calendar_today 08 May, 2026 – 10 May, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell €10.00 – €76.00
The Trail des Forts de Besançon is a major multisport festival taking place from May 8 to 10, 2026. This 23rd edition is renowned for its unique combination of natural landscapes and historical architecture, featuring courses that weave through 18th and 19th-century fortifications listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The event offers ten different formats, ranging from nocturnal time trials to grueling 62 km ultra-distances, attracting over 7,600 participants annually. The race finalizes with a dramatic traverse of the famous Citadel, offering runners a breathtaking view before reaching the finish line.
| Race Category | Distance / Elevation | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 62km Solo/Relay | 62 km / Ultra | Crosses all 10 historic forts; technically demanding |
| 42km Marathon | 42 km / TTN Label | Part of the FFA Challenge; includes several fort passages |
| 22km / 11km | 22 km or 11 km | Nature immersion concluding at the UNESCO Citadel |
| Night Time Trial | 5.4 km / 150m D+ | Nocturnal race using headlamps along the ramparts |
| 17km Duo | 17 km / Team | Mix of urban docks and technical hill paths for pairs |
Besançon is the capital of the Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, with a population of approximately 117,000 residents. Known as the "greenest city in France," it is nestled in a horseshoe bend of the Doubs River. The demographic profile is primarily French, with a significant student population and a median household income of roughly €21,500. The city's geography is defined by the seven hills that surround it, each crowned by a fortification designed by the famous military engineer Vauban. This unique topography provides the steep, technical terrain that makes the Trail des Forts a distinctive challenge in the French trail-running calendar.
Registration for the 2026 edition is currently open, with the specialized "3-Race Challenge" limited to only 300 competitors. In addition to the competitive trail runs, the event includes a variety of non-competitive hikes (Rando), parasport courses, and youth races to ensure community-wide participation. Participants are encouraged to use the official mobile app for live results and tracking. The event is supported by key regional partners and a large team of volunteers. For specific inquiries regarding corporate offers or press accreditation, the organization can be contacted through the official administrative portal.
May 09, 2026
Distance — 62K
Type — Running
07:30
€76.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 22K
Type — Running
09:30
€31.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 42K
Type — Running
11:30
€52.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 5.4K
Type — Running
21:00
€10.00
May 10, 2026
Distance — 11K
Type — Running
09:30
€19.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Besançon.
Learn more about the host city, Besançon.
Besançon is the one of the main cities of the eastern French region of Franche-Comté.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, FR
calendar_today Apr 24, 2026
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