Corrida de Noël - Fontenay Le Comte 2026

The Corrida de Noël in Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée, held in late December, is known locally as the Corrida des Pères Noël, or Santa Claus Race. The eighth running attracted approximately 1,600 participants, with registration closing a month prior and about 300 more participants than the prior year. The event route is not mapped, but walkers used the same course as runners, indicating it is open to more than just competitive racers. A separate Course des Lutins, or Elves Race, was held for children, drawing around 200 young participants. Sport Athlétique Fontenaisien organizes the race, and its president, Valérie Nivet, commented on the full registration.