PRESENTATION / COURSE / SPECIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT / RULES



PRESENTATION

The Ardennes Mega Trail is the result of a story that began in 2009, in its origin were some members of the Belair Athletic Club (FR-08000 Charleville-Mezieres). Just a few persons are more than enough to have, ideas, projects and to set them up!
Right from the start, the Meuse and Semoy City Community agreed to help us make this adventure come true. This true partner spontaneously supported us both humanly and financially.

For its third year the AMT is lengthened to 88 km and 4800 m of + difference in height, but keeps its spirit, its philosophy. As runners and men it was partly inspired by the slopes of the French and foreign Alps or those of the Massif Central. With experience, precursory examples such as the Thilaysienne, the will to share "our playing field" and to experience a new adventure, we realized that the Ardennes massif is not comparable to others, simply because they have nothing in common!

The Ardennes is indeed an ancient 600-meter-high massif (in the French part) and it is very wooded. The relief was partly shaped by river erosion; the route goes along the slopes of both the Meuse valley and the Semoy valley enabling a "mountain-like" difference in height of 4800 m meaning about 20 ascents / descents on the whole route! It is a difficult “Ultra”, especially since we wanted it to be on real self-sufficiency with only water available at the resupplying points: no sparkling or sugar water ... or ANYTHING! Not even any food supplies!

It’s rustic ... but ... you are in a privileged natural environment: from the start the route enters the forest just to get out of it ten times (city crossings). But it won’t be monotonous at all! There are many different species of trees such as broad-leaved trees, bushes (fir trees introduced by Men) or damaged parts (after fire) like "fern spreads”; by respecting the environment the trailer can cope in harmony with the flora and the wildlife.
The Ultra Trail adventure is one of the most wonderful experiences because it is an encounter its own self. The length of the route enables moments of solo race, just on your own, or, senses alert, aware of the sounds and life of the forest and, perhaps at night! How thrilling it would be to see a wild boar and his pack, or a beautiful deer, at a reasonable distance because it would be as surprised if not frightened as you, head up, enabling you to see his antler! Unfortunately, we rarely met them in our many walks, these sounds are too often those of birds soaring in the distance as they hear us approaching. But how happy and free we feel then!
 
Fortunately, we can all enjoy this environment provided we preserve it for our children and grandchildren. So we need to show solidarity between generations.

Solidarity is the reason why we work together with some Ardennes social centers. During the “ultra”, we are on our own, so we have to be able to “face” ourselves with our qualities and defects. We can not cheat or lie: not on such a long race! That is why crossing the finish line is so special and so comforting. These feelings are enhanced by the looks of our relatives and those of the spectators who receive our race as "an achievement".
Many women and men, in a situation of de-socialization, have on the contrary a very negative image of themselves. Right from the start, these people have become essential partners in the success of the race, your race! Partners in the logistics and the friendly activities all along the route. Sharing a convivial moment with a volunteer at a resupplying point for example, helps him understand how important he is and gives him self-esteem.

Finally, solidarity can also be shared with the family. When a trailer talks about "sacrifices" it often means those of his relatives! The route allows many very accessible crossings to see his "favorite trailer." There are many view points, free natural heritage, arranged for a nice wait: you can discover the two valleys in relative comfort (parking areas in many sites with picnic places). Solidarity and sharing: sharing experiences after the race with our families enables them to join our world.

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COURSE

There are two theories on the origin of the word Ardennes: some historians think that it comes from the Celtic word “Arduinna silva” known since ancient times and indicating a forest situated on the Ardennes massif, some others think it comes from the Celtic word “Ar Duen” meaning "The Dark One". The last finishers will make all experts agree: at 2 am this forest is very dark: "Ar Arduinna silva Duen"! To get there you will have to go 88km and 4,800 m of + difference in height.
You start the race with a head-light on a flat road for about 200 m then you enter the forest where you will stay almost until the end of the trail.

Along the Semoy
The first part of the race is going through the Semoy valley, which does not mean that the trail will follow the river. On the contrary, as soon as you go into the forest some hard slopes are there to remind you of the 4,800m of + difference in height ; ascending paths, sometimes in single-track, that will stretch the pack as most runners will alternate walking and running.
On the summit, the first views of the Semoy valley enable you, according to weather conditions, to have a breathtaking view over the valley or over a "sea of clouds"!
Then a short technical and rocky descent: a way to boost those who know how to "slide."
Indeed paths or single-tracks are going to alternate between climbs and/ descents along legendary points of view. And around the eighth kilometre, on top of the second climb, you might even meet the wolf! The legend has it that an accordion player, on his way back from the Hautes-Rivières met a wolf there, thinking he was about to be eaten he started playing and had the good surprise to see the wolf leave!
Breathe and ...go down the path leading to the Meuse valley for about 1.5 km in Bogny-sur-Meuse before entering the forest again and going up to a view point over the Semoy and then down to a village named Haulmé where you’ll find  the first resupplying point (km 15).

