Saussetrail.
The Saussetrail in Sausset-les-Pins never climbs much past 170 metres over its nearly 31 kilometres, yet it still collects more than 1,100 metres of ascent. You are not preparing for one big mountain here but for constant up and down, with steep ramps, equally steep descents and hardly any flat ground between them.
Saussetrail 2026: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Saussetrail reaches its sixth edition in 2026, a small trail race whose distinguishing feature is how it is built: the loop starts and ends just above 20 metres, and all of the ascent comes from repetition. After small rollers to open, it turns serious from kilometre 3.7. Two climbs follow in quick succession, the second from kilometre 5.6 averaging almost 16 percent, and three more ramps of around 70 metres each arrive before kilometre 14. Nearly every metre gained is handed straight back on the descent that follows.
The middle changes character. Between kilometres 14 and 16 the course settles at a little over 130 metres, shortly before it reaches its highest ground. The climb from kilometre 17.8 ends at the second aid station at kilometre 18.6, and from there the route drops about 100 metres to kilometre 21.3, the longest descent of the day.
The final third counts double. A steady climb of 1.2 kilometres begins right after the low point, and two kilometres later comes the hardest ramp of the race, 85 metres in under 600 metres. After that the course stays low and calmer until one last rise before kilometre 28 sets up the descent to the finish.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 3.7 | 0.8 km | 10.2 % | 23.1 % | +82 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 5.6 | 0.5 km | 15.6 % | 26.6 % | +70 m | — |
| km 8.4 | 1.1 km | 6.4 % | 17.2 % | +72 m | — |
| km 10.8 | 1 km | 7.4 % | 17.4 % | +74 m | — |
| km 13 | 0.6 km | 10.7 % | 18.2 % | +67 m | — |
| km 17.8 | 0.7 km | 11.1 % | 21.4 % | +72 m | — |
| km 21.4 | 1.2 km | 6.4 % | 9.3 % | +77 m | — |
| km 23.4 | 0.6 km | 14.8 % | 28.7 % | +85 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Saussetrail.
Start under control
There is no rhythm to be found in pace here, because too little of the course is flat. Run the day by effort instead: power-hike the steep ramps around kilometres 5.6 and 13 rather than forcing a run, and keep the gentler climbs from kilometres 8.4 and 21.4 running, since at around 6 percent they give back the time the hiking costs.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided between kilometres 21 and 24. Beyond the last aid station at kilometre 18.6 lie more than twelve kilometres including the two heaviest tasks of the closing section, so eat and drink there even if you do not feel the need, and take what you will want for the rest.
Spend what is left
The real trap is the descents of the first half. You cover more ground steeply downhill on this course than steeply uphill, and every minute won there is repaid by your quads. Let go too early and you arrive at the ramp from kilometre 23.4 on legs that carry you neither uphill nor over the run-out. Descend under control and you can still run the last drop to the finish.
Training plan for Saussetrail: 12-week build
Build the base
Expect roughly 3:30 to 5:00 hours on the Saussetrail, depending on your form. This is no steady long run but hours of alternating short, hard climbs that send your heart rate up with descents that offer little recovery, because the muscles are braking the whole way down.
Train race pace
That makes durability on the descents worth more than pure running strength. Build repeated steep downhill stretches into your long runs and keep them tidy at the end of the session too, because the last ten kilometres ask for exactly that. Lunges and squats add the eccentric strength your quads will need.
Rehearse the course
For the ramps, repetition counts for more than length. A hill session of eight to ten climbs lasting four to six minutes, switching between brisk hiking and running, mirrors the race better than a single long ascent. Practise the decision as well: choose deliberately where you hike, and pick the running back up the moment you crest.
Arrive fresh
The 13 December date puts your longest runs in late autumn. Plan at least two sessions of three hours or more on rolling trail, and carry your race nutrition on them, since after kilometre 18.6 you depend for an hour or more on what you have taken on and brought along. Time your last hard hill week so your quads are fresh again by the start.
Courses
Download the Saussetrail course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Saussetrail dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Saussetrail.
How long is Saussetrail?
Saussetrail is 30.8 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Saussetrail have?
Saussetrail has around 1,138 m of elevation gain over 30.8 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Saussetrail?
Saussetrail is classified as Mountainous, averaging 36.9 vertical metres per kilometre. 8% of the route is flat, 32% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 16% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Saussetrail have?
The hardest climb of Saussetrail starts at kilometre 23.4, runs for 0.6 km at an average of 14.8% and gains 85 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 4. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Saussetrail a loop course?
Yes, Saussetrail is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Saussetrail course?
Yes. The Saussetrail course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Saussetrail?
Preparation for Saussetrail should account for 30.8 km, 1,138 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Saussetrail?
The pacing strategy for Saussetrail should reflect 30.8 km, 1,138 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Saussetrail take place?
Saussetrail takes place on December 13, 2026.
Where does Saussetrail take place?
Saussetrail takes place in Sausset-les-Pins, France.
Which distances does Saussetrail offer?
Saussetrail offers 2 distances — Saussetrail: 30.8 km; La Saussetoise: 13.3 km.
How do I register for Saussetrail?
Registration runs through the organiser: saussetrail.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
