Cycling & running events in Clermont, 2026

Clermont-Ferrand Training Notes

Running: Locals run Parc Montjuzet loops when they want steady laps with a view. The Côtes de Clermont routes give you quick climbing without leaving town. Rue des Montagnards points you toward Ceyrat when Z2 turns into hill work. The Allier River banks give your calves a rest on flatter paths. Marcombe's Team Running keeps things structured at Stade Philippe Marcombes every Wednesday from 7 PM to 9 PM. MTR 63 also gets people onto urban trail and nature trail sessions once a month. Clermont en Rose, Grand Trail de Clermont-Ferrand, Marathon de Clermont, Cross de Volvic, and VVX are the anchor events.

Cycling: Locals ride out fast because the climbs start close. The Via Allier keeps base miles flatter along the banks of the Allier. The GTMC points you toward proper gravel, and the Clermont-Ferrand to Volvic stage runs 21 km with 587 m of ascent. The Royat Gorge gives you a lovely but honest 8 km climb up to La Font de l'Arbre. You get 5 km of rideable gravel before flowy descents through puys, forest, and farmland. The loop covers 2 km with 1,401 m of elevation. The brief names no cycling club, so locals lean on routes, shops, and group habits.

Season: Spring and autumn feel like the cleanest training windows here. July and August bring the summer buzz, hot days, and thunderstorms, so locals start early and keep Z2 honest before the heat bites. Puy de Dôme makes the weather call for you because the higher ground sits 10+ degrees cooler than Clermont-Ferrand. Winter changes both sports from November to March. Frost is frequent, snow is common but usually light, and the plain can sit freezing and cloudy while the mountains turn sunny and warm. Runners stay flexible, and cyclists save the bigger cols for the better windows.