Every spring, the Vercors region awakens with renewed energy, marked by iconic events, including Les Drayes du Vercors. This trail race, held every June, is more than just a sporting competition: it's a moment of sharing, commitment, and passion, driven by a community of volunteers and trail runners.

The origin of an adventure

Born in 1994 under the leadership of Daniel Gaulupeau, the event quickly became a must-see in Royans-Vercors. From the very beginning, the Drayes du Vercors stood out for their simple, family atmosphere, a friendly atmosphere that runners and spectators particularly appreciated. As the story goes Philippe Dumont, which took over the organization in 2012:

There were a lot of trail runners in the Vercors, and we wanted them to get involved. So in 2014, we created the Drayes du Vercors association, which now brings together around twenty volunteers.

Philippe Dumont

Their goal? To highlight the region through a unifying sporting event.

A trail on a human scale


What makes Drayes so charming is its human-sized dimension. Registrations are voluntarily limited to 900 participants, spread over four courses, to preserve this proximity and the unique atmosphere of the event. The races vary in difficulty and distance, offering each runner a suitable challenge:

  • The Drayes : a 50 km course with 2500 meters of elevation gain, for the most experienced trail runners.
  • The Vertaco : 28 km with 1300 meters of elevation gain.
  • The Lyrette : 20 km with 930 meters of elevation gain.
  • The Bicquet Intensive Care Unit : 11 km, a more accessible format for getting started in trail running.

The added bonus? The involvement of younger people.

There's a family spirit to this event. Parents can run with their children. We even offer races for children ages 7 to 15, with no time limit, and they're free. We want to encourage young people to discover this sport.

Philippe Dumont

Initiatives like that of Claire Catil, a teacher in Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, who organizes a challenge rewarding the most represented school, participates in this dynamic.

The soul of the Drayes

The Drayes du Vercors is not just a competition, it is also a meeting with the history and values ​​of the region. Philippe Dumont reminds us that "The history of this race is marked by headliners like Dawa Sherpa, Marie Dorin, and Fabien Antolinos." and Renaud Rouanet, a renowned local trail runner, is one of the athletes who continue to write this story.

The race makes a point of remaining accessible to all, while maintaining a high level of performance, with the opportunity for participants to compete against exceptional runners, in a friendly atmosphere rare in the world of trail running.

To your sneakers!

Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a novice, the Drayes du Vercors promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the magnificent landscapes of the Vercors. It's a chance to push yourself, soak up the energy of this iconic race, and experience a unique experience immersed in unspoiled nature. So, are you ready to sign up for the next edition?

Emilie's recommendation

As you will have understood, the race is a must, remember to book your accommodation early!

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