Ah Lyon, a dazzling city with its quays, its rivers, its peninsula, its historic center, but also... its elevation gain. Yes indeed! 😉
Set off on an Urban Trail in this magnificent city located in the heart of the Rhône department. The event takes place in April 🗓️, so when it comes to weather 🌤️, it can vary from a gloomy wintry grey 🌫️ to a superb sunny spring day 🌸. In Lyon, we love sharing, conviviality and festive gatherings, so here, everyone has their say! 😊 With 4 distances to choose from, you can take on the streets of the Rhône, no matter your level 😉. It's up to you to find the race that suits you among the 12 km, the 18 km, the 25 km and 35 km. A 12 km hike is also on the program if you want to enjoy the charm of the City of Light more leisurely ✌️. The city is THE forerunner of Urban Trail at the European 🇪🇺 level, with a masterful organization, always top-notch 🧅 to give you an unforgettable time! So come quickly to Lyon alongside some 12,000 participants for the 19th 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 race day, Finishers 🏃♀️ head from all directions to Quai Fulchiron to line up at the start of this historic trail and give you an extraordinary sightseeing discovery. A real immersion in Lyon awaits you, with passages through the steep alleys of the old town. There will be elevation gain 📈! We don't want to scare you 😱, but you'll be going up (and down) whichever race you choose 😂. With a start and a finish in Vieux Lyon, you'll be able to climb to the top of the famous Fourvière hill and admire the sumptuous Basilica of the same name ⛪️. And what about the Croix Rousse hill where, once you reach its summit, you'll have the opportunity to see a life-size postcard of the city 😍. As a fan of panoramic views, you'll be delighted! 🔭
Your main challenge on the LUT will be to brave the paths, the bridges, but above all the stairs of Lyon 🔥. No fewer than 6,000 steps await you on the 35 km! 😱 We hope you're not a bambane, a lazy man in Lyon slang 🦥. Between the roads and the cobblestones of the city, you'll run alongside and cross the Saône, one of the two rivers that run through the city 💦. This Urban Trail is full of surprises 🎁 and unusual passages past monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage 🗽. Notably the crossing of the LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theatres, passages through iconic squares, but also through the many public parks including the Bois de la Caille 🌳 for the 25 km and the 35 km, which contrast with Lyon's urban landscape 🏙️. A chance to reclaim the city from a new angle. Indeed, the event's slogan says it perfectly: "The city as you've never seen it." Your return to Vieux Lyon to cross the finish line 🏁 will be to a thunder of applause from the gones (Lyon locals) 👏. And spectators will be there in great numbers, remember that you are in France's third-largest city 🥉.
Once you've crossed the line, all that's left is to discover the Lyon region and its surroundings up close. Go and visit Vieux Lyon and its architectural heritage rich in omega 3 ⛪️. Treat yourself to a cultural outing at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, which is among the most important in Europe 🖼️. You can also add to your to-do list the Musée des Confluences (Museum of Natural History and Societies) with its very distinctive modern architecture 🏺. And if after all that you're feeling a little peckish, the Lyonnais bouchons will be delighted to help you regain your strength 💪. On the menu, we offer andouillette, pike quenelles or even cervelle de canut which you can pair with a good Côtes-du-Rhône wine, to be enjoyed in moderation! 🍷
Now that we've made your mouth water 😋, we're waiting for you with open arms in Lugdunum to take the start of this trail in the City of Lights 💡.
The 35 km is something of the flagship event of the Lyon Urban Trail. It is indeed one of the only long-distance urban trails offered in all of France! 🥵 No less. With its 1,400 meters of positive elevation gain, it is truly the king of the Trail! ✌️ So head to the Quai Fulchiron, beneath the Palais de Justice, for the start of this race that promises to be rich in emotions, discoveries, and hard effort 😜. Then cross the river via the Pont Bonaparte and tread the Presqu'île as you head toward Perrache 🚂. Next, you will have to cross the Pont Kitchener-Marchand to climb back up toward the 5th arrondissement of Lyon.
Admire the building of the Lycée Saint Just at the 10th kilometer, before passing in front of the sumptuous LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theatres 🎭, a relic dating back more than 2,000 years! A little anecdote: at its peak, it could hold nearly 10,000 spectators, who tirelessly watched gladiators fight and chariots race around its center ⚔️.
Next, make your way toward the Fort de Loyasse at the 15th kilometer, before crossing, yes once again (and it won't be the last time), the Saône. Take a photo of the Fort Saint-Jean before delving into the heart of Lyon's countless parks, including the Bois de la Caille at the 22nd kilometer 🌳. When you arrive in Caluire-et-Cuire, yet another fort awaits you, the Fort de Montessuy 🏰. Yes, Lyon is a city of a thousand facets, brimming with historical remains 😁.
