Les Foulées du Rail

Les Foulées du Rail takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Dun-le-Palestel, Creuse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. This unique nature race is run on an old railway line (former Saint-Sébastien to Dun-le-Palestel to Guéret route) and features four distances: La 23 Express (10km), La Ferroverte (21.1km semi-marathon with a 3-person relay challenge), and La Quai 45 (45km from Saint-Sébastien to Guéret). The 4th edition celebrates this atypical playground for runners, with courses cleared and redeveloped by volunteers and the Association Sportive et Culturelle de La Croisière.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Registration Opens: January 10, 2026 via the event website.
• Registration Closing: To be confirmed – check event website for updates.
• Bib Pickup: On race day morning at the start/finish area in Dun-le-Palestel (specific times TBC).
• Aid Stations: Available along the course at strategic points (details on event website).
• Time Limits / Cut-Offs: To be confirmed – check event regulations (règlement).
• Parking: Available near the start/finish areas in Dun-le-Palestel, Maison-Feyne, Saint-Sébastien, and Guéret (follow event signage).
• Results & Photos: Previous years' results and photos are available on the event website (2025 results linked).
• Club Organizer: Association Sportive et Culturelle de La Croisière, in partnership with local public authorities.
• Volunteer Work: The superb course is cleared and redeveloped by dedicated volunteers – the event is a true labor of love.
• Territory: Pays dunois – Cœur de la Vallée des Peintres (Heart of the Valley of Painters) – Creuse, Limousin.
• Tourism Office: Office de tourisme du Pays Dunois – 81 Grande Rue, 23800 Dun-le-Palestel – Tel: 05 55 89 24 61.
• Accommodation & Dining: Visitors can find accommodation and restaurants near Dun-le-Palestel via the Creuse Tourisme website.

Route and Atmosphere:

• Unique Course Feature: The race takes place on an old railway line (voie ferrée) – an atypical and spectacular playground for runners. The section between Dun-le-Palestel and Guéret now allows for a 45km course (added in 2025).
• 10km – La 23 Express: Starts in Maison-Feyne, finishes in Dun-le-Palestel. Approximately 80m elevation gain. Perfect for beginners or those seeking a shorter, fast race on a gentle railway gradient.
• 21.1km – La Ferroverte (Semi-Marathon): Starts in Saint-Sébastien, finishes in Dun-le-Palestel. Approximately 180m elevation gain. A half marathon on a unique, historic railway bed – ideal for personal bests and distance challenges.
• 21.1km Relay Challenge: Team of 3 runners, each completing 7km on the Ferroverte circuit. Great for clubs, families, friends, or corporate teams.
• 45km – La Quai 45: Starts in Saint-Sébastien, finishes in Guéret. Approximately 500m elevation gain. The longest distance – for experienced ultra-runners seeking a point-to-point challenge on the old railway line.
• Scenic Setting: The Creuse countryside, part of the "Valley of Painters" (Vallée des Peintres), offers beautiful rural landscapes, forests, and traditional villages.
• Atmosphere: A friendly, community-driven event organized by passionate volunteers. The race celebrates local heritage, sportsmanship, and the beauty of the Creuse region.
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can cheer at the start/finish lines in Maison-Feyne, Dun-le-Palestel, Saint-Sébastien, and Guéret. The railway line course allows spectators to easily access multiple points along the route.

Les Foulées du Rail 2026 on June 7 in Dun-le-Palestel, Creuse, France – a unique race on an old railway line – offers a 10km, a 21.1km semi-marathon (solo or 3-person relay), and a 45km ultra distance, supported by volunteers and the Association Sportive et Culturelle de La Croisière.