There are places that make you question yourself just by looking at them. Chamonix is one of those. It’s not just the French valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. Not just the birthplace of the Winter Olympics. It’s Europe’s answer to Boulder, Colorado—but with more baguettes and fewer pickups. And it’s where two “lowlanders” like us—Martino and I—ended up, partly for work, partly out of curiosity, and mostly just to wander, during the Marathon du Mont-Blanc.
We had no plans. No race to run, no record to break. Just a desire to listen, observe, breathe. And—as it often goes—when you set out without expectations, the best things tend to happen.
This Isn’t Climate Tourism
Chamonix isn’t the kind of mountain town where tourists go looking for a bit of fresh air. You won’t see families in sandals and socks, selfie sticks, or long lines for a speck sandwich. No one here stays still. Literally. People climb, run, paraglide (or “parapendí,” as we started calling it), cycle, hike. There’s an energy that isn’t frantic but naturally propulsive. The place itself nudges you to move. Whether you’re a seasoned trail pro or just dipping your toes into mountain running, Chamonix gives you space, inspiration, and a sense of welcome.
The Heart of the Race (and the Mountain)
We were guests of New Balance, the main partner of the Marathon du Mont-Blanc. The event is big (over 10,000 participants, six competitive distances, and a vertical race), but it manages to feel deeply human, handmade, authentic. A kind of “gentle and sustainable counterpoint” to the UTMB machine: less hype, more community. And yes, there’s a strong focus on sustainability. Not just in terms of emissions (which we were asked to calculate for our drive there), but in mindset: the mountain isn’t a stage to perform on—it’s a home to be respected.
Kudos to New Balance too, for making its presence visible but never overwhelming, meaningful without being loud. In two words: respectful and sustainable. That’s no small thing, especially in a setting like this—one that, let’s be honest, is also a major promotional stage.
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The Interviews: Four Voices, One Common Thread
We spoke to four people. Young athletes, seasoned experts, company leaders. And in their own ways, they all said the same thing: trail running isn’t just a sport. It’s a physical, mental, and environmental experience. Martina Bilora and Mattia Bertoncini, two young athletes from the New Balance team, welcomed us into their world with lightness and self-awareness. Martina, tackling her first 42k in the mountains, told us about anxiety as an ally, the personal challenge, nature as fuel. Mattia, with more experience, spoke of downhill running as a skill to be trained—not just a free ride from gravity. They both shared the hardest and simplest truth of all: listen to yourself, start small, enjoy the view.
And then there was Davide Magnini. A guy who wears the mountain like a second skin. Coming off a long injury, he ended up running—and winning—the Marathon du Mont-Blanc main event (congrats, Davide!). We didn’t know that yet when we interviewed him the day before. But you could tell. He had that calm, quiet confidence—the kind only those who are truly ready possess. Davide talked about the value of fatigue, the precision of training, the symbiosis with the landscape. And yes, even the notorious challenge of eating while running—a real nemesis for many trail runners.
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Last but not least: Kevin Fitzpatrick, Vice President of New Balance Running. A kind and passionate American. With him we talked about community, vision, design, strategies. But above all, about respect. For athletes, for people, for places. The New Balance trail team is based right here in Chamonix. They share a chalet—a beautiful space where they live, train, and grow together. A small ecosystem that makes shoes, sure—but more than that, it cultivates a sporting culture.
Trail Running as a Way of Life
If there’s one thing we took home from all this, it’s that trail running isn’t just a way to run—it’s a way to be in the world. It demands focus, listening, patience. It teaches you how to live with uncertainty, fatigue, and fear. It forces you to manage your energy, accept your limits, and watch your footing. But in return, it gives you the freedom to stop, to take a photo, to look up at the stars.
And if you’re lucky—or if you go looking for it—you find places like Chamonix. Where you can wander like a flâneur, chat with pros who aren’t obsessed, breathe in light air, and learn that—just like in life—there’s no single right path in running. There’s only yours.