Trail de la Cote des Bar

The 21st Trail de la Côte des Bar (TCB) is a regional trail running highlight held in the Aube department of France. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, the event is organized by the Cercle Athlétique Bar-sur-Aube Bayel (CABB). The race is renowned for its immersive courses that weave through dense forests and alongside the scenic vineyards of the Champagne region, utilizing single-track paths designed to appeal to both beginners and seasoned trail athletes.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Venue: All races start and finish at the Cosec de Bar-sur-Aube on Rue Pierre de Coubertin. The central hub provides the necessary infrastructure for bib collection and post-race festivities.
• -- The Courses: The 32 km route is the most demanding, offering a significant 1,000-meter vertical gain through technical forest trails. The shorter distances provide a gateway for those looking to experience the unique "Côte des Bar" landscape without extreme elevation.
• -- Registration: Online registration is available for the trail distances and Nordic walking. The 11 km hike (randonnée) requires on-site registration only. Note that race-day registrations for competitive events incur a surcharge and are subject to availability.
• -- Strava Challenge: Following its success in previous years, a dedicated Strava Challenge will be featured on the course, allowing runners to compete for segments during the live race.
• -- Community Focus: The event is inclusive, offering free races for children categorized by age groups (EA, Poussins, and Minimes), promoting sport among the youth of the Bayel and Bar-sur-Aube communities.

Regional Context and Environment:

• -- Location: Bar-sur-Aube is situated in the Grand Est region, famous for its steep slopes (côtes) and the production of Champagne. The "Côte des Bar" refers to this specific viticultural and geological area.
• -- Terrain: The race predominantly features forest floor single-tracks and limestone-based vineyard paths. The terrain can be fast but becomes technical and potentially slippery in the wooded sections if humidity is high.
• -- Climate: Late May in the Aube typically presents mild spring conditions. However, the forest sections can remain cool and damp in the early morning, while the exposed vineyard slopes can be warm under the sun.
• -- Atmosphere: The TCB is known for its "pleasure-first" motto, emphasizing a friendly, natural environment over strict professional rigidity, making it a favorite for regional running clubs.

The 21st Trail de la Côte des Bar 2026 offers a perfect blend of athletic challenge and rural beauty, inviting participants to discover the hidden forest trails and world-class vineyards of the Aube.