La Ronde Printanière

The 17th edition of the Ronde Printanière is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Thaon-les-Vosges, France. Organized by the E.S. Thaon Athlétisme, this event is a major highlight in the Vosges department, known for its exceptionally flat and fast courses. The races carry the Bronze Regional Label and serve as official qualifiers for the French National Championships. The event centers around the iconic Rotonde, a unique architectural landmark in Thaon, with the finish line located at the Robert Sayer Stadium.

Course Records and Performance

The Ronde Printanière is a favorite for runners seeking personal bests. In 2025, the event saw a record-breaking participation with over 700 finishers. The current course records were largely established that year, with Ali Messaoudi clocking 30:43 in the 10km and Benjamin Polin setting the Semi-Marathon record at 1:05:53. The routes are designed to be "roulant" (rolling/smooth), minimizing elevation to allow elite and amateur athletes alike to chase high-speed rankings. Refreshment stations are strategically placed at kilometers 5, 10, and 15, as well as at the final arrival point.

Logistics and Registration

Registration is conducted online and must be finalized by 11:59 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Non-licensed runners are required to obtain their PPS (Parcours Prévention Santé) certificate through the official portal to participate. Bib collection is available on the morning of the race starting at 8:15 AM. For those driving to the event, the Rotonde parking zone remains open until 10:00 AM, after which it is closed to vehicle traffic until 12:30 PM to ensure runner safety. A strict time barrier of 12:10 PM is enforced at the 10 km mark of the semi-marathon.

Awards and Recognition

The podium ceremonies begin at 12:00 PM for the 10km and 12:30 PM for the semi-marathon and relay teams. Rewards are presented to the top three overall male and female finishers in the 10km, and the top five in the semi-marathon. Additionally, the first-place finisher in every age category—ranging from Cadets to Masters M10—receives recognition. The event fosters a strong club spirit, as E.S. Thaon Athlétisme is a FFA-certified club that also organizes other major local events like the Ronde Hivernale and the Trail Solidaire de Virine.