Ultra 01: Race Distances and How to Receive Encouragements During the Race

Ultra 01 has become one of the must-attend trail running events in France's Jura Mountains. Every year, thousands of runners gather in the Ain region to take on demanding courses featuring forests, ridgelines, technical trails, and breathtaking views of the Alps.

Whether you're preparing for your first trail race or the flagship 170 km ultra, here's everything you need to know about Ultra 01, its different race formats, and the ways you can stay connected with your loved ones throughout the challenge.

What is Ultra 01?

Held around the town of Oyonnax in the Ain department, Ultra 01 offers several race formats designed to accommodate runners of all experience levels.

The terrain alternates between forest paths, technical single tracks, and scenic ridgeline sections across the Jura Mountains. Unlike some Alpine ultras, Ultra 01 stands out thanks to its combination of long distances, significant elevation gain, and fast-running sections that often require runners to maintain a steady effort for many hours.

The Different Ultra 01 Races

Ultra 170

The flagship event of the weekend.

• 170 km
• 9,000 m of elevation gain
• Start in Oyonnax
• Solo or relay format

This race is reserved for experienced trail runners. Between sleep management, nutrition, and mental endurance, it represents a true ultra-endurance challenge.

Ultra 100

One of the most popular distances.

• 100 km
• 5,000 m of elevation gain

This is often the race chosen by runners looking to reach the symbolic milestone of 100 kilometers.

Ultra 65

The race that showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Jura Mountains.

• 65 km
• 3,100 m of elevation gain

The ridgeline sections offer some of the most spectacular views of the entire event.

Ultra 45

An ideal intermediate distance for discovering the atmosphere of Ultra 01.

• 45 km
• 1,700 m of elevation gain

Ultra 25

The discovery format.

• 25 km
• 900 m of elevation gain

An excellent introduction for runners looking to experience long-distance trail running for the first time.

Why Is Ultra 01 So Popular?

Ultra 01 benefits from an exceptional natural setting.

Participants cross some of the most beautiful areas of the Jura Mountains, with stunning Alpine views, forest sections, and technical terrain that make every kilometer feel different.

The event's friendly atmosphere is also frequently highlighted by participants. Despite its growing popularity, the organization has managed to maintain a welcoming spirit that appeals to both returning runners and newcomers.

The Main Challenges of Ultra 01

Although the Jura Mountains are less famous than the Alps for their peaks, Ultra 01 remains a particularly demanding race.

The main challenges runners face include:

• Accumulated elevation gain.
• Long sections requiring constant focus.
• Fatigue management on the 100 km and 170 km races.
• Temperature changes between day and night.
• The mental aspect, which becomes increasingly important after several hours of running.

The Best Places to Support a Runner

Ultra 01 features numerous checkpoints that are accessible to spectators and support crews.

The major aid stations and life bases generally allow friends and family members to follow a runner's progress throughout the race.

For many participants, seeing loved ones at key points along the course provides a significant boost in motivation.

Cobbr: Receive Encouragements from Your Loved Ones During Ultra 01

During an ultra-trail race, mental strength is often just as important as physical fitness.

After many hours of effort, hearing the voice of a loved one can sometimes be enough to restore motivation and provide a much-needed energy boost.

That's exactly what Cobbr allows runners to do.

Cobbr enables family members, friends, and supporters to send voice messages directly to runners while they are out on the course.

The process is simple:

• Your loved ones record a voice message.
• The message is sent through the app.
• You receive it directly through your headphones while running.

Whether you're climbing a difficult hill, running through the night, or tackling the final kilometers before the finish line, these encouragements arrive exactly when you need them most.

For Ultra 01 participants, Cobbr offers a unique way to stay connected with friends and family throughout the adventure, even when they cannot be physically present along the course.

Ultra 01 FAQ

Where does Ultra 01 take place?

Ultra 01 takes place in the Ain department of eastern France, around the town of Oyonnax in the Jura Mountains.

What is the longest race at Ultra 01?

The Ultra 170 is the longest race, covering 170 kilometers with approximately 9,000 meters of elevation gain.

Is Ultra 01 suitable as a first ultra?

The 100 km race can be a good first ultra for runners who already have significant trail-running experience. The 25 km and 45 km races are more accessible options for discovering the event.

Can I track a runner during the race?

Yes. The organization generally provides live tracking, allowing friends and family to follow participants throughout the event.

How can I receive encouragements during Ultra 01?

The Cobbr app allows friends and family members to send voice messages that are played directly through a runner's headphones while they are on the course.