Then, following a path towards Tournavaux, around km 17.6, there is another steep technical climb, leading you to a pine forest where you’ll need to be careful with the roots. Then restart in a fast descent in single track in its second part then up to another single-track path and join a fast and technical crest course in its last part, with a short slippery rocky ridge that leads to the “4 fils Aymon” site, second resupplying point  Bogny -sur-Meuse (km 25.5).
Before going down to the resupplying point, take some time to have a look at the statue and the view: you are on a rock overlooking the Meuse valley.
The 4 sons of Duke Aymon are there: Renaud, Allard, Guichard and Richard, they had all understood the importance of this location since, escaping the wrath of Emperor Charlemagne, they built a castle there!

Along the Meuse
After leaving the resupplying point, you cross the Meuse and go up a steep single track on a ridge that, leads you to Monthermé (km 30.5). Cross the Meuse again and you are on a new slope.
The first part of the climb is a fairly rocky path, the second is dynamic, in single track through the woods, with roots then it reaches a ridge with a wonderful view of the loop formed by the Meuse in Monthermé and it is also, around km 33.5, the junction for km 55 and Roc La Tour.
One of the rare flat part will help you get ready for a steep single-track descent likely to be tricky: roots, rocks, sometimes mud and ruts (skidding tractor tracks)! Beware!
Cross the river in Grande Commune the go up a sharp single track with damaged vegetation: you are among shrubs and ferns.
Once at the top (after 30 minutes for some people!) you go down a very rocky road in its last part to the resupplying point of Petite Commune and the Meuse (km 38).

After resupplying: the highest point of the race: first the Madagascar coast (400 metre long and 200m of + difference in height), a "wall" that some will climb in 30 minutes!
Then, new on the trail: go down the Meuse, cross it and go up to Laifour (km 42.5) for a very technical ascent / descent: on distance of about 2 km 240 m of + difference in height and 230 m of negative difference in height! This is the price to pay when you cross the wonderful natural site of the “Dames de Meuse” (Meuse Ladies) that General De Gaulle visited and that made the Gauls think that this place was inhabited by the Gods!
Since you left the resupplying point, this part of the trail is very hard, you can’t deny it, you have to face it! These three large rocks are there to remind you that you can’t cheat!
Indeed, in the 11th century, while their husbands were in Palestine fighting for the holy war, the three daughters of the Lord of Rethel cheated on them during a feast. The wrath of God was immediate: the three ladies were changed into rocks! The Gauls were right: it is a divine place!

In Anchamps (km 50.4) you will find the third resupplying point. Leaving it you will also leave the Meuse valley and go up a path to the Hauts-Butées plateau.

The plateau
Enjoy the last panoramic views over the valley because you will remain in the forest for almost the next 20 km, hundreds of ferns or bog with a few moments to break the solitude of the plateau such as the resupplying point of Hauts-Butées (km 64.8) or the village: Woieries.
So it's no coincidence that this plateau one of the most active places for the Resistance during WWII: the Manises maquis.
Nevertheless, plateau does not mean flatness here, on a distance of 16 km there about 630 m of + difference in height and 540 m of negative difference in height! “Wow”, let’s let go on! Or for some others : “ouch”, let’s go on!

Back to Semoy
To go out of the plateau and back to the Semoy, you have to go down: forest trails sometimes rocky, roots, so it’s tricky. Some technical passages: Roc La Tour rocksaround km 74 and La Roche aux Corpias around km 77.
Roc la Tour is a huge rock where some people can practise climbing. This site is not the result of geology but that of Satan’s wrath! A local lord would have sold his soul to the devil for him to build a castle for his princess. At sunrise, the devil was about to take the last stone .... but too late, the sun was already up. In anger the devil destroyed everything!
The last point is in Naux km 80.

