Races in Reims

Downtown Reims isn’t overflowing with green plains to run across but, in an urban area of this size (9 km from north to south, 11 km from east to west), you’ll be able to plan truly exceptional urban trails, discovering every neighborhood, with your head and legs immersed in the city—its buildings, its parks and its people. Still craving some greenery? No stress—there’s plenty to do in Reims. Léo Lagrange Park is tree-filled and it’s great for running. You’re never alone there; you can even watch the water and its ducks as you run alongside the Delaune stadium. So don’t stay stuck in your little corner, quack quack ! You can also pop over to Parc de Champagne, where you’ll be able to admire, from a bit farther away, the Montagne de Reims. Along the canal, you can enjoy some great jogs, with pretty moored barges watching you with a friendly eye.

All roads lead to Reims. If, according to legend, Reims was founded by Remus, the brother of Romulus, founder of ancient Rome, you might just feel like you’re in Italy 🇮🇹 on your runs. Since most of them were crowned here, run in the footsteps of the kings of France! Take a break facing Notre-Dame Cathedral (bigger than the one in Paris, let’s remember) or at the Palais du Tau (nothing to do with the pond), and after that, don’t hesitate to stroll around Place Drouet-d’Erlon. You can also visit the Saint-Rémi Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts after your efforts. Keep warming up by exploring the city’s Gallo-Roman remains, such as the Porte de Mars (the widest Roman arch). Around Reims, you can also delve into the famous Champagne cellars and houses to learn all about this magic potion (Pommery, Veuve Clicquot, Mumm & Co., Ruinart, G.H. Martel...). You can also go meet the sublime nearby villages surrounded by hills and vineyards: Hautvilliers, Saint-Amand-sur-Fion, Chambéry, Chamery, Ville-Dommange or Sacy…

After this warm-up, it’s time to level up! North of Reims, you can plan an outing near the Saint-Thierry Massif to see the Abbey—a must-see you absolutely shouldn’t miss. South of the city, the 50,000 hectares of the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park are waiting for you. This wooded plateau between Reims and Épernay, labeled “Vineyards & Discoveries,” offers a multitude of valleys (called a “cuesta,” to be precise, Jamy) where vines and wildlife dominate. Just a couple of strides away, another natural curiosity opens up to you with the Faux de Verzy (in the forest of the same name), exceptional twisted trees with slow growth. To make sure you don’t miss any of these treasures, you can take the Champagne Route, which offers more than 600 km of routes in total. Sure, there’s no sea, but you’ll be able to run freely through sublime forests and right in the heart of the vineyards!

And once you’re ready, take a look at the Reims race calendar! A real festival of running races awaits you in the city and the surrounding area. Several routes and several distances are available so the party is guaranteed. On the program: the Reims Champagne Run (formerly Run in Reims), the Bacchantes Reims as well as the Foulée des Sacres or the Trail de la Montagne de Reims Weather-wise, watch out for summer thunderstorms and the cold of winter. Nothing to stop you though! You just need to gear up according to the forecast.

Running has definitely whetted your appetite. Recover around a good aperitif featuring Reims ham and local Champagne. More into sweet treats to really indulge after a run? The pink biscuit is waiting for you.

Are you the king of running ? Lace up your sneakers, put on your finest crown and come make the asphalt sparkle !