Trail des Citadelles

Running in the Footsteps of the Cathars

Created in the early 2010s, the Trail des Citadelles was born from the desire to showcase the landscapes and heritage of the Ariège Cathar Country through sport. Organized by SPUC Lasterka, an athletics club from Lavelanet, the trail offers routes every spring that wind through the trails of the Cathar Country, crossing deep forests, dizzying ridges, and grandiose panoramas of the Saint-Barthélemy massif and the Pyrenees range. The event quickly gained notoriety, attracting trail runners from all over France and beyond.

Five distances for all profiles

The Trail des Citadelles offers five events adapted to all levels of practice, from beginners to experienced trail runners:

• Ultra (72 km, 3,400 m D+): the main event, a demanding course that crosses the citadels of Montségur and Roquefixade. Start at 6:00 AM.
• Maxi (57 km, 2,800 m D+): a long and challenging trail across the ridges of the Cathar Country. Start at 7:00 AM.
• Trail (40 km, 2,000 m D+): a complete course offering a good balance between effort and scenery. Start at 8:00 AM.
• Rando Trail (25 km, 1,200 m D+): an intermediate format accessible to regular runners. Start at 9:00 AM.
• Discovery (10 km, 500 m D+): an introductory trail ideal for beginners. Start at 9:15 AM.

The Cathar Citadels, a Grandiose Setting

The Trail des Citadelles course crosses two of the most emblematic Cathar fortresses in the Pyrenees. The Château de Montségur, perched at an altitude of 1,207 meters on its dizzying peak, is a place of memory of Cathar resistance and the 1244 pyre. The Château de Roquefixade, clinging to a limestone cliff overlooking the valley, offers a spectacular panorama of the Ariège plain. Between these two citadels, runners follow forest paths, exposed ridges, and shepherd trails steeped in eight centuries of history.

A Major Sporting Event

With 2,282 finishers in 2025 during its 16th edition, the Trail des Citadelles has become one of the most popular trails in the Pyrenees and the south of France. The organization, supported by volunteers from SPUC Lasterka, ensures quality aid stations, rigorous marking, and well-honed logistics. The event contributes to the tourist and sporting influence of Lavelanet and the Cathar Country, attracting runners from all over Europe.