Corrida Jean Ritzenthaler - Kientzheim 2026

Corrida Jean Ritzenthaler is a late-December road running series held in Kientzheim, located in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace. The primary event, the Corrida des As, covers a measured 6.9 km on roads with minimal elevation gain (around 20 m), presenting a short, fast town race rather than a demanding mountain run. CSL Neuf-Brisach athlétisme is the organizing body. The event's program also features a 6.9 km relay, a 4.5 km race, a 3.3 km popular race, 900 m children's races, and a walking event. The course follows a loop through Kientzheim's streets, beginning and ending at Salle du Hirtenhaus in Kaysersberg Vignoble. The series originated in 1968, and Jean Ritzenthaler, its founder, remains integral to its identity, with a tribute held in his honor post-race. The event draws significant participation for a small-town corrida, with over 500 finishers across all events in a recent edition, more than 300 runners classified in the Corrida des As, and numerous relay teams. Thomas Hansmaennel holds the current course record, completing the race in under 20 minutes.