Trail of the Forts of Besançon 2026
- Next event : 9 Sat ➜ May 10, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : 10 Sat ➜ May 11, 2025
The event in a few words
The Trail of the Forts of Besançon is a true excursion in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté that will allow you to discover the birthplace of Victor Hugo ✍️, in the heart of the department of Doubs 📍. A competition at the beginning of May 🌼 is truly the best in terms of weather conditions! 🌤️ For this edition, the organizers wanted to please as many people as possible by offering 6 distances and 1 challenge, in addition to the traditional children's races 👧: a "nighttime time trial nocturne" of 5.4 km with 140 m of elevation gain, a hike and a trail of 11 km with 330 m of elevation gain, a para-sport course of 4.8 km, a 17 km duo with 560 m of elevation gain, a 22 km with 600 m of elevation gain, a 42 km and 1,300 m of elevation gain, a 62 km with 2,400 m of elevation gain that you can complete solo 👤 or as a relay. Additionally, there's a challenge over 2 days, consisting of 3 events for a total of 38 km with 1,070 m of elevation gain. See, there is plenty to do! 😈
Let's start the overview of this beautiful sporting weekend with an event not very common for running: the time trial ⌚️. "Do they think they're in the Tour de France or what?" 🚴♀️. It's true that it's usually our cyclist friends who face this solitary effort. For this Saturday Night Fever, expect 5 km urban 🏙️, explosive 💥, and above all unprecedented 🆕 routes for a guaranteed show. Whether it's the hike or the trail of 11 km, this same route, just featuring different disciplines, will take you through the Citadel of Besançon and along the banks of the Doubs 💦. This circuit is a clever mix of nature 🍃 and heritage 🏰, and is ideal for discovering the city from a new angle 👀.
The 22 km follows the same program but adds, for your greatest pleasure, detours into the nature through Montfaucon and Morre 😁. As for the 42 km, it will allow you to traverse several forts from the 18th and 19th centuries 🛡️. To finish, the 62 km will connect all 10 forts that protect the city of Vauban, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This technical and historical course will ensure you don't miss the richness and diversity of this unique course 👆, which you can also share as a relay 👥. Did we forget something? 🤔 Of course, the "3 Events Challenge"! You'll start with the 22 km on Saturday afternoon, then the "Time Trial" of 5 km on Saturday night, before finishing with the 11 km on Sunday morning. If our calculations are correct, that makes 38 km for a total of 1,070 m of elevation gain 📈. I hope you've prepared your thighs because it's going to heat up a bit 🔥. In short, exceptional views 🤩 await you, no matter the event chosen, whether through the landscapes 🏞️ or the rich cultural heritage. The circuits along the Doubs will lead you through the most beautiful places in Besançon, including its historic city center and its surroundings 😉.
And after discovering the architecture and history of Besancon, you can extend your weekend by visiting the Museum of Time 🕰️ or the Fine Arts and Archeology Museum 🦴. If your legs still feel heavy, don't hesitate to take a stroll around Micaud Park ⛲️ where the trees will welcome you with open branches 🌳. From a culinary perspective 🍽️, you'll enjoy tasting local specialties with Comtoise salad 🧀, stew 🥬, veal escalope 🥩, galette, and the unmistakable cancoillotte 😋.
Truly, this trail is strong, very strong! 💪
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
62 kmTOP
42 km
38 km
22 km
17 km
11 km
5 km
4.8 km
Kids
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 2400mD+
- 800+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx62 km
A few more words
The "queen" formula 👸 all-inclusive covers all 10 forts dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a real sporting challenge with an elevation gain of 2,400 m, designed to allow you to fully discover the richness and diversity of an exceptional course 🌟. This 62 km course is limited to a maximum of 1,000 runners and offers a unique experience that harmoniously combines nature and the Bisontine heritage. It stands out for its technical and historical layout at the heart ❤️ of the fortifications listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site 🌎.
As part of this adventure, you will be able to cross the famous Citadel, with its dizzying pathway offering an incredible view of the finish line 🏁. The grand course even proposes to connect all 10 forts built in the 18th and 19th centuries to protect the Vauban city.
