The Trail de Tanlay begins and ends at the Château de Tanlay in Yonne, Burgundy. Runners depart from the castle and proceed into the countryside surrounding the village. This September event, organized by Foyer Rural de Tanlay, offers a weekend of trail running, biathlon, Nordic walking, hiking, and a two-day combined trail option. The primary distances include a 13 km trail with 340 m of elevation gain and a 44 km trail with 1,640 m of elevation gain, catering to local runners seeking a quick challenge and those desiring a full day of hilly terrain.
The courses traverse vineyards and forests, with the elevation figures indicating rolling Burgundy landscape rather than a flat road race. Additionally, there is a 26 km race with 805 m of ascent, a free 12 km hike, and a 13.2 km Nordic walk, contributing to the event's atmosphere as a local sports weekend rather than a singular competition. Trail de Tanlay is included in the Running3 Challenge, a series of eight races held on different dates, and its organizers note two decades of events focused on nature and heritage. Recent participation has averaged around 600 runners, providing company on the trails while maintaining a local feel.