Marathon Bresse Dombes 2027
- Next eventĀ :Ā Sun, April 25, 2027Date confirmed
- Last eventĀ :Ā Sun, April 26, 2026
The event in a few words
See you in Auvergne-RhĆ“ne-Alpes, in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne, right in the heart of Ain for an event you absolutely canāt miss: the Marathon de Bresse Dombes! š© You know the saying ā sport is all fun and games! ā ? No? Well thatās normalāwe invented it just for the occasion! š This event is the perfect blend of sporting activities š½ and festive š„³ moments. And it all comes with a touristic discovery and culinary exploration of the region in a wacky atmosphere š¤Ŗ. Thatās the kind of menu we love, isnāt it? š„ Launched in 2021, the Marathon Bresse Dombes has established itself as a springtime must-do thanks to all its strengths. In 2026, there were 5,522 registeredāa historic record. For this 7th edition, youāll be one of them
So, if this description has made your mouth water š¤¤, thatās greatābecause we havenāt even reached the main courseš“ yet. Itās in late April š» that weāll see you again, arms bare and ankles in the breeze š¬ļø, ready to toe the line. On the menu, something for everyone: a marathon to do solo or as a relay team of 2 or 4 š¤, the brand-new Mara-3nsemble, a half marathon, a 10 km and a 5 km. For smaller appetites, 2 charity walks are offered to raise funds for the French League Against Cancer šŖ. One is 7.5 km long and the other 11.6 km. All proceeds from registrations are donated, which amounted to ā¬10,000 for the 2025 edition š¤Æ. A kidsā š¦ menu is also available so that this event is a true family get-together šØāš©āš§āš¦. Weād still rather warn you, to avoid any unpleasant surprises before your dish is served: youāll get an extra helping of elevation gain š. Too easy otherwise! š
So get ready to take on 281 mD+ for the marathon and 178 mD+ for the half. Nothing inedible impossibleādonāt worry! š A bit of challenge always spices things up, doesnāt it? š¶ļø So prep your legs for race day... but also your stomach! Gourmet aid stations, typical of the region, will delight your taste buds š. And if you canāt wait until race day, a gourmet dinner š½ļø is organized on Saturday evening (by reservation) to kick off the festivities early.
Eating is one thing, but itās not what makes the competition interesting... š There are also the bucolic landscapes waiting for you along the route š„°. Youāll notably have the chance to run through several towns with unique charm! š¤ Villages, wooded paths, the Dombes ponds, beautiful architecture and even castles š°... So this wonāt be a classic road race, since nature will be part of it too š³. The friendly vibe is also a major asset of the event š. Youāll find plenty of musical entertainment š· in the heart of the villages. In fact, you can already put away your race tee and start looking for your best costume š©. YES, the races are in costume! (and thereās even a contest š) Nothing mandatory of course, but the photos šø from previous editions will probably make you want to try this crazy adventure š. So itās in a more-than-festive atmosphere š that youāll be able to run these kilometers, with 14 entertainment points along your route šŖ .
The Marathon de Bresse Dombes is therefore a 3-in-1 event: a guided tour of the regionās beautiful villages, a tasting of local, typical products, and a great chance to dress up/have fun. So, who do you want to be on the last weekend of April? Spiderman šøļø, Jack Sparrow or Pikachu? š¤ Itās up to you! š«µ
6 reasons to join this race
A word from the organizer:
"A source of pride to organize a festive, friendly event with local gastronomic flavors across Bresse and Dombes in Ain."
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
Half Marathon
11.6ākm
10ākm
7.5ākm
5ākm
Kids
- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 281mD+
- 1 loopx42.195ākm
A few more words
You take off in the heart of the beautiful town and the former medieval town of ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne, which has also been awarded the Towns and Villages in Bloom labels š as well as the Most Beautiful Detour in France š«š· label. More precisely, these 42 km start in front of the NoĆ«l Ravassard Racecourse.