After this point, a steep climb in single-track on a ridge leading to Champ Bernard!
Enjoy the last few miles kilometers rather steep sometime in some single-track, mind the roots that you will have some difficulties seeing because of darkness! In focus the lights and music of the finish line where you will find hot shower and meal after the race!
You wiil have to cross the Semoy one last time but no bridge this time!

It is 2 o'clock in the morning! The magic of Celtic Druids operates "Arduinna DUENNE HO SILVA AR TRUGAREKAAT": "Black Forest thanks you"!

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SPECIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Date: Saturday, June 15th, 2013
Time: 5:00 A.M.
Departure: Newet Sports Park, 08800 LES HAUTES RIVIERES (FRANCE)
Signposted routes: about 88 KM with 4800 positive difference in height mainly paths
Maximum time allowed: 21 hours
Around km 33.5 possible passage on km 55 (see the routes and pages on Le Roc la Tour): final results on km 55 (1Km-long connection to join the last 20 km of the AMT).


Time restrictions apply on supplying points leaving times and no matter what time of arrival in the zone:
- Bogny-sur-Meuse, 25.5 km: 10:45
- The small town, 38 km: 13:30
- The High Thrust, 64.8 km: 19:30
- Arrival Les Hautes Rivières, 87.3 km,: 2:00 am Sunday 1st July

Water supply only (see rules):
- Haulmé, 15.2 km
- Bogny-sur-Meuse, 25.5 km
- La Petite Commune, 38 km
- Anchamps, 50.4 km
- Les Hauts Butées, 64.8 km
- Naux, 79.8 km
- Les Hautes Rivières: Arrival


City crossings:

• 0 km departure from Les Hautes Rivières
• 11.6 Km city: Bogny-sur-Meuse (Braux Bridge)
• 15.2 Km city: Haulmé
• 18.8 Km city: Tournavaux
• 25.5 Km city: Bogny-sur-Meuse (Château Regnault à la Halle)
• 30.5 Km city: Monthermé
• 38 Km city: La Petite Commune
• 42.6 Km city: Laifour
• 50.4 Km city: Anchamps
• 64.8 km city: Les Hauts Butées
• 68.6 Km city: Woieries
• 79.8 Km city: Naux
• 87.3 Km arrival in the city: Les Hautes Rivières

PASSAGE TIMES

EQUIPMENT

The required equipment will be checked upon delivery of the number tag. Checks will be made on the course.

COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT:

• A   survival blanket
• A whistle
• A head lamp in working order
• A 2m-long (minimum) elastoplaste band, width 5 to 7cm
• A food reserve enabling food self-sufficiency for 24 hours.
• The survival pack given with the number tag (see rules)
• 1.5l in the Camel back at the start of the race

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:

• Second-headlamp
• Replacement Batteries
• Waterproof garment
• Sticks
• A mobile phone

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RULES

Rules of the Ardennes Mega Trail - June 15th, 2012

Article 1: Description of the race

The Ardennes Mega Trail is a race of about 88 km and 4800 m of positive difference in height. It takes place almost entirely on paths.
The course is designed for well prepared athletes and requires the qualities corresponding to this sport such as endurance, skill and ability to adapt to difficult situations in a context of discovery and tracking in the wild. The race takes place in one stage, free pace, in a limited time to 21 hours.

It takes place in food self-sufficiency. Only water supplies will be distributed.

Each competitor must provide his food for the duration of the race. However, it will be presented with his number tag a "survival pack" under seal. This pack should be used only if necessary and will be automatically checked on the finish line. If the "survival pack" has been used, a time penalty of 30 minutes will be added to his race time.

Article 2: Registration

The event is open to all athletes licensed or unlicensed, born in 1992 or earlier. It is reminded that inspections will be conducted during the event to ensure optimal race regulation conditions.

It is expressly stated that the runners participate in the competition under their own responsibility. In this regard it is noted that for the success of such an individual event, a good physical preparation and a capacity for autonomy are essential.

To confirm registration, the racer must provide a photocopy of his/her valid FFA license or a medical certificate stating that the racer is allowed to practice running in competition it must be dated within one year from the date of race.

The attention of competitors is drawn to the fact that beyond the legal requirement of the previous point, a serious medical check can detect potential health problems incompatible with race competition, even if the rider feels in perfect condition. As such, an electrocardiogram exercise is strongly recommended, especially if the rider is 40 or older.

ATTENTION
Following Circular No. 13 of April 21, 2008, the medical certificate must contain the words "no cons to the practice of athletics in competition" or "no cons to the practice of running in competition."