Refreshments (no cups will be provided at the refreshment points): 🥤
- km 14: Fort de Chaudanne (solid and liquid)
- km 28.5: Avanne-Aveney (solid and liquid)
- km 35.5: Fort de Pugey (water only)
- km 42.5: Fort de Fontain (solid and liquid)
- km 54: Chemin de la Bro (solid and liquid)
- + finish line refreshments
Time limits: ⏰
- Fontain: 12:15 PM - 27.5 km
- Avanne-Aveney: 2:45 PM - 41 km
- Citadel – Carrefour des 3 Châtels: 6:15 PM - 59 km
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 2400mD+
- 1 loopx62 km
A few more words
The Relays: 🤝
Relay 1 – Departure from La Rodia in Fontain: 27.5 km – 1000m ascent
Relay 2 – Fontain to La Rodia finish line: 34.5 km – 1,400m ascent
- km 5: Fort de Bregille (water only)
- km 16.5: Chemin de la Bro (Solid and Liquid)
- km 27.5: Fort de Fontain (Solid and Liquid)
- km 35: Fort de Pugey (Water only)
- km 41: Avanne-Aveney (Solid and Liquid);
- km 56: Fort de Chaudanne (Solid and Liquid)
- + Finish line refreshments
Time barriers: ⏰
- Fontain: 12:15 PM – km 27.5
- Avanne-Aveney: 2:45 PM – km 41
- Citadelle – Carrefour des 3 Châtels: 6:15 PM – km 59 (The citadel will close its doors at 6:30 PM)
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 1300mD+
- 900+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx42 km
A few more words
The 42 km route, shorter but just as grounded in nature 🌿 as its 62 km counterpart, offers exciting challenges, including the crossing of several forts. Although it generally avoids the loop along the Doubs, this "semi XL" version provides picturesque panoramas from the hill of Montfaucon, including the crossing of the medieval castle, as well as numerous viewpoints 👀 of the citadel and the city of Besançon. It is no less than 1300 mD+ with three food and drink supply points, along with a snack waiting for you at the finish 😋.
The program includes crossing the famous Citadel, with its dizzying path offering a breathtaking view of the finish line 🏁, as well as crossing some forts from the 18th and 19th centuries that once protected the Vauban city.
The supplies (no cups will be provided at the supply points): 🥤
- km 9.5: Chalèze (Solid and Liquid)
- km 22: Gennes (Solid and Liquid)
- km 32: Montfaucon (Liquid);
- km 37: Chemin de la Bro (Solid and Liquid)
Time barriers ⏰:
- km 22: Gennes (supply point)
- km 39.5: Citadel – Carrefour des 3 Châtels: 14:15 (closing of the Citadel gates at 18:30)
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 1070mD+
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 600mD+
- 1,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx22 km
A few more words
The 22 km route of the Trail des Forts offers a nature-filled experience 🍃 before the final crossing of the Citadel. Whatever pace you choose, it offers either a pleasant tranquil hiking-run getaway 😌 or an intense and demanding race. This route is characterized by its natural beauty and its elevation gain of 600 m.
On the agenda, you will have the opportunity to cross the famous Citadel, via a dizzying route with a panoramic view of the finish. The course will also take you through the towns of Montfaucon 🦅 and Morre, thus offering a hiking experience in the heart of nature.
Refreshments (no cups will be provided at the refreshment points): 🥤
- km 5: Bregille (solid and liquid)
- km 16.5: Chemin de la Bro (solid and liquid)
- + finish line refreshment
Time gates ⏰:
- 10.5 km: Passerelle de la Malate at 11:30 a.m.
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 560mD+
- 1,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx17 km
A few more words
This option offers a harmonious balance between nature and heritage, with a distance and elevation that are quite manageable 👍. It's a trail of 16 km on flat terrain 📏, spiced up with two climbs ✌️ to enhance the experience 🌶️. This run can be undertaken without pressure, ideally after a good night's sleep 💤, whether to satisfy curiosity or share a friendly moment with friends, all while discovering the unique sensation of the Trail des Forts and enjoying the prestigious passage through the Citadel.
The elevation is 560 m with two climbs, a food and liquid supply, as well as a final refreshment at the finish 🏁.
The program will give you the opportunity to pass through the famous Citadel, with its dizzying passage offering a breathtaking view of the finish line, preceded by a tour along the banks of the Doubs.
The supplies (no cups will be provided at the supplies) : 🥤
- km 4.5 : Bregille (water only)
- km 11 : Fort de Chaudanne (solid and liquid)
- + finish refreshment
The time barriers : ⏰
- Citadel – Carrefour des 3 Châtels: 1:30 PM – km 14 (Citadel gates close at 1:45 PM)
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 9:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 330mD+
- 1 loopx11 km
A few more words
This is an 11 km trail on flat terrain 📏, spiced up with two climbs ✌️ to enhance the experience 🌶️.
The elevation gain is 330 m with two climbs, offering both food and liquid supplies, as well as a final refreshment at the finish line 🏁.
On the schedule, you'll have the opportunity to cross the famous Citadel, with a dizzying passage offering a breathtaking view of the finish line, preceded by a tour along the banks of the Doubs.