Youāll reach your first aid station, located near the Dombes ponds, which will reveal a surprising setting. Itās a land of birds š¦ , with exceptional fauna and flora, in unspoiled nature š¦. Your route is dotted with the cityās green spaces š³ and the famous ponds š£āāļø that will lead you to the next flagship town of your race, Neuville-les-Dames, a small flower-filled commune šø with its typical spots (including the lovely church āŖļø in the center). Itās at this junction that youāll complete a loop š that will bring you back to the same place. This loop will let you pass through neighboring communes and hamlets. Youāll still spend a large part of it in a natural setting, with the Champ de lāĆtang at the 9th km, then the ChĆ¢teau de ChatĆŖnay š°, 1 km farther on, where a princely aid station š will be waiting for you. You then reach the charming village of Chanoz-ChĆ¢tenay to head back out onto the natural paths, notably in the Champ de Biziat. At a cruising pace, youāll cross the small villages to arrive at the more urban šļø part of your route. Itās in the very heart š of the village of Vonnas that the atmosphere and the locals will be waiting for you, just a few kilometers before you dive back into your (almost) exhaustive discovery of the area š.
Youāll follow the watercourse š, the Renom. Youāll then change scenery to head into the fields š¾. Another great aid station will be waiting for you near the ChĆ¢teau de Longe š°. Itās therefore through these natural spaces and wooded paths šŖµ that youāll reach the commune of Neuville-les-Dames again. There will be one last castle on your way: La Chassagne, around the 34th km, which also corresponds to an aid station š§.
Youāll then begin the final part of your race, which will bring you back to your starting point on a route parallel to the one taken on the way out. And yes! The organizers made sure to have you run through the greenest spots in town š. Your dazzling finish will come through the PrĆ©s Gaudet š¼ļø, offering you one last bucolic setting š³.
Mara-3nsemble
Road Running- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 281mD+
- 1 loopx42.195ākm
A few more words
What if the marathon were experienced as a trio? š¤ For its 7th edition, the Marathon Bresse Dombes is rolling out a format you wonāt find anywhere else: the Mara-3nsemble. Here, you donāt pass the baton... you meet up! š
The concept is simple. A first runner sets off on the 42.195 km from the NoĆ«l Ravassard Racecourse in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne. They are joined in Vonnas by their second teammate, who jumps into the race for the final 21.1 kilometers. Then, in Neuville-les-Dames, the third runner links up with the duo for the last 12 kilometers šāāļøšāāļøš. The trio then finishes the adventure together, crossing the same finish line on the Champ de Foire š.
To each their own challenge, to each their own distance, but one single finish to share. Itās the perfect opportunity to bring along friends who didnāt feel up to tackling a full marathon š.
As for the scenery, youāll find the marathon route and everything that makes it so charming: the ponds of the Dombes, characterful villages, castles š° and delicious refreshment stops with local flavors š. And as everywhere at the event, costumes are welcome š©.
Two meet-up zones are planned to gradually form your trio: Place Ferdinand in Vonnas for the second runner, and Place du Chapitre, by the church, in Neuville-les-Dames for the third. Parking is available near both š æļø.
ā ļø One note of caution, though: no transport is provided by the organizers to reach these meeting points. Each team must arrange their own travel š.
2-Person Relay Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 281mD+
- 1 loopx42.195ākm
A few more words
Your relay marathon course will obviously be the same as the classic marathon. The relay handoff takes place at the halfway point in the village of Vonnas, on Rue du Vernay by the community hall š¤.
4-Person Relay Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 281mD+
- 1 loopx42.195ākm
A few more words
Your route will remain the same as the classic marathon. The baton handoff takes place at the kilometer markers indicated below:
- 1st leg: 6.5 km (from the start in ChĆ¢tillon to Neuville-les-Dames)
- 2nd leg: 14.5 km (Neuville-les-Dames to Vonnas)
- 3rd leg: 9 km (Vonnas to Neuville-les-Dames)
- 4th leg: 12 km (Neuville-les-Dames to the finish in ChĆ¢tillon)
The Half Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:45 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 178mD+
- 200+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx21.0975ākm
A few more words
Itās on the beautiful 21 km course that youāll set off. Tighten your laces for the Bresse Dombes Half Marathon! š
Your start will be in the lovely commune of Vonnas, which was named āFranceās first gourmet villageā at the initiative of Georges Blanc š. Whatās more, your start will be right in front of this great chefās restaurant for a little appetizer before your route!š“ Itās in the crazy atmosphere of the village that youāll build up momentum to begin this race š. Youāll head straight to the watercourse, the Renon, to soak up the picturesque scenery this race has to offer š„°šæ. Your route will have you discover old architecture such as the Moulin de la Poule and the Moulin Burel. Your 4th km will bring you alongside the ChĆ¢teau de Longe, grand lord of the roads š°.
