The i-Run Maxi-Village is the hub of the event and is situated on Albigny beach
. This is where you collect your race numbers, where the long races start and finish, and where the exhibitors’ village is located.
Address
: 27 avenue du Petit Port, 74000 Annecy.
For the Marathon Experience, the Short and the Fémina-Race, shuttle buses are available by booking. For the Marathon Race and the orienteering races, shuttle buses are compulsory to reach the race start lines.
Race numbers are collected the day before the start by booking one-hour time slots. The Maxi-Race around Lake Annecy is a magnificent race. It is, however, demanding and requires appropriate physical preparation to complete the race or aim for a good time.
The 2026 edition of the Maxi-Race
The 2026 edition of the Annecy Maxi-Race will take place on 29, 30 and 31 May 2026. As every year, several race formats will be on offer, with distances ranging from 18 to 105 km. Runners will be able to choose between the one-day solo lap of the lake, the two-day lap of the lake, the relay race around the lake, the Shokz half-lap of the lake, the quarter-lap of the lake, the marathon, the Ado-Race and the Mini-Race.
However, the MaXi’O and Semi’O events will not feature in this year’s programme.
In 2026, the MaXi-Village will move to a new location. Following several discussions with the city of Annecy, the organisers have chosen the Les Marquisats car park as the permanent home for the village for future editions. Across an area of nearly 1,000 m², around thirty exhibitors will showcase their products and new releases dedicated to outdoor sports.
Previous editions
The 2025 edition
From 30 May to 1 June, Annecy hosted the 2025 edition of the Annecy Maxi-Race. That year, the organisers raised the difficulty level: the solo lap of the lake was extended from 90 km to 100 km, with 5,300 metres of elevation gain.
In total, nearly 7,000 runners took part in the various races over three days. The young runner Hugo Deck dominated the 2025 Maxi-Race. The Alsatian completed the 100 km loop around Lake Annecy in 10 hours 23 minutes 52 seconds, leading the race by a wide margin.
The 2024 edition
The 2024 edition of the Maxi Race took place from 31 May to 2 June in Annecy, with events spread over Saturday and Sunday.
In total, 6,000 runners took part in the various events of the 2024 Maxi Race, and 4,837 of them crossed the finish line in the various races organised during the event, including the Maxi-Race, the flagship 94 km event. The latter saw 837 finishers, with a record time of 9 hours, 10 minutes and 52 seconds, set by the Frenchman Mathieu Blanchard.
The 2023 edition
The 2023 edition of the Maxi Race, which took place from 26 to 28 May, offered participants a unique experience along the picturesque trails around Lake Annecy.
Runners were able to enjoy magnificent views of the lake whilst tackling the challenge of the various routes on offer, making this a memorable edition of this iconic trail race.
The 2022 edition
The 2022 Greenweez Maxi-Race in Annecy marked a return to the event’s traditional dates, taking place over the weekend of 28 and 29 May.
This event attracted 5,000 participants, demonstrating its popularity and importance in the trail running calendar.
