Genepi Divide 2026: three days of adventure, landscapes, and encounters

The Genepi Divide 2026 was an unforgettable alpine adventure: three days of trails, breathtaking scenery, and encounters that turned effort into pleasure. Between elevation gains, tastings, and convivial evenings, Altra Running succeeded in creating an experience where trail running becomes a celebration of nature and community.

From June 12 to 14, 2026, I lived a unique experience: the Genepi Divide, organized by Altra Running. Inspired by the spirit of the British Peak Divide, this event took me from the vineyards of Martigny to the summits of Chamonix, with no time pressure, just for the pleasure of running, sharing, and reconnecting with nature. Between technical trails, breathtaking landscapes, local tastings, and convivial evenings, this adventure exceeded all my expectations. Altra transformed a simple run into a total immersion, where each stage was a celebration of movement, community, and the great outdoors. And to top it all off, a festive evening at the Discopic, transformed into the Altra Hub, marked the end of this unforgettable journey.

Day 0 – Martigny: excitement before the big leap

On June 12, 2026, I unpacked my bags in Martigny, the starting point of this Alpine adventure. As soon as I arrived, I discovered unique accommodation: individual pods, much cosier than traditional dormitories. After settling in, I headed to a local bar where I got to meet the other participants and try out the new Altra Experience Wild 3+ shoes, models designed for long distances and demanding elevation gains, perfect for what lay ahead of me.

The day continued with a tasting of artisanal syrups at the Morand distillery. Some did not hesitate to try shots of Genepi, the local liqueur that gives the event its name. Personally, I preferred to stay sober to fully enjoy the two days of trail running ahead of me. To officialise my participation, I received a booklet stamped in Martigny: a tradition that will continue tomorrow at the Auberge du Mont Blanc and the day after tomorrow in Chamonix.

Day 1 – Martigny → Trient: vineyards, cheeses and first emotions at altitude

On June 13, the adventure truly began for me. Early wake-up, breakfast in the city center, and departure from La Fromathèque in Martigny. From the very first kilometers, I was amazed by the Valais vineyards, their rows of vines stretching as far as the eye could see beneath an azure blue sky. After a gourmet break to taste several local cheeses – including Bétyaz, a real delight – I then began the climb towards Trient.

The route alternated between hiking and technical trail running, but the view of the peaks was well worth the effort. Arriving at the Auberge du Mont Blanc, I was welcomed with a generous buffet. I took the opportunity to get a massage, a true bliss after a lot of positive elevation gain. The evening ended around a traditional game (driving a hammer into wood) before I collapsed into bed, exhausted but happy.

Day 2 – Trient → Chamonix: The peak between challenges and celebrations

On June 14, the final day of the Genepi Divide, began with a 6:30 am wake-up call and a 7:45 am departure. Right from the early hours, the morning cold gave way to a punishing climb that put my legs to the test. But after the effort, comfort arrived in the form of a break at a border inn, where I treated myself to a hot chocolate.

The route then shifted into smooth trail mode, allowing me to fully enjoy the alpine landscapes before a descent towards Chamonix. Arriving in front of the Chamonix church, where all the participants gathered, was a highly emotional moment. After a saving shower, the day concluded beautifully during a closing party at the Discopic, transformed into the Altra Hub. Amidst laughter, discussions, and celebrations, I realized that this adventure had been much more than a race: it was a human experience, where team spirit and a passion for trail running had transcended the simple notion of competition.

An unforgettable experience that made me want to start again as soon as possible.

The Genepi Divide 2026 will remain engraved in me as a magical parenthesis where trail running became much more than a sport: a school of life. Between the summits that tested me and the laughter shared over a glass of Genepi, Altra managed to create much more than an event: a family.

And while this adventure ends here, one certainty remains: I am waiting for only one thing, to start again.