Le Cadran de Francheville

Nestled on the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté plateau about 20 kilometers north of Dijon, Francheville is set to host its inaugural Cadran de Francheville race. This small village with a population of around 250 residents offers runners an intimate and challenging trail experience at an average altitude of 480 meters. Temperatures can be chilly in the early morning but warm up quickly as the day progresses, making layers essential for comfort.
The race begins and ends at the City Stade in Francheville, where participants will run a loop course covering 6.706 kilometers across the wooded plateau of Pays de Saint-Seine-l'Abbaye. The route winds through rural tracks and undergrowth typical of this rolling countryside. Each lap includes an ascent that totals 110 meters elevation gain, gradually wearing down runners over multiple repetitions.
Competitors have a maximum of 59 minutes per loop to complete the course before continuing on or being disqualified. This format transforms what might seem like a modest trail into an ultra-distance event by the twelfth loop, totaling nearly 80 kilometers and 1,320 meters in elevation gain. The Cadran de Francheville follows the backyard ultra concept popularized across the Atlantic but caps at twelve starts to make it accessible to a broader audience.
The race atmosphere is intimate, with no more than 200 participants gathering for an event that emphasizes mental endurance as much as physical prowess. Beyond the course, runners can enjoy local delicacies like Dijon mustard and Burgundy wines just minutes from the City Stade. The nearby Source of the Seine offers a serene backdrop to reflect on the day's efforts.
Join us in early April for loop after loop until the race concludes—a testament to perseverance and determination set against the stunning Côte-d'Or landscape.