After this majestic interlude, youāll head back into the rural parts of the town. And we can assure you, youāll be far from the classic road races! Indeed, the paths youāll take will show you green and natural spots around the town, so you can enjoy a change-of-scenery setting š.
These kilometers will take you through the ponds of the Dombes, revealing a wild landscape. Youāll then reach the halfway point of your route around Neuville-les-Dames, a small flower-filled commune.
The finish then takes place in the heart of the beautiful commune and former medieval town š¤ŗ of ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne (which, moreover, has been awarded the Villes et villages fleuris labels as well as that of Most Beautiful Detour in France). Well done to you! š
- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 10:00 AM
- 1 loopx11.6ākm
A few more words
For this walk of 11.6 km, you will set off from Avenue Charles de Gaulle, located in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne, in the morning āļø. This gentle stroll will take you on a tour of the town (literally! š ). You will therefore pass along some major roads, cross the watercourse "Chalaronne", and even go a bit further to breathe in the fresh air and greenery found to the south of the municipality. You will then head towards the Fairground to reach the finish line š.
The proceeds from this walk will be donated to the French Cancer League šļø.
10ākm : Road Running 10ākm
Road Running- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:40 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 72mD+
- 1 loopx10ākm
A few more words
10 km is a long enough distance to soak up the crazy atmosphere and to discover the lush green landscapes waiting for you along your route! š„³
You will start your race in the heart of the beautiful town and former medieval city of ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne (which has also been awarded the Towns and Villages in Bloom šø label as well as the Prettiest Detour in France one) š«š·. Your route, starting from the NoĆ«l Ravassard Racecourse, will allow you to discover the rural outskirts and the green spaces that make them up š. So itās in a setting of greenery and wooded paths that youāll be able to set off on an atypical and festive race š. And since itās a 10 km, you can try to beat your time ā± or simply enjoy the experience in a friendly atmosphere.
The finish line will also be in the city center and will have you running alongside the watercourse the Chalaronne š.
- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 10:15 AM
- 1 loopx7.5ākm
A few more words
Just like the 11.6 km walk, this 7.5 km stroll will take you on a tour of the town. To do that, you'll set off from Avenue Charles de Gaulle in the middle of the morning before finishing your route at the Champ de Foire in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne.
As its name suggests, the proceeds collected will be donated to the French Cancer League.
5ākm : Road Running 5ākm
Road Running- Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 9:30 AM
- Elevation gainĀ :Ā 28mD+
- 1 loopx5ākm
A few more words
This year again, the 5 km road race will allow as many people as possible to discover the event and its atmosphere! You'll start this short race in the late morning from the š“ racecourse in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne and will have to head to the Fairgrounds š.
4 kids/juniors races are organized on Saturday, between 4pm and 5pm, with an awards ceremony at the end of the afternoon š„. However, the goal isnāt to arrive first, but to have fun! š The races are not timed. On the other hand, theyāre packed with entertainment! A great atmosphere is guaranteed, along with delicious gourmet refreshments š.
- "La Pitchounes Color", a 300 m race for ages 4 to 6, start 4pm
- "La Mini Kid Color", a 700 m race for ages 7 to 9, start 4:15pm
- "La Kid Color", a 1,000 m race for ages 10 to 11, start 4:30pm
- "La Color", a 3 km race for ages 12 to 13, start 5pm
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Bib pickup will take place exclusively on Saturday, April 24, 2027, from 2pm to 7pm, at Espace NoĆ«l Ravassard / ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne Racecourse (until 4pm for the kidsā races).
No pickup will be possible on Sunday for timed races. If you canāt be there on Saturday, a postal delivery option is offered when you register.
