Lyon Urban Trail 2026
See more about the offers- Next event : End of March 2026
- Last event : Sun, March 30, 2025
The event in a few words
Ah Lyon, a dazzling city with its quays, rivers, peninsula, and historic center, but also... its elevations. Indeed! 😉
Embark on an Urban Trail in this stunning city located in the heart of the department of Rhône. The event takes place in March 🗓️, so the weather 🌤️ might range from dull winter grey 🌫️ to a beautiful sunny spring day 🌸. In Lyon, we love sharing, friendliness, and festive gatherings, so everyone has a say here! 😊 With 4 distances to choose from, you can set off to conquer the streets of the Rhône, no matter your level 😉. Find the race that suits you between 10 km, 15 km, 25 km, and 37 km. A hike of 10 km is also on the agenda if you want to enjoy the charm of the city of lights at a more relaxed pace ✌️. The city is the pioneer of the Urban Trail in Europe 🇪🇺, with a masterful organization, always meticulously planned 🧅 to give you an unforgettable experience! So come to Lyon and join the approximately 9,000 participants for the 17th edition of the Lyon Urban Trail 🥳.
We guarantee it, whatever you decide, you'll fall completely in love with the former capital of the Gauls 😍. On the race day, Finishers 🏃♀️ will head towards Place Saint-Jean to start this historic trail and offer you an extraordinary touristic discovery. It’s a real immersion into Lyon that awaits you, with routes through the steep streets of the old town. There will be some elevation 📈! Don't be alarmed 😱, but you'll be climbing (and descending) no matter the race you choose 😂. With a start and finish in Vieux Lyon, you'll scale the famous Fourvière hill to admire the magnificent Basilica of the same name ⛪️. And what about the Croix Rousse hill where at its summit you'll have a full-scale postcard view of the city 😍. Fans of panoramic views, prepare to be thrilled! 🔭
Your main challenge on the LUT will be tackling the trails, bridges, and especially the stairs of Lyon 🔥. You will face no less than 6,000 steps on the 37 km! 😱 We hope you're not a "bambane", a lazy man in Lyon's slang 🦥. Between the roads and the cobblestones of the city, you'll run along and cross the Saône, one of the two rivers running through the city 💦. This Urban Trail is filled with surprises 🎁 and unusual paths past landmarks listed in the UNESCO World Heritage 🗽. Notably, crossing the LUGDUNUM - Museum and Roman Theatres, passing by iconic squares, and through numerous public parks including Bois de la Caille 🌳 for the 25 km and 37 km, which contrast with Lyon's urban landscape 🏙️. It’s an opportunity to reclaim the city from a new perspective. As the event's slogan perfectly states: "The city as you've never seen it." Your return to Vieux Lyon to cross the finish line 🏁 will be met with thunderous applause from the locals 👏. And spectators will be out in force, remember you're in the third-largest city in France 🥉.
Once you've crossed the line, take the time to explore the Lyon region and its surroundings. Visit Vieux Lyon with its rich architectural heritage full of omega-3 ⛪️. Enjoy a cultural outing at the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, one of Europe's most significant 🖼️. Also, add to your to-do list the Musée des Confluences of Natural History and Societies with its unique modern architecture 🏺. And if after all that you feel peckish, Lyon's bouchons will gladly help you recharge your energy 💪. On the menu, you can try andouillette, pike quenelles, or even cervelle de canut, which you can pair with a fine wine from the Côtes-du-Rhône, to be consumed in moderation! 🍷
Now that we've whetted your appetite 😋, we can't wait to welcome you to Lugdunum for the start of this trail in the city of lights 💡.
5 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
37 kmTOP
25 km
15 km
10 km
- End of March 2026
- Elevation gain : 1500mD+
- 1 loopx37 km
A few more words
The 37 km race holds a special place as the crown jewel of the Lyon Urban Trail. In fact, it's the longest distance offered in this discipline across the entire country! 🥵 Quite the feat. With its 1,400 meters of elevation gain, it truly stands as the king of Trail races! ✌️ Head to the Place Saint-Jean (well, a few meters nearby) to start this race that's bound to be full of emotions, discoveries, and incredible effort 😜.
Right from the start, the organizers give you a taste of what's to come, with a small climb to immediately immerse you in the challenge, followed by a descent towards the banks of the Saône River. Cross the river via the Pont Bonaparte and step onto the peninsula as you make your way towards Perrache 🚂. Next, you'll cross the Pont Kitchener-Marchand to head up towards the 5th arrondissement of Lyon.
Admire the architecture of the Lycée Saint Just at the 10th kilometer before passing in front of the magnificent LUGDUNUM - Museum and Roman Theaters 🎭, a relic that’s over 2,000 years old! Here's a fun fact: at its peak, it could host nearly 10,000 spectators, who watched gladiators battle and chariots parade in its center ⚔️.
