The Ultra Marin du Golfe du Morbihan is one of the most iconic trail events in France.

Every year, thousands of runners gather in Brittany to tackle routes winding between the sea, coastal trails, ports, villages, and long hours of effort around the Gulf of Morbihan.

Unlike some alpine ultras, what stands out here is not mainly the elevation gain.

It’s the distance.

The time spent outdoors.

Sleep management.

Wind.

Humidity.

And the ability to keep moving forward when your legs, your mind, or your stomach start negotiating.

So, what are the different Ultra Marin races? What gear should you plan for? And how can you receive encouragement from your loved ones directly in your ears during the race with Cobbr?

Let’s break it down.

The Different Ultra Marin du Golfe du Morbihan Races

Ultra Marin offers several race formats, from huge ultra challenges to more accessible distances.

The Grand Raid – 175 km: The Flagship Race

This is the event’s iconic race.

Around 175 km around the Gulf of Morbihan.

A semi-self-sufficient ultra starting in Vannes, with an almost full loop around the Gulf before returning to the city. Runners must notably complete a sea crossing between Port-Navalo and Locmariaquer.

On paper, the profile looks relatively runnable, with around 1,430 m of elevation gain.

But don’t be fooled.

175 km is still… 175 km.

The real challenge often comes down to:

• energy management;
• sleep strategy;
• nutrition;
• mental resilience;
• the ability to maintain a pace for more than 20, 30, or even 40 hours.

The Grand Relay – 175 km Team Relay

Dreaming of the Ultra Marin atmosphere without committing to a solo 175 km ultra?

The Grand Relay can be an excellent entry point.

The Grand Raid course is split between 4 runners who take turns across several sections.

Perfect for experiencing the event as a team, sharing the fatigue… and the memories.

The Raid – 100 km

100 km around the Gulf.

Already more than enough to earn respect.

The Raid is often a key distance for trail runners looking to discover ultra running without immediately jumping into XXL formats.

Here too, management becomes central.

Beyond 100 km, you’re no longer running only with your legs.

You’re running with your nutrition plan, your gear, your hydration, and your adaptability.

Le Réveil des Ducs – 70 km

70 km, nighttime start from Château de Suscinio.

Yes, that already sets the mood.

Le Réveil des Ducs is a popular format for runners who want a taste of the ultra trail world without committing to 100 km or 175 km.

L’Arvor – 56 km

56 km starting from Auray.

A more compact format that is still a true long-distance trail.

Never let a “small” 56 km fool you.

After several hours of effort, pace management and gear choices already matter a lot.

La Ronde des Douaniers – 34 km

For many runners, this is an excellent gateway into the Ultra Marin experience.

34 km of coastal trail running, an incredible atmosphere, and a more accessible format to discover the event.

What Mandatory Gear Do You Need for Ultra Marin?

Ultra Marin requires mandatory equipment that must be carried throughout the race. Gear checks may take place during the event.

The exact list depends on the race format and weather conditions, but several items appear consistently. Everything listed below is indicative only, and we strongly recommend checking the official regulations on the Ultra Marin website.

1. Your Running Pack

Your adventure companion.

The organization requires a pack capable of carrying all mandatory equipment. For some races, a bag chip is associated with the pack used during bib pickup. Changing packs during the race can result in disqualification.

Don’t choose your pack lightly.

Comfort, stability, quick access to flasks, and smart storage can make a massive difference after 12, 20, or 30 hours outside.

2. A Weather-Appropriate Jacket

Even in Brittany.

Even in summer.

Yes.

The organization requires a jacket capable of handling bad weather, with solid rain and wind protection.

Humidity, nighttime rain, or body cooling can quickly become serious issues during an ultra.

3. Hydration and Nutrition

For this type of event, starting without a hydration strategy is rarely a good idea.

Water capacity, food, and aid station management are all integral parts of ultra trail performance.

4. Useful Accessories

Depending on the format and regulations:

• phone;
• emergency blanket;
• headlamp;
• cutlery kit;
• additional safety equipment;
• possible heatwave kit activated depending on weather conditions.

Simple tip: pack your bag the day before, then check it a second time.

A lot of pre-race stress disappears thanks to a simple checklist.

Receive Encouragement Directly in Your Ears During Ultra Marin with Cobbr

On an ultra, encouragement can change a race.

Really.

When it’s 3 a.m.

When you’re alone on a trail.

When you start counting the kilometers left instead of enjoying the moment.

Hearing a familiar voice can have a huge impact.

That’s exactly the idea behind Cobbr.

With the app, runners can receive encouragement messages directly in their ears during the race, automatically triggered by GPS locations along the course.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Download Cobbr

Download the app. 📲

Step 2: Add Your Race

Add your Ultra Marin race and share your personal link with your loved ones, friends, or family.

Step 3: Your Loved Ones Record Their Messages

They record their encouragement messages directly from their phone.

The app then links them to specific points along the course.

Step 4: On Race Day, Simply Launch the App

During your race, Cobbr automatically plays the messages at the right moment thanks to geolocation.

Imagine this:

You reach kilometer 120 of the Grand Raid.

Fatigue starts setting in.

And suddenly, you hear your best friend, your partner, your kids, or your family telling you:

“Come on, you’ve got this. We’re behind you.”

On an ultra, moments like this can matter much more than people imagine.

FAQ – Ultra Marin du Golfe du Morbihan

What is the longest Ultra Marin race?

The Grand Raid, with approximately 175 km around the Gulf of Morbihan.

Is Ultra Marin very mountainous?

No.

The course is relatively runnable compared to alpine ultras, but that does not make it easy. The distance and duration of the effort are the main challenges.

Is mandatory gear checked?

Yes.

The organization may carry out checks during the race, and certain items must be worn or carried throughout the event.

Do you need a headlamp for Ultra Marin?

Depending on the format and race duration, yes, some nighttime and safety equipment may be mandatory. Always check the official gear list for your race.

Can you receive encouragement during the race?

Yes.

With Cobbr, runners can automatically receive audio messages recorded by their loved ones directly along the course thanks to GPS.