Trail of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval 2026
See more about the offersTrail du Cirque du Fer à Cheval
- Next event : Sat, March 21, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : Sat, March 22, 2025
The event in a few words
Saddle up and head to Arbois, in the Jura, in the heart of the Bourgogne-France-Comté region! 🥰 Get ready for the 6th edition of the magnificent Trail of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval🐴. Don't be confused, it's about putting on your sneakers 👟, not riding a horse. You'll need to choose between the 5 courses offered, on a short or long distance 🤏. For walkers, there is also a hiking format of 10 km. You'll set out on the paths of this small town of about 4,000 inhabitants, where the art of living is a characteristic feature! 🌈 The setting is beautiful, and this village is often recognized for its yellow ochre stone buildings that give it a unique charm 🧱. But the heart of this place is still these magnificent wine estates which add an undeniable charm 🍷. Well, with all the mentioned qualities, we warn you, that in March it's not always very warm in Arbois, around 8 degrees 🌡️. Just enough to refresh your ideas 🥶.
In the heart of the vineyards, the Trail of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval offers a well-crafted organization 🧑🍳. You will have the choice between 5 courses: 10 km, 22 km, 32 km, 46 km, and 84 km. This extensive catalog allows everyone the opportunity to participate as there is something for all levels 🤠. On the 84 km and its 3,500 D+, you'll have the chance to discover the lovely surrounding villages 🏘️. For example, the town of Pupillin or Salins-les-Bains, known for its spa village. Then, there is a 46 km route with no less than 2,000 D+ 🤓, a great challenge for the most motivated. Next, you have the smaller ones in this edition 👯♂️, first the 32 km race with its 1,400 D+ 🌄. Then, the 22 km with 780 D+ ↗️. Finally, a cherry on top for those who want to start in trail running 🍒, a 10 km race with 400 D+, a nice little challenge! 🏃♀️ Whether it's long or short distance, you'll be among the lucky ones to tread on a green nature with beautiful vineyard lands 🌿. All in a friendly and warm atmosphere. All the arguments are there for you to be part of the finishers of this beautiful 2026 vintage (well not vintage, edition) 🥂.
After your race, we advise you to take a few hours or days to discover the living place of the Arboisians 👀. Between gastronomy, history and culture you won't be disappointed! 🤩 For example, you can discover the Family Home of Louis Pasteur where he lived and worked. Today it is a museum dedicated to his memory, notably housing his laboratory ⚗️. In a completely different register, we also recommend the Museum of Vine and Wine in the Château de Pécauld 🍇. Arbois is the ideal place to interact with enthusiasts 🙏, a chance to learn more about Comtois viticulture. And after all, let yourself enjoy one of the many restaurants in the city to discover the culinary traditions of the Jura 🍽️.
Now that we've awakened all your senses, you know that it's Arbois you should head to for the Trail of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval! 🫶
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
84 km
46 km
32 km
22 kmTOP
10 km
84 km : Trail 84 km
Trail- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 6:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 3500mD+
- 4 ITRA points
- 1 loopx84 km
A few more words
Let's go for the 84 km route with over 3,500 mD+! 🤩
The start will be from the campsite Les Vignes d'Arbois at 6 am. Your journey will begin with a discovery of Pupillin, which will be your first refreshment point just before the 12th kilometer. Then you'll pass by the Fer à Cheval refreshment point, followed by the Roche du feu refreshment point located just before the village of Mesnay. It's a village known for its dam and its cascade of the Dérochoir on the Cuisance. At this point, you will be nearing the halfway mark of the course 🥳. It will also be possible, in case you encounter difficulties, to take a branch for the 46 km course. This will allow you to be finishers of the race, on another equally honorable distance 🎖️. Well, if you have chosen to stay on the 84 km route, you head towards the Fort Saint-André refreshment point at the 54th kilometer to start the final part of your race. You will need to take the necessary supplies because, as the saying goes, it's always "the best for last" 😎. The peak of the race will take place at the 63rd km, where you'll find the Poupet refreshment point, and what is reassuring is that everything you have climbed, you will descend! Finally, you'll make a swift passage through the village of Aiglepierre (with a new refreshment point 🍽️) and you will have about ten kilometers left. They will be easier and may even allow a few accelerations to excite the supporters who will be waiting for you in great numbers at the finish 🏁.
Trail 46 km
Trail- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 2000mD+
- 2 ITRA points
- 1 loopx46 km
A few more words
The 46 km route is heavily inspired by its big brother, the 84 km👯♂️. The path is almost the same, but you'll simply head back earlier towards the town of Montigny-Lès-Arsures. There will be 5 refreshments on your route to help you regain strength throughout your journey 🍽️. You will need to stay focused until the end, because unlike the 80 km, your final strides won't be as easy. As for the finish, it takes place at the same location as the start, allowing you to finally relax, as you are officially finishers 😎.
