Course des sapins - Saulieu

At the Course des Sapins in Saulieu, many runners leave with an actual Christmas tree, reflecting the race’s Morvan identity. The winter event, organized by the municipal sports office in Saulieu, Côte-d’Or, features a 10.2 km main race. The program accommodates a broad range of participants, not just experienced runners, with seven races from children’s events to senior and masters categories. Participation reached 1,320 runners, and organizers aim to exceed this record. The main route is predominantly trail, with minimal asphalt, some false flats, and sufficient small climbs to resemble trail running more than a flat road race. A section of the course ascends above Saulieu, offering a view of the town before returning to the sports park. Children have their own races, including a baby-cross with an accompanying adult, and the youngest finishers receive a young fir tree from Morvan nurseries. Most other runners receive a Morvan Christmas tree from local nurseries, a tradition that grounds the event in its location rather than making it a generic road race.