Trace des Maquisards de l'Ain is a night trail race held in early February, beginning in the Ain department near Oyonnax and crossing the Bugey and Haut-Jura mountain landscapes. Participants can choose from several distances: approximately 100 km, 42 km, 28 km, and 10 km, in addition to a nocturnal relay. The 100 km course is the main attraction, featuring around 4,100 meters of elevation gain, and the 42 km and 28 km routes also provide substantial climbing, offering a genuine mountain trail running challenge.
The event honors the memory of the maquisards, French Resistance fighters active during World War II against the Nazi occupation. This historical connection lends the race a distinct character beyond a typical winter trail run; participants follow a commemorative route through forests and mountain paths. The race appeals to trail runners who enjoy cold-weather challenges, night running, relay options, and UTMB Index qualifying events. The most demanding courses are suitable for experienced mountain runners, while the shorter distances are accessible to a broader range of participants.