The 5th TECNICA MaxiRace (85 km, 5300 m D+), sponsored and named by the TECNICA brand, started at 5:00 AM local time on May 30, 2015, in France. This is another major event sponsored by TECNICA besides the Tor des Géants. It is also part of France’s most well-known series of 50-mile trail races.
Annecy is a lakeside town known as the “Balcony of the Alps.” Situated at the northwestern foot of the Alps on the northern shore of Lake Annecy, between Chambéry and Geneva, Switzerland, it has long been influenced by these two cities throughout history. After years of historical changes and religious reforms, Annecy offers not only its beauty but also its rich history and culture. At the same time, it is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and the birthplace of trail running.
In late May, Annecy enjoys fresh and invigorating air. The full 85-km lake loop race with an 18-hour cutoff time not only delivers a tough course but also allows runners to experience the spiritual cleansing brought by Lake Annecy along the way.
The Annecy Lake Loop Trail Race was first held in early 2011 with 1,300 participants. The following year, the number of runners reached 2,800. In 2013, it rose to 4,500, and in 2014, it hit 5,300. This year, the number of participants increased to 6,000, including top European trail runners. The event has become a festive occasion locally, with enthusiastic support from residents and coverage by local and European newspapers, radio, and television.
The Annecy Lake Loop Trail Race fully embodies the spirit of “by runners, for runners,” with the organizing committee composed entirely of experienced runners. From the race director to the “signalers,” their resumes include a long list of major trail races such as: Trail Grand Canaria, Trail Balcon d'Azur, Trail Ubaye, Trail des Glaisins, Solokumbou trail (Nepal), Saintélyon, and adventure races in Ecuador, Scotland, Slovenia, Bolivia, Patagonia, Morocco... As a result, every aspect of the Annecy Lake Loop Trail Race—course design, support services, and runner safety—is infused with the committee’s years of hands-on trail racing experience. Additionally, the organizers place great emphasis on environmental protection, having established a dedicated environmental committee. The race rules explicitly state that any participant caught damaging the environment or littering will be disqualified.
Race Categories
The Annecy Lake Loop Trail Race is suitable for trail runners of all levels, offering seven different events—from the most challenging 86 km full course to a women-only race:
Lake Loop Full Course (TECNICA-MAXI-RACE - 86 km - 5300 m D+)
85 km, 5300 m D+
Lake Loop 2-Day Race (XL-RACE - 87 km over 2 days - 5300 m D+)
87 km over 2 days (44 + 43 km), 5300 m D+
Team Relay Race (TEAM-RACE - 2 or 4-person relay - 85 km - 5300 m D+)
85 km, 5300 m D+, 2–4 person teams
Marathon (MARATHON-RACE - 43 km - 2800 m D+)
43 km, 2800 m D+
Women’s Race (FEMINA-RACE - 15 km - 1100 m D+)
15 km, 1100 m D+
Jean-Lain/Discovery Trail (JEAN-LAIN/TRAIL-DECOUVERTE - 15 km - 1100 m D+)
15 km, 1100 m D+
Vertical Race (VERTICAL-RACE - 4 km Ascent - 850 m D+)
4 km, 850 m D+
Registration
Registration for the race generally opens on December 1 each year via the official website www.maxi-race.org. Registration fees vary by event, with the full lake loop race costing €80 and the team relay race €40. Past participants receive a discount of around 20%. Be sure to have a credit card ready. Also, a valid medical certificate from within the past year is required.
Following the 2014 event, Chinese TECNICA trail runners Gu Bing, Liang Xinde, Cai Yingyuan, Su Ziling, and two other Chinese athletes—You Peiquan and Li Shaozhuang—were invited to compete, embarking on their “Annecy journey.”
This May, TECNICA will once again lead a group of talented Chinese athletes to the 5th TECNICA MaxiRace in Annecy. After a two-month registration and selection process, we have chosen the following five Chinese athletes: Gu Bing, Pu Wei, Chen Lei, and Ran Qian will compete in the 86 km full course, while Luo Xia will run the 43 km event. They will represent China on this journey!
2015 TECNICA MaxiRace Participants:
Gu Bing
Weibo: Gu Bing_
Motto: Life is a marathon. As long as you fear no hardship, forge ahead bravely, and never give up, you will eventually reach the shores of victory.
Race Results:
2011.9 Champion, Beijing International Hiking Conference (100km) Cross-Country Race
2012.5 3rd Place, Beijing TNF 50km
2013.4 Champion, Hangzhou International Mountain Marathon
2013.5 4th Place, Beijing TNF 100km
2013.5 4th Place, Shandong Yishan 100km
2014.3 Champion, Hangzhou International Mountain Marathon
2014.5 54th Finisher, France Annecy MaxiRace, Time: 11 hours 32 minutes 35 seconds
2014.6 4th Place, RW50 Wuyuezhai International Trail Challenge
2014.9 3rd Place, Beijing Xishan Mountain Marathon
2014.10 Champion, Tianmu Qijian Trail Race
2014.10 Champion, JiWu Hangzhou Mountain Trail Race
2014.11 Champion, Kangmas Hangzhou Mountain Trail Race
2014.11 2nd Place in Team Category, Guizhou Qianjinan Ultra 100km International Challenge
2014.12 Champion, Hangzhou Western Trail Race
2009–2014 Five-time recipient of the International First-Class Athlete title
Multiple top-eight finishes in international trail running events
Awards:
2009.12 National First-Class Athlete
2011.3 National Third-Class Basketball Referee
2011.10 National Second-Class Athletics Referee
Pu Wei
Weibo: Green Ant Pu Wei
Founder of the City Wall Run, having completed it 50 times (14.7KM), and has participated in crossings of the Badain Jaran Desert and Mount Taibai.
Chen Lei
Weibo: Deep Experience Ni Lin
Has participated in the Lanzhou International Marathon, Huashan Mountain Climbing Race, and Snow Beer Brave the Wild. Best result: 3 hours 23 minutes in the men’s full marathon at the Taiyuan International Marathon.
Luo Xia
Weibo: Picky Pig
Ran for a year and a half, completed three full marathons, two half marathons, and a 50-kilometer trail race on Lantau Island.
Ran Qian
Weibo: The Little Dog of Love
Running experience: 1 year. Completed one 50-kilometer trail race, two full marathons, and two half marathons. Achieved a time of 11 hours and 25 minutes in the Hong Kong Lantau Island 50K, 3 hours and 49 minutes in the Xiamen Marathon, and 1 hour and 43 minutes in a half marathon.