FSCF, FSGT and UFOLEP competition licenses are accepted if they show precisely the word "athletic". Other licenses can not be accepted.

The medical certificate or a photocopy of license must be sent to the organization no later than June 17th, 2012 at the following address:

Ardennes Mega Trail
PSP BP 10006
Responsabe inscription
08000 Charleville-Mezieres Cedex FRANCE


PRICING
The registration fee includes pre-race breakfast and meal after the race:
             - € 45 before 1rst April 2012
             - € 52 between April 1rst and May 15th, 2012
             - € 60 between May 16th and June 17th, 2012

Registration deadline : Sunday, June 17th midnight.

Registration is only online from the website of the Ardennes Mega Trail: www.ardennes-megatrail.com.
Payments are made online using a secure banking platform.

An acknowledgment is sent by mail or you can check the validity of your registration from managed website.

Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Each entry is firm and final and can not be refunded for any reason whatsoever. No transfer of registration is authorized for any reason whatsoever. Anyone retroceding his number tag to someone else will be held responsible in case of accident occurred or caused by the latter during the event. The organization accepts no responsibility for any accident in this type of situation. The number tag must be fully legible during the race.

Article 3: Departure ; arrival times ; passage times ; number tag delivery

The number tags will be delivered at the departure city, LES HAUTES RIVIERES, Newet Sports Park, on Friday, June 29th, 2012 from 12:00 to 22:00. Racers must bring their license, ID card and required equipment to be checked before delivery of the number tag.
The start of the Ardennes Mega Trail will be held at the Newet Sports Park in HAUTES RIVIERES, on Saturday, June 30th at 5:00 am.

The running time is limited to 21 hours.

Passage times, time restrictions
Time restrictions apply to leaving times of supplying points, any rider after the deadline will be disqualified:
- Bogny-sur-Meuse, 25.5 km: 10:45
- La Petite Commune, 38 km: 13:30
- Les Hauts Butées, 64.8 km: 19:30
- Les Hautes Rivières, 87.3 km: 2:00


To be classified, the competitors will have to cross the finish line at Les Hautes Rivières before July 1rst, 2012 at 2:00.

Competitors out of time or disqualified continuing the race later than time restrictions, would do it out-run and on their own responsibility.

Article 4: Racing Security

- In parts of the trail along a public street, each participant must comply with traffic rules, use sidewalks and crosswalks, etc. ..... The racer will be solely responsible for any breach of these rules.
- The aid will be provided by rescue workers, doctors, firefighters and bikers. Radio links will be established.
- Checkings will be made all along the way.
- The number tag must be worn visibly (to facilitate checking) Penalties will be given to runners who do not comply with these instructions.
- A racer must assist anyone in trouble. The rescue team and the organizers must be informed immediately.
- For safety reasons, mobile phones are recommended. Mentionning your phone number to the organization will help communicate easily in case of problems. Racers are advised to carry the call number of the race security HQ which will be indicated in the documents provided during the race number tags delivery and in the Survival Pack.
- Emergency stations are located on the course. These stations are in radio or telephone contact with to the the race HQ.
- Emergency stations are intended to provide assistance to any person in danger with the organization means.

Article 5: Supplying

Self-sufficiency is part of the nature of the race.
All external assistance (food or otherwise ...) are prohibited on the course of the race, under penalty of disqualification, including: leaving bottles and food on the course, buying food in the villages, picking food or beverages from car trunks, etc. ....

Water only supplying points:
- Haulmé, 15.2 km
- Bogny-sur-Meuse, 25.5 km
- La Petite Commune, 38 km
- Anchamps, 50.4 km
- Les Hauts Butées, 64.8 km
- Naux, 79.8 km
- Les Hautes Rivières: Arrival

Article 6: Compulsory equipment

- A survival blanket
- A whistle
- A head lamp in working order
- A 2m-long (minimum) elastoplaste band, width 5 to 7cm
- A food reserve enabling food self-sufficiency for 24 hours.
- The survival pack
- 1.5l in the Camel back at the start of the race

The required equipment will be checked upon delivery of the number tag. Checks will be made on the course.

Article 7: Cancellation

Cancellation of registration and refunding is only possible in the following cases:
- Accident, serious illness or death of the runner himself.
- A serious illness requiring hospitalization or death to a spouse or common-law husband or wife, his parents or children in the first degree, within thirty days preceding the event.
- In case of accident or serious illness of the runner, it is necessary to provide a medical certificate attesting to the cons-indication to participate in the race. Any other cause of cancellation must be proved by a certificate issued by the competent authority.

