Trail Enguerrand
Trail in the heart of the medieval city of Coucy-le-Château
About Trail Enguerrand
The Trail Enguerrand is a trail running event organized annually in April in Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, in the Aisne department. Named in homage to the Lords of Coucy, medieval lords who built one of the most powerful castles in Europe, the event offers three courses from 10 to 30 km through the forests and valleys surrounding this 13th-century fortified city. Organized by U.A. Chauny, the trail donates to the Enfants Cancer Santé association with each registration. Limited to 300 participants per race, it combines sporting challenge and heritage discovery.
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A trail on the lands of the Lords of Coucy
Created in 2022, the Trail Enguerrand takes its name from Enguerrand Ier de Coucy, who acquired the domain around 1085 and participated in the First Crusade with his son Thomas. The dynasty of the Lords of Coucy had one of the most imposing castles in Europe built, the majestic ruins of which still dominate the Ailette valley today. It is in this exceptional historical setting that runners set off each year in April, covering forest and country paths steeped in eight centuries of history.
Three courses for all levels
The Trail Enguerrand offers three trail races adapted to different runner profiles, as well as a leisure walk and youth races:
- Trail des Sires (30 km, 760 m D+): the main event, a demanding course that takes runners through the deep forests and valleys of Laonnois, with technical sections and remarkable panoramas of the fortified city. Start at 2:45 PM, open to runners aged 20 and over.
- Trail de la Vallée (15 km, 420 m D+): an intermediate course along the Ailette valley, offering a good balance between effort and discovery of the Picardy bocage landscapes. Start at 3:00 PM, accessible from age 18.
- Trail du Château (10 km, 245 m D+): a discovery trail ideal for beginners or those who want to fully enjoy the medieval heritage of Coucy. Start at 3:15 PM, open from age 16.
- Marche Loisir (11 km, 220 m D+): a friendly walk open to all, priced at 5 euros.
- Trails de Ronde: races for young people aged 9 to 15 (1.2 km and 1.6 km), free of charge.
A solidarity and local commitment
Organized by U.A. Chauny (Union Athlétique de Chauny) in partnership with the Lion's Club Chaunois and the association Bandits du Pont des Tripes of Coucy-la-Ville, the Trail Enguerrand stands out for its solidarity commitment: for each participation, a donation of 4 euros is given to the Enfants Cancer Santé association. Each race is limited to 300 participants, ensuring careful organization and a friendly experience. A meal is offered to runners upon arrival, with sausages, white beans, and apple pie.
Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, medieval setting
The city of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Ailette valley, preserves impressive vestiges of its medieval past: ramparts, fortified towers, and the ruins of the monumental keep which, with its 54 meters in height and 31 meters in diameter, was the largest keep in Europe before its destruction in 1917. The trail paths cross the surrounding forests and offer striking views of this exceptional military architecture, a listed historic monument.
Trail Enguerrand — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the Trail Enguerrand will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. The event will offer the Trail des Sires (30 km, 760 m D+), the Trail de la Vallée (15 km, 420 m D+), the Trail du Château (10 km, 245 m D+), the 11 km leisure walk, and the Trails de Ronde for young people. Registrations have been open since December 15, 2025, on ADEORUN.
5th Edition: See you on April 18, 2026
The Trail Enguerrand returns for its 5th edition on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. Starting from the village center of this medieval city in Aisne, runners will set off through the forests and valleys of Laonnois, in a remarkable heritage and natural setting.
The program includes:
- Trail des Sires (30 km, 760 m D+): the main event, start at 2:45 PM, open to runners aged 20 and over. Price: 30 euros.
- Trail de la Vallée (15 km, 420 m D+): start at 3:00 PM, accessible from age 18. Price: 15 euros.
- Trail du Château (10 km, 245 m D+): start at 3:15 PM, open from age 16. Price: 10 euros.
- Marche Loisir (11 km, 220 m D+): start at 3:20 PM. Price: 5 euros.
- Trails de Ronde: races for young people aged 9 to 15 (1.2 km and 1.6 km), free of charge.
Registrations have been open since December 15, 2025, on the ADEORUN platform. The registration deadline is set for Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Each race is limited to 300 participants. Presentation of an FFA license or a PPS (Pass Prévention Santé) is mandatory.
Programme Trail Enguerrand 2026
Program - Saturday, April 18, 2026
- 1:30 PM: Start Trail de Ronde Benjamins-Minimes (1.6 km)
- 1:50 PM: Start Trail de Ronde Poussins (1.2 km)
- 2:45 PM: Start Trail des Sires (30 km, 760 m D+)
- 3:00 PM: Start Trail de la Vallée (15 km, 420 m D+)
- 3:15 PM: Start Trail du Château (10 km, 245 m D+)
- 3:20 PM: Start Marche Loisir (11 km, 220 m D+)
Highlights Trail Enguerrand 2026
- 5th edition of Trail Enguerrand
- Trail des Sires 30 km (760 m D+), Trail de la Vallée 15 km (420 m D+), Trail du Château 10 km (245 m D+)
- Marche Loisir 11 km and Trails de Ronde for young people
- 300 participants maximum per race
- Registrations on ADEORUN until April 13, 2026
- Solidarity commitment: donation to Enfants Cancer Santé
Prices Trail Enguerrand 2026
Practical information — Trail Enguerrand
Access
- Starting point: Village center of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, 02380
- By car: From Laon (30 km northeast), take the D5 then D1. From Soissons (30 km south), take the D1 towards Coucy. From the A26, exit Laon then head towards Coucy-le-Château.
- Parking: Free parking in the village.
Start times
- 1:30 PM: Trail de Ronde Benjamins-Minimes (1.6 km)
- 1:50 PM: Trail de Ronde Poussins (1.2 km)
- 2:45 PM: Trail des Sires (30 km)
- 3:00 PM: Trail de la Vallée (15 km)
- 3:15 PM: Trail du Château (10 km)
- 3:20 PM: Marche Loisir (11 km)
Prices (2026 edition)
- Trail des Sires (30 km): 30 euros
- Trail de la Vallée (15 km): 15 euros
- Trail du Château (10 km): 10 euros
- Marche Loisir (11 km): 5 euros
- Trails de Ronde (youth): free
Registration
- Online on the ADEORUN platform: trail-enguerrand.adeorun.com
- Mandatory presentation of an FFA license or a PPS (Pass Prévention Santé) for non-licensed participants.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Official website: www.trail-enguerrand.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Trail Enguerrand at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Trail Enguerrand
Centre-bourg de Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique
Centre-bourg, 02380 Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique