calendar_today 02 May, 2026 – 03 May, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell €19.00 – €140.00
The Tarn Valley Trail 2026 is a prestigious endurance event set in the dramatic landscapes of the Gorges du Tarn and the surrounding Causses in southern France. Scheduled for May 2 and 3, 2026, the race is organized by the same team behind the legendary Festival des Templiers, pioneers of the French trail running movement since 1995. The event is described as a "theatrical adventure," taking runners through limestone canyons, along the Tarn River, and across the rugged plateaus of Sauveterre and Causse Noir, eventually finishing in the historic Templar City (Cité des Templiers).
Race Categories and DistancesThe 2026 edition offers five distinct challenges, ranging from short, explosive climbs to a massive 100km ultramarathon that spans the entire length of the Gorges. A significant addition for this year is the Montecresto 24 km, providing a new intermediate option for trail enthusiasts.
| Race Name | Distance | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Intégrale des Gorges du Tarn | 100 km | The complete canyon experience |
| Malène de Proust | 53 km | Technical mid-distance ultra |
| Marathon Tarn Valley | 42 km | Classic trail marathon distance |
| Montecresto (New) | 24 km | Short and punchy technical trail |
| Voie Unique | 18 km | Fast-paced discovery trail |
The event is centered in the Lozère and Aveyron departments, specifically around the village of La Malène and the city of Millau. Millau, with a population of approximately 22,000 residents, is globally recognized as the "Capital of Outdoor Sports." The region's economy is highly specialized in sports tourism, with a median household income of roughly €21,000 per year. The Gorges du Tarn itself is a protected natural site, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for kayaking, climbing, and hiking.
The local culture is a blend of Occitan heritage and a modern, vibrant outdoor community. The "Templar" influence is historical, as the region was a stronghold for the Knights Templar in the 12th century, leaving behind fortified villages like La Couvertoirade. The organizers' commitment to an eco-responsible approach is critical here, as the Causses and Gorges are fragile limestone ecosystems. For the local residents, the Tarn Valley Trail is not just a race but a tribute to their "theatrical" landscape, bringing together the spirit of early American trail pioneers with the ancient stone and river heritage of Southern France.
Social Impact and Participant LogisticsFor the athletes, the race offers a deeply personal journey, often described by the organizers as a "personal and intimate story." The finish line in the Templar City provides a festive atmosphere characterized by "celebration and benevolence." To support the influx of participants, the organization provides extensive accommodation guides and a comprehensive FAQ to manage the logistics of a point-to-point race in a rugged canyon environment.
The social impact extends beyond the runners; the event utilizes local partnerships and focuses on sustainable development to ensure the trails remain pristine for the community. The "Templiers" brand carries significant weight in France, ensuring that the 2026 Tarn Valley edition will be a major gathering for the European trail community. On May 2nd, the first runners will set out at dawn, their headlamps reflecting off the "steel-blue" waters of the Tarn as they begin their journey through one of the most sublime sites in Europe.
May 02, 2026
Distance — 102K
Type — Running
06:40
€140.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 43.5K
Type — Running
09:05
€75.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 18K
Type — Running
18:25
€19.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 18K
Type — Running
18:25
€19.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 53.5K
Type — Running
06:40
€63.00
May 03, 2026
Distance — 25K
Type — Running
07:00
€29.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Millau.
Learn more about the host city, Millau.
Millau is in Aveyron in France.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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