Running in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

A majestic playground between cheese and cinema

You may not find any trail running / in the forest / mountain or by the sea here because the ocean is far, but our grandiose lakes more than make up for this small detail 💧. The biodiversity is so rich that you might encounter a curious chamois or a golden eagle during your run in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 🦅. It’s indeed a setting worthy of the big screen, where iconic scenes from La Grande Vadrouille were filmed and where the brilliant Alexandre Astier imagined the universe of Kaamelott 🎬. After your effort, the formidable local gastronomy awaits you to recharge your batteries 🔋. Forget strict dieting for a few hours to savor a good raclette, a tasty Saint-Nectaire or an authentic nougat from Montélimar 🧀. As for heritage, you can even make a recovery detour to admire the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, an unusual work built stone by stone by a single man 🏰.

The land where flat doesn't almost exist

This vast territory proudly displays strong symbols like the ancient volcanoes of the Puy-de-Dôme and the roof of Europe, the gigantic Mont Blanc 🏔️. Inevitably, where there are dizzying peaks, there is often an incline that will make your thighs burn like never before 🔥. You'll quickly understand why runners here have ironclad endurance! 💪 Besides, the region has seen the birth of athletic legends ready to devour the asphalt at incredible speeds 🥇. I’m particularly thinking of the amazing Hassan Chahdi, from Cluses in Haute-Savoie, who strings together magnificent marathon performances and makes the region proud 🏃‍♂️. You have no excuse not to lace up your sneakers and smash your own personal record ⏱️.

The paradise for competitors on asphalt

To help you organize your sports season, take a close look at our running calendar which is full of unmissable gems 📅. If you like urban atmosphere, the famous Run In Lyon will take you strolling between Rhône and Saône amidst an absolutely incredible fervor 🎉. Time purists will surely prefer the International Lake Annecy Marathon, highly renowned for its smooth route and breathtaking scenery 😍. If you're really fearless, the mythical SaintéLyon offers you a historical night challenge connecting Saint-Étienne to Lyon under snow or freezing rain 🥶.

Even more bibs for the road

Fans of mid-distances will delight in the very fast Foulée Vénissiane, perfect for pushing the chronometers crazy at the year's end ⚡. Nor should we forget the spectacular 15 km of Puy-en-Velay which will take you through exceptional architectural heritage ⛪. All these running events in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes are true institutions that gather thousands of enthusiasts like you each year 🤝. The atmosphere is always very friendly, driven by armies of volunteers who cheer you on from start to finish 📣. You now just need to choose the distance that matches your current preparation! 🎯

Now that you know everything about this wonderful part of France, it’s high time to take action and achieve your goals 🏆. Warm up well, choose your ideal challenge from the wonderful list just below, and hurry to reserve a bib before it’s too late! 🎫 See you very soon at the starting line to write your own local legend 👇.