Trail 32 km
Trail- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 1400mD+
- 2 ITRA points
- 200+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx32 km
A few more words
The starting point, as for all races, will be from the Les Vignes d'Arbois campsite. You will set off into the beautiful and lush Arbois forest 🌲. Your first refreshment stop will be just before the commune of La Châtelaine, located at about 570 meters altitude ⛰️. Then you will head towards the 'Roche du Feu' refreshment stop at the 18th kilometer. You will have passed the halfway mark and will already have about 1,000 mD+ on your record. The hardest part will be behind you, and you will be able to see the commune of Montigny-Lès-Arsures. This will be your last refreshment area 🫡. You are now on your way for the last 5 kilometers, still through the stunning landscapes of the Jura region. Smile, you finally crossed the finish line and can enjoy a small glass of wine produced just a stone's throw away 🍷. (To be consumed in moderation)
- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 780mD+
- 300+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx22 km
A few more words
The start will be, as for every race, from the Les Vignes d'Arbois campsite 🏕️. There you go, embarking on a beautiful and long gradual climb of 22 km for 780 mD+ 🤠. In your journey, you will descend to the Cirque du Fer à Cheval where you will find your first refreshment station 🍽️. Then, you will ascend towards Mesnay passing through Les Planches Près Arbois, a charming little village in the Jura region 🥰. Once you pass this town, you will be halfway through. The second and last refreshment station will be at Roche du Feu, at the 14th km. Then, you will finally see the end of the course, which should be less demanding, allowing you to regain strength in your legs until your arrival at Arbois, where the supporters will be waiting for you in large numbers! 😎
Trail 10 km
Trail- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 400mD+
- 200+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx10 km
A few more words
This is the little thumb of this event of the Trail du Cirque du Fer à Cheval. The route stretches over 10 km and features 400 mD+, making it a course open to new trail enthusiasts. You will go up to Montigny-Lès-Arsures at the 5th kilometer where you can quickly refuel 🍴. Then, it will already be time to think about the return journey 🥰. You will speed past the pretty little village of Grange Champaillon and finally, right before your eyes, you will see the finish line! 🏁
Walking 10 km
Walking- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 400mD+
- 1 loopx10 km
A few more words
The walk course follows that of the 10 km trail!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up your bib on Friday, March 20, 2026, between 5 PM and 10 PM, and on Saturday, March 21, 2026, starting at 5:30 AM (5 AM for the 84 km runners) at Camping Les Vignes d'Arbois (5 route de la Piscine, 39600 Arbois).
The races will start at Camping Les Vignes d'Arbois on Saturday, March 21, 2026:
Trail 84 km: start at 6 AM
Trail 46 km: start at 8 AM
Trail 32 km: start at 9 AM
Trail 22 km: start at 10 AM
Trail 10 km: start at 10:30 AM
Walk 10 km: start at 10:30 AM
Yes, there are age categories:
Trail 84 km: from 20 years old
Trail 46 km: from 20 years old
Trail 32 km: from 20 years old
Trail 22 km: from 20 years old
Trail 10 km: from 16 years old
Walk 10 km: from 16 years old
Trail 84 km: €85
Trail 46 km: €50
Trail 32 km: €35
Trail 22 km: €25
Trail 10 km: €15
Yes, there are time limits for all the races.
For the 84 km trail, the time limit is 15 hours, so you must finish before 9 PM.
For the 46 km trail, the time limit is 9 hours, so you must finish before 5 PM.
For the 32 km trail, the time limit is 7 hours, so you must finish before 4 PM.
For the 22 km trail, the time limit is 5.5 hours, so you must finish before 3 PM.
For the 10 km trail, the time limit is 2.5 hours, so you must finish before 1 PM.
Yes, there will be refreshment points for all the races:
For the 84 km: 8 refreshment points
For the 46 km: 5 refreshment points
For the 32 km: 4 refreshment points
For the 22 km: 3 refreshment points
For the 10 km: 2 refreshment points
Note, there are no cups at the refreshment points.
You can now provide a PPS, which replaces the medical certificate for non-licensed adult runners. This statement is valid for 3 months (renewable indefinitely).
For the 84 km course, a charged headlamp is mandatory. For the other races, a mobile phone, a survival blanket, and an eco-cup for the refreshment points are mandatory.
For trails, hikes, and walks, poles are allowed.
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