We told you about stairs, and now is when it all plays out in the heart of the Croix-Rousse. The Mermet stairs could be the decisive test of the race. The ones that will open up gaps between participants 🏃♂️. You will need to be focused, skillful, agile and enduring to tame them. At the 34th kilometer, enjoy a unique experience by literally crossing, yes crossing, you read that right, Lyon City Hall 🤗. Then take the Pont de la Feuillée, we promise it's the last one, but believe us, these bridges will offer you breathtaking views of the former capital of the Gauls 😍.
It is now time for your final stretch in the Saint Jean district, for a legendary sprint on the Lyon cobblestones. 🏁
In total, this course spans 3 municipalities (Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire and Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon) and passes through about 20 little-known parks or green spaces. Starts are in waves, every 5 minutes from 7:00 to 7:20 am, and the courses close at 5:00 pm.
A flagship distance for a legendary Urban Trail 🤩. With its 25 km course and 1,100 meters of positive elevation gain, take on the Fourvière Hill and the Croix-Rousse hill, venturing all the way to Caluire-et-Cuire, to experience the Lyon Urban Trail to the fullest! 😉
As with the other distances, the starting line will be located on Quai Fulchiron, just a few meters from the legendary Palais de Justice and its columns ⛪️. No time to rest on your laurels, because after enjoying a warm-up along the quays, you'll have to climb up to the LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theatres. This ancient Roman playground could hold nearly 10,000 spectators at its peak during the 1st century 😱. Continue on your way to catch a glimpse of the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, which sits enthroned above the city 😍. At the 6th kilometer, another building will rise before you, the Fort de Loyasse, which will start a descent toward the Saône quays. 💦
Cross this Lyon river to discover the Fort Saint-Jean and then lose yourself in the heart of the countless parks in the north of the city, including the Bois de la Caille at the 15th kilometer 🌳. More historic remains lie along your path (we warned you that Lyon was a historic city 🏛) with the Fort de Montessuy at the 22nd kilometer 🏰. Then head back down to the banks of the second river you'll get to see during your Lyon epic, the Rhône. Brave the Mermet stairs at the 21st kilometer before running through Lyon's City Hall from top to bottom. Yes, you will literally run inside this historic building 🏃♂️. Cross the Saône once again via the Pont de la Feuillée, and get ready to unleash your best sprint in Old Lyon to go for a record-worthy time! ⏱
Starts are in waves, every 5 minutes from 9:00 am to 9:25 am, and the courses close at 5:00 pm.
This second distance offered during the Lyon Urban Trail will take you running 18 km through the heart of the Fourvière Hills and the Croix-Rousse 😍. With its 700 meters of positive elevation gain, it's the race you need to set yourself a little personal challenge 💪.
Like the other distances, the start will be given on the Quai Fulchiron, a few steps from the Palais de Justice. You'll enjoy a few kilometers along the riverbanks before climbing up in front of the LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theatres, nearly 2000 years old and rather well preserved 😉. Keep up your momentum to stand in front of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the emblem of the city ⛪️.
Charge up the steep alleys of the Fourvière Hill before discovering the Fort de Loyasse at the 6th kilometer 🏰. Already tired? No worries, because this is the refreshing part of the race with strides along the Saône quays, before crossing it and discovering the Fort Saint-Jean. And off you go again for another hill, with the discovery of the Croix-Rousse, and you'll see, it's quite a climb on that side too 😂.
Take on the Mermet stairs before running through the City Hall. Yes, you will literally be running through the heart of the building, incredible, right? 😀 Then head off to discover the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, before crossing the Saône once more at the Pont de la Feuillée. One last run through the heart of Old Lyon for your final strides will mark the end of your course before you cross the finish line 🏃♂️.
The courses close at 5:00 PM.
Let's start this little tour of the distances on offer at the Lyon Urban Trail with the smallest of the bunch. 12 km and 450 meters of positive elevation gain sounds reasonable, right 😜? So if you're looking for a first experience in this Urban Trail discipline, this distance looks perfect for you! 👌
The start will be given on the Quai Fulchiron, a few steps from the Palais de Justice 🏁. You'll enjoy a few kilometers along the riverbanks before warming up your calves with the climb of the Chemin Neuf that rises in front of you, taking you to the LUGDUNUM - Roman Museum and Theatres, a vestige of the Roman era dating back several thousand years! 😱 Along the way, also take the time to look at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière ⛪️, built during the 19th century. It will be a bit of a roller coaster over your first 6 kilometers with small climbs and descents 🎢, before reaching the banks of the Saône 💦.
Cross the river at the 7th kilometer to discover Fort Saint-Jean 🏰. Then lose yourself in the streets of the Croix-Rousse hill, before discovering the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls. Then cross the Pont de la Feuillée for one last run through Old Lyon for an exceptional finish 🏃♂️.
Starts are in waves, every 5 minutes from 1:30 pm to 1:55 pm, and the courses close at 5:00 pm.
