Trail de la cote roannaise - Roanne

The Trail de la Cote Roannaise starts in Roanne, Loire, in late May, offering four distances. The main event is 42 km with 2,200 m of elevation gain, presenting a true trail challenge rather than a road race with added paths. Shorter routes include 28 km with 1,200 m of gain, 18 km with 800 m, and 11 km with 350 m, providing a progression from introductory trails to a demanding mountain-style run. The starts are staggered throughout the morning, beginning with the 42 km race and concluding with the 11 km. The field is modest, with around 450 participants recently, giving it the feel of a local trail gathering rather than a large festival event. Côte Roannaise Raid Aventure organizes the race, and the structure suggests a practical club-organized event: early starts, reasonable entry fees, and courses designed for climbing in the rural landscape above Roanne.