
Like so many great ideas in trail running, the idea for The Hub came – of course! – during a run.
Very early one morning in the fall of 2019, Doug Mayer and Run the Alps Ambassador Mike Ambrose set off for a run in the Chamonix valley, first to Chalet de Cerro, then over to Les Bossons and up – way up – to the meeting place of the Taconnaz and Bossons Glaciers at La Jonction.
Over the course of the day, they reminisced about another great summer of trail running in Chamonix and the Alps that was coming to a close. But they lamented that — while organizations and brands from around the world were active in the Chamonix trail running scene — there was no central gathering place for trail runners.
And yet, Run the Alps’ Chamonix housing for staff and friends was filled, all summer long. And during busier times, Run the Alps was turning away longtime friends.
There had to be a solution.
During the course of the run, they developed the idea for The Hub. It could be, they imagined, a place rooted in the lively, friendly staff housing that Run the Alps had provided over the years– but with the doors opened for others to join in the fun, too.
Inviting everyone in meant that there would literally be a home for trail running in Chamonix. Groups, friends, and brands could use The Hub. Solo trail runners passing through the valley could make new friends. Ideas, energy, and enthusiasm would be shared among all comers. That’s the driving spirit behind The Hub.
By the time Mike and Doug met friends in front of La Poste in Chamonix at the end of their run that fall day, the concept for what became The Hub had crystallized.
Our Philosophy
We believe that a sense of community is central to a good life. Our community – our tribe – is trail running. We’re passionate about it, because trail running has changed the course of each of our lives in meaningful ways.
Chamonix is the world’s home for trail running. The Alps have some of the best trail running anywhere, and it’s in Chamonix where that is distilled into a community of adventurous, committed trail runners who live and breathe our sport – our life – each day.
Chamonix is alive with trail running. It’s happening here, now. You can feel it in the streets and on the trails. There is something special going on here.
The Hub is a place to share that spirit. That act of sharing, we believe, is enriching for all.
The Hub story is just beginning
There will be more ideas to come — no doubt many of them formed during long runs with Chamonix at our feet. We welcome your input, because The Hub is more than just a building. It’s a community, and we look forward to growing and developing our offerings together.
Reach out any time. We’re here. We look forward to hearing from you!