Ardennes Méga Trail

Les Hautes‑Rivières, French Ardennes. Meuse and Semoy valleys. Forest trails, steep ridges, and industrial heritage. The Ardennes Mega Trail (AMT) returns for its 16th edition on June 18‑20, 2026. Choose from five main distances: Supr'AMT (100 miles, 7,000 m D+), AMT (90 km, 4,000 m D+), Roc La Tour (55 km, 2,300 m D+), Le Saut Thibault (35 km, 1,300 m D+), and Crêtes De Semoy (15 km, 500 m D+). Plus three AMT Kids races. UTMB Index races: 20K, 50K, and 100K. Over 3,000 participants in 2025. 370 volunteers. Supports local charities Coureurs du Coeur and AFMF in 2026.

Location — Les Hautes‑Rivières, Ardennes (Grand Est), France:

• Les Hautes‑Rivières is a small commune in the Ardennes department, on the border of Belgium, about 30 km east of Charleville‑Mézières
• The courses run through the Ardennes Massif — steep forested ridges, deep valleys, and the meandering Meuse and Semoy rivers
• Notable landmarks: Roc La Tour (a rocky promontory with panoramic views), the Dames de Meuse (cliffs), the Côte de Madagascar (steep climb), and the legendary Four Sons of Aymon (Quatre Fils Aymon — a famous Ardennes legend featuring a magical horse named Bayard)
• The route also passes through a forge workshop at dawn, showcasing the region's industrial heritage

Course Details — Supr'AMT (100 miles):

• NEW for 2026 — the longest distance in AMT history
• Thursday, June 18 — bus departure at 7:00 PM to the start
• Approximately 100 miles (160 km) with 7,000 m elevation gain
• 12 aid stations (8 with solid food), 9 time barriers
• UTMB Index race

Course Details — AMT (90 km):

• Saturday, June 20, 12:01 AM start (midnight)
• 90 km, 4,000 m D+ — the historic "Mega Trail" distance
• 8 aid stations (4 with solid food), 8 time barriers
• UTMB 100K Index race
• First edition: 2009 (a handful of runners from Athletic Bélair Club created the race)

Course Details — Roc La Tour (55 km):

• Saturday, June 20, 5:00 AM start
• 55 km, 2,300 m D+
• 4 aid stations (2 with solid food), 4 time barriers
• UTMB 50K Index race
• Passes by the iconic Roc La Tour rock formation

Course Details — Le Saut Thibault (35 km):

• Friday, June 19, 6:00 PM start (evening race)
• 35 km, 1,300 m D+
• 3 aid stations (2 with solid food), 2 time barriers
• UTMB 20K Index race

Course Details — Crêtes De Semoy (15 km):

• Saturday, June 20, 5:00 PM start
• 15 km, 500 m D+
• 1 aid station (water only, no cups — cupless event)
• Perfect for beginners or those seeking a shorter challenge

AMT Kids — Three Distances, Costumes Encouraged:

• L'enfer des Kids — 3,000 m, 90 m D+, for ages 14+ (chronométrée). Friday, June 19, 7:30 PM start.
• La ronde de Hatrelles — 1,600 m, 20 m D+, for ages 10‑14. Saturday, June 20, 10:15 AM start.
• Le p'tit Newet — 800 m, for ages under 10 (adult accompaniment possible). Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM start.
• All children receive a finisher reward. A water crossing is planned if weather permits.
• Costumes strongly encouraged — festive and fun atmosphere.

Cupless Event — Bring Your Own Cup:

• No cups provided at aid stations (0 gobelet)
• Runners must carry their own reusable cup or water bottle
• Aid stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, and solid food at specified stations
• Finish line refreshments available

What's Included (Main Races):

• Chip timing (net time)
• Finisher medal (custom design for 2026)
• Event t‑shirt (technical fabric — included with registration)
• Aid stations with water, electrolyte, and solid food (depending on distance)
• Medical support on course (ADRASEC 08 — Civil Security)
• Bag drop at start/finish area
• Post‑race meal (option available during registration)
• Age group awards (specific categories not listed)
• Overall awards (top 3 male and female per distance)
• Special prize: first male and female Ardennais finisher of the AMT (in memory of Stéphane Laidie and Jean‑Claude Sant)

Mandatory Equipment (Check race rules for full list):

• Reusable cup (cupless event)
• Water bottle or hydration pack (minimum capacity depending on distance)
• Headlamp with spare batteries (for night running — 90 km, 100 miles, and 55 km start at night/early morning)
• Survival blanket
• Whistle
• Mobile phone (with charged battery and race director number stored)
• Waterproof jacket (recommended)
• Trekking poles allowed (check race rules for specific distances)

Time Barriers & Cutoffs:

• Supr'AMT (100 miles): 9 time barriers
• AMT (90 km): 8 time barriers
• Roc La Tour (55 km): 4 time barriers
• Le Saut Thibault (35 km): 2 time barriers
• Crêtes De Semoy (15 km): 1 time barrier (likely at 8 km or similar)
• Runners failing to meet barrier times will be disqualified and may be transported to the finish

Logistics — Start & Finish:

• All races start and finish in Les Hautes‑Rivières (except Supr'AMT — bus departure to start)
• Parking available near the event village (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Shuttles may be provided for some distances (check event website)
• Bib pickup: Thursday‑Saturday at the AMT village (specific times on event website)
• No refunds after June 7 (check cancellation policy)
• Bib transfers allowed until a certain date (check race rules)
• No dogs allowed on course

Accommodation & Camping:

• Camping options near the start/finish area (check event website)
• Hotels and gîtes in Les Hautes‑Rivières, Bogny‑sur‑Meuse, Monthermé, Revin, and Charleville‑Mézières
• Book early — the Ardennes are popular in June

Volunteers — 370 in 2025:

• Volunteers needed for aid stations, course marshaling, registration, parking, and finish line
• Online registration for volunteers available
• Volunteers receive meals, swag, and a memorable experience

Charity Support — Local Structures:

• 2026 beneficiaries: Coureurs du Coeur (runners for the heart) and AFMF (French Association for Women's Health)
• In 2025, a €1,300 check was given to L'Armée du Salut (Salvation Army)

Sponsors & Partners:

• Bodycross, Ulysse Transport, Décathlon, Carrefour, Coopelis, France 3 Grand‑Est, La Région Grand Est, BO Ressourcerie, Groupe Ambition, Pharmasanté, Nutri‑Bay, ADRASEC 08, Communauté de Communes Vallées et Plateau d'Ardenne, Ambulances COQUET, Armée du Salut, Crédit Mutuel, BET Concept Structures, Toyota, Harmonie Mutuelle, Brasserie d'Arthur, and many others.

Contact: Athletic Bélair Club — BP 10006, 08005 Charleville‑Mézières Cedex, France. Volunteer inquiries: online form. Partnership inquiries: via event website.