Marathon des Barjots

The Marathon des Barjots, held in December in Montarnaud, Hérault, France, is designed for runners who enjoy changing surfaces during a race. The name suggests that finishers must be somewhat "barjot," or crazy, as the marathon distance is divided into a challenging road section and a demanding trail section. The initial 21.097 km take place on roads and include an ascent of nearly 500 m, presenting a strenuous start. Participants then reach a transition area for shoe changes and refueling, with the clock continuing to run, similar to a triathlon transition. The subsequent 21.097 km traverse technical and engaging singletrack trails, featuring difficult climbs and an additional 800 m of elevation gain. The event attracts a focused, competitive field, with one solo edition recording 126 finishers.