Foulées de Villeurbanne is a road-running series in Villeurbanne, near Lyon in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, held in early spring since 1991. The programme includes timed 5 km, 10 km, and half-marathon races, plus free leisure options: a 5 km run, a 4 km walk, and a 1 km course for children. The event focuses on public health and racing, aiming to encourage local people to be active and demonstrate the health benefits of regular physical activity.
The routes begin in the city centre and go through Villeurbanne, Parc de la Feyssine, and the Doua campus, with marshals guiding participants on the campus sections. The field is diverse: approximately 1,200 children aged 6 to 11 start each year, nearly 300 walkers participate, and the free 5 km leisure run has grown to around 600 participants. Leisure entries represent 43% of the field, reflecting the event's atmosphere. Avenue Henri Barbusse hosts a race village that attracts about 9,000 people for stands and activities focused on health, well-being, and healthy eating. The organisation is also local, with 280 volunteers from 26 sports and student associations, ASVEL Athletics as the supporting club, and USEP managing the children’s races.