Les Courses du Jura

Les Courses du Jura Alsacien is an annual trail-running series held in Ferrette, a village in the Haut-Rhin region of southern Alsace. The event offers participants three race options: an 8 km nature race with 100 m of elevation gain, a 15 km discovery trail covering 570 m of climbing, and a 32 km trail with 1160 m of ascent. The longest race, which is featured on the UTMB Index calendar, begins in the morning near the local swimming pool and multi-purpose hall and has a five-hour cut-off time. Participants can register online, with or without a license, starting from the cadet category. The 8 km race forms a loop through the Durmenach larch forest. The 15 km route encircles Ferrette’s historic “city of counts,” passing landmarks such as the Tour du Rossberg, the Grotte des Nains, and the castle. The 32 km trail ventures further into the Alsatian Jura, crossing forested hills above Ferrette and including sites like the Allée des Hêtres, the Grotte des Nains fault, and Ferrette castle. This long race operates under semi-self-sufficiency rules, with a single aid station, requiring runners to carry their own supplies. Post-race amenities, including bib collection, showers, changing facilities, awards, and physiotherapy services, are located at the Ferrette college gymnasium. The event also contributes to the fight against Charcot’s disease, providing a charitable cause alongside the races.