The refreshments (no cups will be provided at the refreshments): 🥤
- km 5: Fort de Chaudanne (solid and liquid)
- + finish line refreshment
Time barriers: ⏰
- Citadel – Carrefour des 3 Châtels: 1:30 PM – km 8.5 (Citadel gates close at 2:30 PM)
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
- Elevation gain : 330mD+
- 1 loopx11 km
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9:00 PM
- Elevation gain : 150mD+
- 1 loopx5 km
A few more words
A format full of energy is proposed to you! ⚡️ A 5 km route through the city, returning through the Citadel Park ⛲️. The start will be individual, in the style of the Tour de France 🚴, with a start every 10 seconds. Unusually, the participants expected to be the fastest will start last. You can also enjoy entertainment along the route and at the finish 🎶. A guaranteed show... limited to 200 participants!
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM
- 2 loopsx2.4 km
A few more words
An accessible and inclusive event so that everyone can celebrate together 🎉. This route offers a discovery of the Besançon heritage without timing, ensuring that you fully enjoy the environment and the majestic scenery around you 🤩.
Races for children / juniors 👶
The organizers have thought of all runner profiles, offering more than 6 races 🫨, but also for all age types.
Children's starts will be staggered as follows, with distances adapted to age categories:
- For the U18 category (2011-2012), the start is at 1:30 PM for a 5 km course 🚀.
- For the U14 category (2013-2014), the start is at 2:05 PM for a 2.5 km 🏎️ course.
- For the U12 category (2015-2016), the start is at 2:25 PM for a 1.5 km course ✈️.
- For the U10 category (2017-2018-2019), starts are at 2:40 PM, 2:50 PM, and 3 PM for a 600 m course 💥.
- For the Baby Athlé category (2020-2021), the start is at 3:10 PM for a 200 m 💣 course.
And as the organization reminds us: here, no rankings or timing, discovering the sport takes precedence over competition 🤪.
🏁 Snack at the finish and a finisher's medal.
⚠️ Only children in the Baby Athlé category can be accompanied by a parent at the start line and during the race.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Racing bibs will be available for pick-up at La Rodia – 10 Avenue Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon on:
Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 2 PM to 4 PM, and 8 PM to 9 PM.
Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM to 3 PM.
For the "3 Events Challenge": Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 62 km: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 7:30 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 62 km relay in pairs: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 7:30 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 42 km: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 22 km: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 17 km duo: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 11 km: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the "Nighttime Time Trial" race of 5.4 km: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 PM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
Parasport Race 4.8 km: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the 11 km "hike": Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3:30 PM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
For the children's races: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8:30 AM from Parking La Rodia – Avenue de Chardonnet – 25000 Besançon
• For the 62km, 42km, 22 km courses: a hydration system filled with at least 1L (1.5L recommended), a food reserve, a whistle, a survival blanket, and a raincoat if a weather plan is activated
• For the 17km, 11km, and the Hike, a hydration system filled with at least 0.5L, a survival blanket, and a raincoat if a weather plan is activated
• For the 5.4 km Time Trial, the KIDS race, and the 4.8 km Parasport, no mandatory equipment. No cup will be provided at the aid stations and finish line snack. Each participant agrees to have the required equipment and present it upon request by the organizer, just before the start, throughout the competition, or in the finish area.
You can find all the important information about the exhibitors' village right here: https://www.traildesforts.com/evenement/le-village-expo/
Your ID card
Your racing bib pick-up card (which you will receive by email a few days before the event)
62 km:
€67 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€76 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €6
Cancellation guarantee: €9
62 km in Relay for 2:
€71 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€81 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €7
Cancellation guarantee: €10.50
42 km:
€46 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
FFA License: €43 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€52 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
FFA License: €47 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €4
Cancellation guarantee: €6
22 km:
€25 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€31 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €3
Cancellation guarantee: €4.5
17 km DUO:
€36 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€39 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €2.5
Cancellation guarantee: €4
11 km Time Trial:
€15 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€19 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €2
Cancellation guarantee: €3
11 km Hike:
€14 for the first 1,000 bibs (all courses included)
€18 for subsequent bibs (all courses included)
Deferral option: €2
Cancellation guarantee: €2.5
5.4 km Nighttime Time Trial:
€10
Cancellation guarantee: €2.5
3 Events Challenge:
€45
Cancellation guarantee: €7
Trail des Forts Kids:
Registration fee: €5
4.8 km – Parasport:
Registration fee: Free
For the "3 Events Challenge": over 18 years old
For the 62 km: over 20 years old
For the 62 km relay in pairs: over 20 years old
For the 42 km: over 20 years old
For the 22 km: over 18 years old
For the 17 km: over 18 years old
For the 11 km: over 16 years old
For the "Nighttime Time Trial" race of 5.4 km: over 16 years old
For the 11 km "hike": over 12 years old
For the 4.8 km Parasport: over 14 years old
There will be changing rooms and showers in the arrival area.
You can leave a bag weighing less than 20 kg at the start location of your event.
You can check the race rules here
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