The Trail Running Guide

Chamonix, August 27, 2026 – Frédéric Tranchand claimed victory at the OCC.

The French Merrell athlete crossed the finish line in Chamonix in 05:10:08, after 60 kilometres and 3,500 metres of elevation gain from Orsières, Switzerland, to Chamonix, France.

“Winning here in Chamonix, at the biggest global gathering of trail running, is an incredible feeling. It was a unique moment that I had never experienced before. I’m incredibly grateful for what I’m experiencing right now – it’s crazy!”

The OCC is one of the highlights of the trail run calendar, bringing together some of the world’s best trail runners on a particularly demanding alpine course. For his first experience over the 60-kilometre distance, Frédéric Tranchand drew on his knowledge of the terrain and a race strategy perfectly suited to his strengths. After spending several months in Chamonix preparing for this key race, the Merrell athlete made the difference on the steepest climbs before digging deep in the final stages to hold onto the lead all the way to the finish.

This victory rewards months of preparation and an in-depth knowledge of a course he had the opportunity to truly familiarise himself with. For the Merrell athlete, the performance is also particularly significant as it was the longest race he has ever run, a true step outside his comfort zone, crowned with a victory on one of the most prestigious stages in global trail running.

At Love Trails Festival, Merrell brought the trail running community together for a weekend of movement, exploration and connection. From guided runs and hands-on product trials to live music and interactive experiences, festival-goers immersed themselves in the spirit of the outdoors while testing the latest gear in its natural environment. Highlights included the Sound Wave beach run, Trail Karaoke, and the chance to personalise exclusive Merrell merchandise, creating memorable moments both on and off the trail.

The event also offered runners the chance to experience the Agility Peak 6 in its natural element, showcasing its versatility and performance across the diverse terrain that defines the trail running experience.

Destination Hackney saw Merrell and Unsanctioned Athletics redefine ultra‑racing with an unconventional 80km ultra‑relay from UK trails to the heart of the capital. Five teams navigated the course on instinct and endurance alone, where accumulated decisions mattered more than spectacle and the journey itself became the challenge. Team Trail, led by runner and creative Liam Furneaux, arrived first in Hackney to take the crown.

The event served as a real‑world testing ground for the Agility Peak 6, proving its performance across demanding, multi‑terrain conditions.