Saturday, April 24, 2027:
4pm, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard: kidsā race ages 4 to 6. Baby AthlĆ© categories.
4:15pm, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard: kidsā race ages 7 to 9. Ćveil AthlĆ©tique categories.
4:30pm, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard: kidsā race ages 10 to 11. Poussins categories.
5pm, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard: kidsā race ages 12 to 13. Benjamins categories.
Sunday, April 25, 2027:
9am, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne: the Marathon, the Relay Marathon and the Mara-3nsemble
9:30am, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne: the 5 km
9:40am, Hippodrome NoĆ«l Ravassard in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne: the 10 km
9:45am, Rue Chaynes Aimable in Vonnas: the Half Marathon
10am: 11.6 km Solidarity Walk for the French League Against Cancer
10:15am: 7.5 km Solidarity Walk for the French League Against Cancer
The earlier you register, the less you pay. Three price tiers follow one another.
Launch offer, from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, November 1, 2026
Solo marathon: ā¬58
2-person relay marathon: ā¬85
4-person relay marathon: ā¬105
Mara-3nsemble: ā¬105
Half marathon: ā¬30
10 km: ā¬17
5 km: ā¬9
Second tier, until Sunday, March 21, 2027
Solo marathon: ā¬65
2-person relay marathon: ā¬90
4-person relay marathon: ā¬115
Mara-3nsemble: ā¬115
Half marathon: ā¬35
10 km: ā¬22
5 km: ā¬12
Third tier, starting Monday, March 22, 2027
Solo marathon: ā¬75
2-person relay marathon: ā¬100
4-person relay marathon: ā¬130
Mara-3nsemble: ā¬130
Half marathon: ā¬45
10 km: ā¬28
5 km: ā¬15
Fixed prices, regardless of registration date
7.5 km solidarity walk: ā¬10, free for under-12s
11.6 km solidarity walk: ā¬12, free for under-12s
Kidsā races: pay what you want, donated in full to the ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne branch of the French League Against Cancer
Registration includes in particular:
Chip timing (ankle or bib device, by YAKA CHRONO, an FFA-approved timekeeper)
Sports, festive and gourmet aid stations
Your finisher medal for the Marathon (solo, 2- and 4-person relay, Mara-3nsemble) and the Half Marathon
A medal for all young runners in the kidsā races
Access to changing rooms, showers and bag check
Post-race care: osteopathy (IsostƩo Lyon students) and kinesiology (Auranesis school, 15/20-minute sessions) in the finish area
A raffle with lots of prizes drawn from bib numbers
The personalized RunMotion Coach training plan, the eventās official coach
Clubs, associations and companies can register as a group by contacting the organizers:
by phone: 03 45 87 99 23
by email: semibressedombes@gmail.com specifying the following information: last name/first name of the group leader, group leaderās email, group leaderās phone number, group billing details, group with final invoice (therefore no payment by registrants and final payment by your organization) or group with payment by registrants
Shuttles run both ways between ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne and Vonnas: in the morning between 8am and 9am (outbound to the half-marathon start), then after the race between 12pm and 2pm. The fare is ā¬7 per seat.
Online reservation is mandatory, during registration or via your runner account once registered. No shuttle registrations are possible on site.
No shuttle service is provided for the Relay Marathon or the Mara-3nsemble: teams must organize their own travel to the relay zones in Vonnas and Neuville-les-Dames. Parking is available near both zones.
No medical certificate is required for kids/juniors races. However, parental authorization will be required. For the other races, medical certificates are no longer accepted, so you will need to provide a PPS certificate (Parcours PrƩvention SantƩ) dated less than three months before race day. This can be replaced by a valid FFA license or equivalent.
All necessary information can be found here.
Varied aid stations, with water and solid foods, will be set up along all routes and at the finish. Water points may be added in case of high heat.
Solo marathon, 2-person relay, 4-person relay and Mara-3nsemble: 11 āsportsā liquid/solid supplies, spaced every 3 to 5 km, plus several festive and gourmet aid stations
Half marathon: 6 āsportsā liquid/solid supplies every 5 km, which also serve as festive and gourmet aid stations
10 km: 3 āsportsā and āfestive and gourmetā liquid/solid supplies (2 on the course + finish)
5 km: 1 āsportsā and āfestive and gourmetā liquid/solid supply, at the finish
Solidarity walks: liquid/solid supplies (1 for the 7.5 km walk and 2 for the 11.6 km walk)
Donāt forget your cup! The event is committed to an eco-responsible approach: there are no disposable cups at aid stations, each runner must bring their own container.
