Course de la Résistance

The Course de la Résistance 2026 is a significant multi-sport commemorative event scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026. Organized by the Département de l'Isère, this 12th edition will be hosted in La Côte Saint-André, with the event village centered at the historic Château Louis XI. More than just a competition, the event serves as a living tribute to the end of World War II in Europe and the local maquisards' efforts. Each year, the race moves to a different location in the Isère region to highlight specific historical sites of the Resistance; for 2026, the routes will explore the Bièvre region, stretching between the Chambaran hills and the lower Isère valley.

La Côte Saint-André is a historic town in the Bièvre plain with a population of approximately 5,200 residents. It is most famous as the birthplace of the Romantic composer Hector Berlioz, which gives the town a rich cultural identity beyond its wartime heritage. The demographic is primarily composed of families and a growing senior population, with a median household income of roughly €21,400 per year. The local landscape is dominated by the Chambaran plateau, a rugged forested area that provided ideal cover for Resistance fighters during the occupation. The 2026 race routes will likely utilize these forest trails, offering participants a mix of moderate elevation and scenic vistas over the Isère valley.

Registration for the 2026 edition officially opened on February 3, 2026, with fees typically ranging from €13 to €35 depending on the discipline and registration date. Beyond the athletic challenges, the event village at Château Louis XI offers a variety of free activities, including climbing walls, ice rinks, and historical exhibitions. A unique feature of this year's event is the exceptional opening of the Musée du Maquis de Chambarand in nearby Viriville, which will offer free guided tours for participants (reservation required). For competitive runners, please note that a medical certificate or a valid FFA license/PPS (Parcours Prévention Santé) is mandatory for the 8km and 36km timed races.