Trail des Forts
The emblematic nature race of Besançon through the Vauban fortifications
About Trail des Forts
Trail des Forts of Besançon: running through history and nature
The Trail des Forts of Besançon was born in 2004 from the initiative of Olivier Tiercet and Jean-Marie Baverel, two members of the running section of ASTB (Amicale Sportive Territoriale Bisontine). Their goal: to showcase their excellent training ground, their city, and the surrounding hills dotted with Vauban fortifications classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Courses for all levels
The Trail des Forts offers a complete range of courses adapted to all runner profiles:
- 5 km night race — Time trial with 140 m of positive elevation gain
- 11 km — Discovery trail with 330 m of elevation gain
- 16 km — Intermediate course with 560 m of elevation gain
- 22 km — Nature trail with 600 m of elevation gain
- 42 km — Major event with 1,300 m of elevation gain
- 62 km — The premier event with 2,400 m of elevation gain, solo or relay, connecting the city's 10 forts
A legendary passage through the Citadel
All runners have access to the famous Citadel of Besançon and its breathtaking passage offering an unimpeded view of the finish line. The main course even connects the 10 forts from the 18th and 19th centuries that protect the Vauban city.
Impressive growth
The first edition in 2004 had 400 runners on a single 32 km course, in terrible weather conditions: torrential rain, biting cold, and very muddy terrain. Since then, the event has continued to grow to become one of the largest trail races in Eastern France, with over 7,650 registered participants — a maximum capacity that the organizers no longer wish to exceed.
A sporting and heritage event
Beyond the sporting dimension, the Trail des Forts is a true heritage tour. Runners cross remarkable natural landscapes, forests, ridges, and historic military structures. The partner village set up at La Rodia offers changing rooms, a podium, and entertainment for companions.
Trail des Forts — edition 2026
The 23rd edition of the Trail des Forts de Besançon took place from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, with La Rodia as its base camp. Ten events, ranging from 5 km to 62 km, brought together over 7,500 runners on the Vauban fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Trail des Forts 2026 — the 23rd edition
The 23rd edition of the Trail des Forts de Besançon brought together over 7,500 runners from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, with its nerve center located at La Rodia (10, avenue de Chardonnet). Ten events, from the 5 km time trial to the 62 km Intégrale des Forts, offered an experience adapted to all profiles — seasoned runners, occasional trail runners, walkers, and even children with the Kids races.
Three days of racing around the Vauban fortifications
Friday, May 8, opened the weekend with bib collection and the partner village starting at 4 PM, followed by the Balade Chaudanne at 4:30 PM and the Community run Mizuno at 6 PM. Saturday, May 9, hosted the long events: 62 km Solo and Relay at sunrise (7:30 AM), then 22 km (9 AM), 42 km Maratrail (10:30 AM), 11 km Rando (3 PM), and the nocturnal time trial (9 PM). Sunday, May 10, closed the edition with the 17 km Duo (9 AM), the 11 km Chrono (9:30 AM), and the Kids races in the afternoon (1:30 PM).
A tribute and a remarkable list of winners
Before Sunday's start, runners paid tribute to a participant who died on Saturday following a cardiac arrest. In terms of results, Alexandre Sevin won the 62 km Solo (5 h 30 min 31 s), Clément Kristen the 42 km, Louis Régennass the 22 km and the 5.4 km time trial, and Dylan Ribeiro the 11 km.
A unique heritage setting
All courses use the trails connecting the 10 Vauban forts from the 18th and 19th centuries that encircle Besançon. The passage through the Citadelle, a spectacular viewpoint over the finish line, remains one of the highlights praised by participants — a now signature blend of nature running and UNESCO World Heritage.
Programme Trail des Forts 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026
- 4 PM – 8 PM — Bib collection and partner village opening · La Rodia
- 4:30 PM — Balade Chaudanne (departure La Rodia)
- 6 PM — Community run Mizuno · La Rodia
Saturday, May 9, 2026
- 7:30 AM — Start 62 km Solo + 62 km Relay (Intégrale des Forts, 2,400 m D+) · La Rodia
- 9 AM — Start 22 km (600 m D+) · La Rodia
- 10:30 AM — Start 42 km Maratrail (1,300 m D+) · La Rodia
- 3 PM — Start 11 km Rando · La Rodia
- 9 PM — Start 5.4 km Nocturnal Time Trial · La Rodia
Sunday, May 10, 2026
- 9 AM — Start 17 km Duo · La Rodia
- 9:30 AM — Start 11 km Chrono · La Rodia
- 1:30 PM — Start Kids races · La Rodia
Highlights Trail des Forts 2026
- 23rd edition, over 7,500 runners across 10 events from 5 km to 62 km
- Intégrale des Forts: 62 km connecting the 10 Vauban forts (2,400 m D+) — 2026 winner Alexandre Sevin in 5 h 30 min 31 s
- Iconic passage through the Citadelle de Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Saturday evening nocturnal time trial and Sunday afternoon Kids races
Prices Trail des Forts 2026
Practical information — Trail des Forts
Access to the Trail des Forts
Start and finish base
La Rodia
10, avenue de Chardonnet
25000 Besançon
Organization (welcome, arrivals, changing rooms, podium, partner village) is centralized at the La Rodia site.
By car
From the A36 motorway, follow signs for Besançon city center then La Rodia. Parking available nearby.
By train
Besançon Viotte station, about 2 km from La Rodia. Besançon Franche-Comté TGV station (shuttle to the city center).
Registration
Registration usually opens in the fall for the following spring's edition. As the capacity is limited to 7,650 participants, it is advisable to register quickly.
Prices
Registration fees vary depending on the distance (from approximately €10 to €55). Consult the official website for exact prices.
Contact
Website: www.traildesforts.com
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Trail des Forts
La Rodia — Départ et arrivée
10 avenue de Chardonnet, 25000 Besançon