To take part in the races, runners must have been born:
The Marathon (and the marathon runner in the Mara-3nsemble) is open to all athletes born in 2007 and earlier
The 2-person Relay Marathon is open to all athletes born in 2009 and earlier
The 4-person Relay Marathon is open to all athletes born in 2011 and earlier
The Half Marathon (and the half-marathon runner in the Mara-3nsemble) is open to all athletes born in 2009 and earlier
The 10 km (and the 12 km runner in the Mara-3nsemble) is open to all athletes born in 2011 and earlier
The 5 km is open to all athletes born in 2013 and earlier
āLa Colorā is open to all athletes born between 2014 and 2015
āLa Kid Colorā is open to all athletes born between 2016 and 2017
āLa Mini Kid Colorā is open to all athletes born between 2018 and 2020
āLa Pitchounes Colorā is open to all athletes born between 2021 and 2023
The solidarity walks are open to everyone, with no age requirement.
Award ceremonies will take place on the Champ de Foire, at the following times: Saturday 5:30pm for the kidsā races, Sunday 10:30am for the 5 km, 11:20am for the 10 km, 12:30pm for the half marathon and 1:30pm for the Marathon, the Relay Marathon and the Mara-3nsemble.
There will be prizes and rewards for the best in each category, with no stacking, for:
The first three men and women overall (Scratch) in the four adult races
The 1st in each age category and grouped Masters (from M0 to M10) in the solo marathon, half marathon and 10 km
The top 3 menās, womenās and mixed teams in the 2-person and 4-person relay marathons and the Mara-3nsemble
The best costume (the jury is made up of the organizing team)
1 medal for all young runners
1 Finisher medal for the Marathon (solo, 2-4 relay, Mara-3nsemble) and the Half Marathon
The top 3 boys and top 3 girls in each kidsā race
In addition, a prize draw of various gifts (based on bib numbers of finishers from the three main races) will take place during the awards ceremony. Winners must be present to receive the prizes.
The average temperature in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne in April is 15Ā°C with a low risk of rain.
Yes, the traditional Pasta Gourmande takes place on Saturday, April 24, 2027 from 7:30pm, at the Neuville-les-Dames community hall. On the menu: local products and flavors from the region (detailed menu to come).
The price is ā¬23 and online booking is mandatory (no on-site registration). Each runner or companion can book one or more seats, and you donāt have to take part in one of the races or walks to enjoy the meal.
Several accommodation options are offered on the competition website.
Yes to all three. Changing rooms, restrooms and showers are available at Espace NoĆ«l Ravassard ā ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne Racecourse, in the āBib Pickup ā Startā area.
A bag drop area is also planned at the start of the different formats:
Salle NoĆ«l Ravassard (ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne Racecourse) for the 5 km, 10 km and the Marathon
Vonnas community hall (Avenue du GƩnƩral de Gaulle) for the Half Marathon and runner 2 of the Mara-3nsemble
Your bag is transported to the finish: it will be waiting for you directly on the Champ de Foire in ChĆ¢tillon-sur-Chalaronne. Only presentation of your bib allows you to retrieve the deposited bag.
For the marathons:
Time limit 1: Vonnas / 21.1 km: 3h30 of racing
Time limit 2: Neuville les Dames / 30 km: 5h of racing
Time limit 3: ChĆ¢tillon sur Chalaronne / 42.2 km: 7h of racing
Do you want to become a volunteer? Itās very easy:
- by phone: 03 45 87 99 23
- by email: semibressedombes@gmail.com
- on the race website: https://www.marathon-bressedombes.fr/benevoles/
More questions? You can contact the organizers:
by mail: Agence Yaka Events, 32 rue de Lyon, 71000, MĆ¢con
by email: semibressedombes@gmail.com
by phone: 03 45 87 99 23
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