Then head towards the Fort de Loyasse at the 15th kilometer, before crossing, yes once again (and not for the last time), the Saône River. Snap a photo of the Fort Saint-Jean before diving into the numerous Lyon parks including Bois de la Caille at the 22nd kilometer 🌳. Upon reaching Caluire-et-Cuire, you'll find yet another fort, the Fort de Montessuy 🏰. Indeed, Lyon is a city of many facets filled with historical treasures 😁.
We mentioned stairs, and this is where they come into play, right in the heart of Croix-Rousse. The Mermet Stairs might just be the race's make-or-break point, separating the contenders 🏃♂️. You'll need focus, dexterity, agility, and endurance to conquer them. At the 34th kilometer, experience something unique as you literally, yes literally, pass through the Lyon City Hall 🤗. Then, cross the Pont de la Feuillée, promise, it's the last one, but trust us, these bridges offer breathtaking views over the former capital of the Gauls 😍.
Now it's time for the final stretch in the Saint Jean district, for an epic sprint on the Lyon cobblestones. 🏁
Trail 25 km
Trail- End of March 2026
- Elevation gain : 1100mD+
- 1 loopx25 km
A few more words
A signature distance for a legendary Urban Trail 🤩. Embark on a thrilling adventure through the 25 km course with a challenging 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Conquer the heights of Fourvière Hill and Croix-Rousse, traversing through three charming communes for the full Lyon Urban Trail experience! 😉
Just like the other distances, the race kicks off in the Old Lyon, mere steps away from the renowned Saint-Jean Square and its iconic cathedral ⛪️. Waste no time resting on your laurels, as you'll need to ascend quickly towards the LUGDUNUM – Roman Museum and Theatres. This ancient Roman venue once entertained nearly 10,000 spectators during its peak in the 1st century 😱. Continue on your journey to catch sight of the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, proudly overlooking the city 😍. At the 4th kilometer, you'll encounter another imposing structure, the Fort de Loyasse, beginning your descent towards the banks of the Saône. 💦
Cross this Lyonnais river to discover the Fort Saint-Jean and then lose yourself in the heart of the countless parks in the city's north, including the Bois de la Caille at the 13th kilometer 🌳. More historical sights await you (we told you that Lyon is packed with history 🏛) with the Fort de Montessuy at the 15th kilometer 🏰. Then descend to the banks of the second river you'll encounter on your Lyon adventure, the Rhône. Tackle the Mermet stairs at the 21st kilometer before running through Lyon's City Hall from top to bottom. Yes, you'll quite literally race through this historic building 🏃♂️. Cross the Saône once more via the Pont de la Feuillée, and prepare to unleash your best sprint in the Old Lyon to clock in an epic time! ⏱
15 km : Trail 15 km
Trail- End of March 2026
- Elevation gain : 650mD+
- 1 loopx15 km
A few more words
This second distance offered during the Lyon Urban Trail will take you on a 15 km run right in the heart of the Fourvière Hills and Croix-Rousse 😍. With 650 meters of elevation gain, it’s the perfect race to set a personal challenge 💪.
Like the other distances, the race will start in the Old Lyon district, just a stone's throw from the Place Saint-Jean. Get ready for an uphill climb right from the start 🥵, taking you past the LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theaters, which are nearly 2000 years old and surprisingly well-preserved 😉. Keep pushing to stand before the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an emblem of the city ⛪️.
Challenge yourself on the steep streets of the Fourvière Hill before reaching the Fort de Loyasse at kilometer 4 🏰. Feeling tired already? No worries, because this is the refreshing part of the race with a stride along the banks of the Saône, before crossing it and discovering the Fort Saint-Jean. Then it’s back to another hill, with the discovery of Croix-Rousse, and yes, it’s quite a climb on that side too 😂.
Tackle the Mermet Stairs before running through the City Hall. Yes, you'll literally be running through the building—amazing, right? 😀 Next, head to explore the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls, before crossing the Saône once more at the Pont de la Feuillée. A final jaunt through the heart of Old Lyon for your last strides will mark the end of your course before crossing the finish line 🏃♂️.
10 km : Trail 10 km
Trail- End of March 2026
- Elevation gain : 400mD+
- 1 loopx10 km
A few more words
Let's kick off our overview of the various distances featured in the Lyon Urban Trail with the shortest one. Covering 10 km and boasting 450 meters of elevation gain, it seems manageable, right? 😜 If you're on the hunt for your first adventure in the Urban Trail scene, this distance is a perfect match for you! 👌
The start is set in the heart of Vieux Lyon, just steps away from Place Saint-Jean 🏁. As you begin your run, get ready to feel the burn in your calves with the Chemin Neuf climb leading you to the LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theatres, relics from the Roman era dating back thousands of years! 😱 Along the way, take a moment to admire the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière ⛪️, constructed during the 19th century. The first 4 kilometers of your journey will feel like a roller coaster ride 🎢 with a mix of small ascents and descents, before you hit the banks of the Saône 💦.
Cross the river at the 5th kilometer to explore the Fort Saint-Jean 🏰. Then lose yourself in the maze of streets on the Croix-Rousse hill, before discovering the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls. Cross the Pont de la Feuillée for one more adventure in Vieux Lyon for an unforgettable finish 🏃♂️.
10 km : Rando 10 km
Walking- End of March 2026
- Elevation gain : 400mD+
- 1 loopx10 km
A few more words
If you prefer to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and not stress about the clock, the hike of the Lyon Urban Trail is the perfect event for you! ⏱️ The organizers offer this walk of 10 km to allow participants to rediscover Lyon from a fresh perspective 🤩.
Starting from the historic district of Saint-Jean, set off to explore the Gallo Roman Theater and the emblem of the ancient capital of the Gauls, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Wander through the steep alleys of the Fourvière Hill ⛪, which will offer you breathtaking views. Cross the Saône River at the 4th kilometer and discover the Fort Saint-Jean, dating back to the 18th century 🕰️. Now, you will wander through the streets of the Croix-Rousse Hill with stops at the Mermet stairs, the Town Hall, and the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls.
Cross the Pont de la Feuillée and conclude this walk with an exploration of Old Lyon! 🌆
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Participation in the events requires wearing a race bib affixed to the chest with 4 pins. It must not be altered, cut, or folded under penalty of disqualification.
Race bibs can be collected individually upon presentation of an ID and your bib collection card on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and Sunday, March 30, 2025, starting at 6:30 AM at Place Saint Jean – 69005 Lyon.
37 km – Timed: Open to the category ESPOIRS (born in 2005 and before)
25 km – Timed: Open to the category ESPOIRS (born in 2005 and before)
15 km – Timed: Open to the JUNIORS category (born in 2007 and before) – Parental Consent Required
10 km – Timed: Open to the CADETS category (born in 2009 and before) – Parental Consent Required
10 km – Walk: Open to the BENJAMINS category (born in 2013 and before) – Parental Consent RequiredFor licensed runners: You must hold a valid Athlé Competition License, Athlé Enterprise License, Athlé Running License (Health Leisure option "Running"), or Pass’ Running issued by the French Athletics Federation on the day of the event. Licensed runners must submit a photocopy of the 2025-2026 license or Pass’ Running.
For non-licensed runners: All non-licensed adult participants registering for a timed event of the Lyon Urban Trail must connect to the dedicated web platform: pps.athle.fr within the 3 months preceding the competition to be informed about the risks, precautions, and recommendations associated with running.
Upon completion of the PPS, participants can print their completion certificate (temporary number) and provide it to the organizers before the race by completing their online registration file. You can find more details here.For minor participants: The athlete and their legal guardians must jointly complete a health questionnaire. The legal guardians must attest to the federation that all sections of the questionnaire have negative responses. If not, a medical certificate stating no contraindication to sports must be provided, dated less than six months before the event.
Download the health questionnaire templateParking near the race start is challenging. We highly recommend using public transportation to reach the starting line or running there as a warm-up. The fastest route is likely via Vieux Lyon metro station on Line D.
The race rules can be accessed by clicking this link
To find your race results and ranking, simply click on the Results tab at the bottom of the homepage on the race website.
37 km Timed: Prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
25 km Timed: Prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
14 km Timed: Prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
8 km Timed: Prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
LYON URBAN TRAIL is a unique event. Participants must be self-sufficient between each refreshment station.
37 km Timed requires semi self-sufficiency: 3 refreshment stations with food/drinks.
25 km Timed requires semi self-sufficiency: 2 refreshment stations with food/drinks.
15 km Timed requires semi self-sufficiency: 1 refreshment station with food/drinks.
10 km Timed requires semi self-sufficiency: 1 refreshment station with food/drinks.
10 km Walk requires semi self-sufficiency: 1 refreshment station with food/drinks.
A hydration system with a minimum capacity of 0.5L, such as a handheld water bottle or hydration pack, is mandatory, along with food supplies and rainwear (depending on weather conditions).
Participants must have the required gear and be ready to present it upon request by the organizers at any point during the race, including prior to the start, during the event, or upon finishing.
Walking sticks are prohibited.
There will be no changing facilities available at the finish line for participants to change clothes.
LUT By Night is the nighttime version of LUT, which takes place in November and features different distances than the daytime edition.
Predicting the weather on race day is tricky. March in Lyon can bring anything from a bright, sunny day to a gloomy, rainy one. Dress accordingly!
37 KM TIMED:
Rate 1 – First 1500 bibs: €43
Rate 2 – Remaining bibs*: €49
On-Site Rate: €5525 KM TIMED:
Rate 1 – First 1500 bibs: €31
Rate 2 – Remaining bibs*: €37
On-Site Rate: €4115 KM TIMED:
Rate 1 – First 1500 bibs: €22
Rate 2 – Remaining bibs*: €27
On-Site Rate: €3010 KM TIMED:
Rate 1 – First 1500 bibs: €17
Rate 2 – Remaining bibs: €22
On-Site Rate: €2610 KM WALK:
Rate 1 – First 1500 bibs: €15
Rate 2 – Remaining bibs*: €19
On-Site Rate: €20
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