Terms of payment: Any request for refunding must be received, together with the medical certificate, at the latest within 10 days after the event. Applications are processed within two months after the event.

In case of cancellation, the € 10 file fee, donations and food trays will be retained by the organization.
Cancellation requests must be sent to the organization in writing (post mail or e-mail) and provided with a document showing that the runner is in a situation allowing cancellation.

Article 8: Number of runners

The maximum number of runners is 600.

Article 9: Ethics in the race

By participating in the Ardennes Mega Trail, the runner is explicitly committed to comply with these rules and ethics of the race. The Ardennes Mega Trail is respectful of its natural and human environment. Thus, the utmost courtesy is required with the volunteers devoting some of their free time in the race.

Respecting the environment is a necessary condition for the sustainability of races in nature. Thus, it is strictly forbidden to throw garbage other than in bins aimed at this purpose.

Checks will be made in the race to ensure compliance with these points. Controllers will be entitled to make a 1 hour penalty for a first violation of these rules, except for reoffending runners.
Some passages cross private properties whose occupants agree with the discomfort inherent in the race. It is obvious that compliance with these private properties and their owners is an absolute requirement.

Runners will ensure that their vehicles do not cause damage to vegetation or disturbance to other road users.

The competition is meaningful only in the respect of other competitors. Characterized cheating will be subject to immediate exclusion from the race. This obviously includes the full respect of the course as outlined in the road book. In addition, any runner is required to provide priority assistance to another competitor who is in trouble (injury, state of great weakness, hypothermia, (...). Depending on the circumstances and if reliable estimates, the time taken by the competitor to rescue another runner will be deducted from the final time, at his request and after approval by the race director.

Article 10: classification and reward

For runners who crossed the finish line in accordance with the different time restrictions, there will be the following classifications:

• Scratch
• Men Scratch
• Women Scratch
• Men and Women Hope
• Men and Women Senior
• Men and Women Veteran 1
• Men and Women Veteran 2
• Men and Women Veteran 3
• Men and Women Veteran 4

Prizes will be awarded to the first 3 scratch rankings. No cash prize will be issued.

The time and complete final standings will be available at the finish line and no later than noon the next day on the site.

Article 11: Insurance

The contest is covered by liability insurance purchased by the organizer from GRAS SAVOYE. An additional insurance was taken out for volunteers, unlicensed and hikers.

This civil liability insurance guarantees the financial consequences of the organizers, volunteers and participants.

Licensed runners enjoy the guarantees granted by the insurance linked to their license and other riders must insure themselves personally.

In addition, it is strongly recommended that runners take out personal accident insurance covering their own risk.

In case of withdrawal, disqualification (by the organization or the medical team), the responsibility of the organization is cleared.

Article 12: Penalties and disqualification

PENALTIES
- 15 minutes for non-use of sidewalks and crosswalks
- 15 minutes for non-legible number tag.
- 30 minutes by survival packs opened.
- 1:00 to throw trash on the course and incivility in general

DISQUALIFICATION:
- No assistance to a rider in trouble
- External food supplying
- Non-compliance of the required equipment
- Breach of Regulation
- Non respect to the examination of a doctor on the race and not to implement its decision.
- The organizers reserve the right to withdraw any competitor from the race whose behavior would be unethical to sport or who would cause prejudice to the other runners or organizers.
- Doctors will withdraw a competitor from the race in case of clinical signs that could jeopardize his health. Only the doctor is authorized to make this decision. In this case, the number tag will be imperatively removed and the runner will not be allowed to continue the race.

WITHDRAWAL:
- In case of withdrawal, the runner mentions his /her withdrawal from the race to the nearest control point and returns his number tag to a member of the organization.
For security reasons, please respect this rule.

Article 13: Change in the course, or time restrictions and cancellation of the race:

For safety reasons, especially in case of very bad weather, the Organizer reserves the right to delay the start of the races, to stop the race or change the route and time restrictions, or even cancel the race without notice, without the runners to claim any compensation or refund of any fees.

Article 14: Right to the image

The participants authorize the organizers of the Ardennes Mega Trail and their dependents such as partners and media to use fixed or audiovisual images on which they may appear, taken in connection with their participation, in all media including publicity or marketing documents, in the whole world and for the longest duration established by the law.

All registration implies reading and agreeing with these rules.

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