If you prefer to take your time, admire the scenery, and not be stressed by the clock, the Lyon Urban Trail hike is the race made for you! ⏱️ The organizers offer this 12 km walk to allow participants to rediscover Lyon from a brand-new angle 🤩.
Starting from the Quai Fulchiron, set off to discover the Gallo-Roman Theatre and the emblem of the former capital of the Gauls, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Wander through the heart of the steep alleys of the Fourvière Hill ⛪, which will offer you magical viewpoints. Cross the Saône at the 7th kilometer and discover the Fort Saint-Jean, dating from the 18th century 🕰️. Now you will wander through the alleys of the Croix-Rousse Hill, with passages through the Mermet stairs, the City Hall and the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls.
Take the Pont de la Feuillée and finish this walk with a discovery of Old Lyon! 🌆
Bibs must be collected individually on presentation of a photo ID and your bib collection card on Saturday, April 3 from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm and on Sunday, April 4, 2027 from 6:00 am to 1:30 pm – Place Saint Jean – 69005 Lyon.
The races will start at Quai Fulchiron on Sunday, April 4, 2027:
at 7:00 am for the 35 km
at 9:00 am for the 25 km
at 11:30 am for the 18 km
at 1:30 pm for the 12 km
from 9:45 am to 11:00 am for the 12 km hike
Age limits depend on the event and are defined by FFA categories. According to the latest published rules (2026 edition):
35 km and 25 km timed: ESPOIRS category (under-23)
18 km and 12 km timed: JUNIORS category
12 km hike: BENJAMINS category, with parental authorization
Parental authorization is mandatory for minors. The exact birth years for the 2027 edition will be specified in the 2027 rules, which have not yet been published.
For licensed runners: you must hold an Athlé Compétition License, an Athlé Entreprise License, an Athlé Running License (Santé Loisirs with the "Running" option) or a Pass' Running issued by the French Athletics Federation (Fédération Française d'Athlétisme) and valid on the day of the event. Runners licensed with the French Athletics Federation must attach a photocopy of their 2026-2027 license or Pass' Running.
For non-licensed runners: Any non-licensed adult participant registering for a timed event of the Lyon Urban Trail must connect, within the 3 months preceding the competition, to the dedicated web platform: pps.athle.fr and follow the various steps designed to raise awareness of the risks, precautions and recommendations related to running.
At the end of the PPS, the participant can print their course completion certificate (temporary number) and then provide it to the organization before the race by completing their online registration file.
For minor participants: The athlete and the persons holding parental authority must jointly complete a questionnaire about the athlete's state of health. The persons holding parental authority over the minor athlete certify to the federation that each section of the questionnaire has been answered negatively. Otherwise, a medical certificate dated within the last six months and attesting to the absence of contraindications to practicing the sport or discipline concerned must be provided.
It's not easy to park near the race start. We strongly recommend taking public transport to get to the start line, or running there, which is a good way to warm up! Otherwise, the fastest way is definitely the Vieux Lyon metro station on Line D.
To find your race results and ranking, simply click on the Results tab at the bottom of the home page of the race website.
35 km timed: Trophies and prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
25 km timed: Trophies and prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
18 km timed: Trophies and prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
12 km timed: Trophies and prizes for the top 3 overall (Men & Women)
LYON URBAN TRAIL is a specific type of event. Competitors are considered fully self-reliant between each aid station.
The 35 km timed race is run in semi-self-sufficiency: 3 solid/liquid aid stations.
The 25 km timed race is run in semi-self-sufficiency: 2 solid/liquid aid stations.
The 18 km timed race is run in semi-self-sufficiency: 1 solid/liquid aid station.
The 12 km timed race is run in semi-self-sufficiency: 1 solid/liquid aid station.
The 12 km hike is run in semi-self-sufficiency: 1 solid/liquid aid station.
There will be no cups at the aid stations.
You must carry a hydration system of at least 0.5 L with a bottle holder or waterbag, a food reserve, a rain jacket, a whistle and an emergency blanket.
Each participant agrees to carry the required equipment and to present it upon request by the organizer, just before the start, throughout the entire event or in the finish area.
Poles are prohibited.
A bag drop is available at the Aux Lazaristes venue, 3 Place Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon. There will be no changing rooms at the finish of the event where you can change.
The LUT By Night is the nighttime version of the LUT. It takes place in November and offers different distances from those of the daytime edition.
Only a very clever person could predict the weather on the day of the event. In April in Lyon, you could get a hot, sunny day just as easily as a gloomy rainy one. So dress accordingly!
The 2027 edition fees have not yet been published: they will be known when registration opens, scheduled for November 12, 2026. As a reference, in 2026, fees ranged from €15 (12 km hike) to €45 (38 km) for the first 1,000 bibs, then from €19 to €52 for the remaining bibs.
You can check the race rules here
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