Course des remparts de Bayonne

The Course des Remparts de Bayonne is a September 10 km race held in the heart of Bayonne, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The course follows the city’s old defensive walls instead of a typical road-race loop, with the start and finish near the CACAO peña. The event offers a single main distance for adults, alongside 1 km and 1.5 km races for children. The atmosphere is local and social, resembling a Basque festival day with running shoes rather than a subdued club time trial. The route winds through Bayonne’s historic streets, runs alongside Vauban’s ramparts, passes the moats, and concludes on the Lachepaillet rampart. An uncommon section crosses the former underground space connected to the Cacao association, the local group organizing the race and other sporting events in the Basque Country. Runners of all abilities are welcome, from novices to experienced racers, and the 10 km format makes the event accessible while retaining the city-center character. The race echoes the spirit of the Fêtes de Bayonne, with the post-race ambiance continuing at a terrace featuring Basque tartine, chicken basquaise, or Basque cake. For its 40th edition, organizers included a prize draw with over 600 prizes.