Races in Strasbourg

Welcome to Strasbourg, hometown of Ernest Romens, Arsène Wenger and Mehdi Baala—nothing less! Ready to explore one of the sportiest cities in the country?

Strasbourg, founded by the Romans and having changed nationality 4 times, boasts one of Europe’s largest medieval districts, known for its cobblestone streets, Gothic cathedrals and half-timbered houses along the canals. Today, it remains a culturally fascinating city where French and German influences blend. Running in Strasbourg is a great way to explore the capital of the European Union. Gain some height and visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral (the second tallest in France), a world-famous masterpiece! Between two outings, take the opportunity to stop by the Maison Kammerzell or the Palais Rohan Luce. You can also see life in color by strolling down the children’s street. Strasbourg, with its famous picturesque Petite France, will make you dream—you’ll see. Impossible to leave the “Capital of Europe” without seeing Gutenberg and Kléber squares, the Vauban Dam, the legendary Covered Bridges or the national theatre. 

The best way to make sure you don’t miss any of these little gems is to sign up for one of the city’s races—what do you think? You’ll be able to work off some späck from your hips by running La Strasbourgeoise or by testing your limits on the Marathon of the Strasbourg-Europe Race, or by taking part in the Strasbourg Ekiden. Guaranteed fat-burn! 

To avoid upsetting the people of Strasbourg, you won’t try to cross the border into Germany 🇩🇪. Because for running in the city, there’s plenty to do. Who said you can’t do trail on flat ground? On the contrary, many runners will tell you it will develop other skills. The lovely paths along the Bruche Canal for 28 km will help you. Because in Strasbourg, no stress! Alongside the urban scenery, you’ll find large and unique green spaces. And what if, like Nicolas Sarkozy, you chose to run in the Parc de l’Orangerie, along the quays to get ready for the local calendar? You can also plan a few Nordic walks on the Deux Rives footbridge. The pretty stimulating setting of the Pourtalès Park and Castle, a few kilometers northeast of the center, can also inspire your runs. To make the most of it, you’ll need to be well equipped. To vary your training, hop on a bike and treat yourself: Strasbourg is the number-one cycling city in France and the 4th in Europe, with more than 600 km of bike lanes (to give you an idea, that’s the distance between Strasbourg and Valence 🤣). 

Once you’ve thoroughly wandered around Strasbourg, take off to discover the little treasures around the city—and there are loads of them! First, head to the Alsatian villages to see every color (literally), with for example Obernai, Eguisheim or Riquewihr. After that, we go back in time with the must-see fortresses Hohlandsbourg, Haut-Barr and of course Haut-Koenigsbourg! You can also flirt with Germany by following the Rhine for maximum peace and quiet, and take the mythical Alsace Wine Route to reward yourself for all your efforts! And if elevation gain and rugged terrain are your thing, there’s no doubt you should head to the Vosges Massif, just a couple of strides from Strasbourg.

After all that, you’ll definitely be very hungry (yes, yes, it’s mandatory)! Sit down and make yourself comfortable, because there’s no shortage of specialties. You can try baeckeoffe, flammekueche, as well as the famous pretzels, gingerbread, Alsatian beer, not forgetting the Strasbourg sausage. To be honest, you’ll have a few extra calories to burn off… And once again, we’ve got the solution for you 😂: just take part in the department’s races such as the Trail du Haut Koenigsbourg, the Alsace Vineyard Marathon, or the Trail du Haut Barr.

Crank up your Europe band playlist, put on your best Alsatian accent and come set the Strasbourg asphalt on fire!