Marathon races near Riorges

Ultra Trail du Beaujolais Vert is a trail-running series held annually in October in Cublize, within the Beaujolais Vert region of France. The event features three mountain-style races: one approximately 83 km with 3,839 m of elevation gain, one approximately 43 km with 1,916 m of elevation gain, and one approximately 23 km with 921 m of elevation gain. The courses traverse the roads and paths of Beaujolais Vert, focusing on hills, countryside, and extended natural trails rather than urban environments. Participants range from seasoned competitors to less experienced runners, with organizers prioritizing camaraderie among trail runners and the preservation of the local natural surroundings. Approaching its ninth edition, the series holds a well-established position on the French regional trail running schedule.

The Trail du Lac de Villerest begins at the Lac de Villerest beach, leading runners near the Gorges de la Loire under headlamps. This night trail event in Villerest offers race distances from short, beginner-friendly options to a 42 km loop, accommodating first-timers, pairs, club runners, and experienced trail runners within the same evening. The primary event, Le Tour du Lac, covers 42 km with 1,250 m of elevation gain, circumnavigating the lake with sunset views before transitioning to a night course. Le Grand-Duc is 26 km with 600 m of climbing, featuring technical sections, forest paths, and lake vistas. L'Échappée Nocturne is 14 km with 330 m of climbing on wooded and runnable trails. La Run Night is an 8 km, 160 m climb option with a more festive atmosphere. The welcome and finish area is located at Salle La Papeterie by the lake. The event is organized by Agence Week&sport in conjunction with US Villerest and the commune of Villerest.

Foulées Vichyssoises is a road race held in Vichy, located in the Allier department of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It offers both a 10 km and a half marathon. Typically scheduled for late March, it suits early-season runners seeking a certified, flat city course over a trail or mountain event. The 10 km provides a more accessible distance, while the half marathon lets runners complete the full 21.1 km within the same urban road-race format. Both races feature single-loop courses winding through Vichy, incorporating city roads, parks, and sections along the Allier river. The route passes through Parc Napoléon, the Centre Omnisports, and the Palais du Lac area, concluding at the Palais du Lac. The courses are noted as flat, fast, and FFA certified, beneficial for runners aiming for a personal best and for beginners desiring a straightforward road race. Information indicates the presence of volunteers, a relaxed race atmosphere, post-race activities near Parc de l’Allier, and a small reward of candy and a medal at the finish.

The Semi-Marathon de Feurs is a road race held in Feurs, a small town in the Loire department of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Participants can select either a 10 km race or a half marathon of 21.0975 km. Both races begin in the morning, with the half marathon starting shortly after the 10 km event. Feurs is situated on the right bank of the Loire River, positioning this as a local town race connected to the river valley rather than a large urban event. The race organization is kept simple: entry fees are reasonable, bibs are collected before race morning, and another individual may pick up a bib using a copy of the runner’s identification.

The Semi-marathon et 10 km de Feurs is a road race in Feurs, located on the right bank of the Loire River. It features two distances: a 21.097 km half marathon and a 10 km race. The event is scheduled for March, with the specific date to be confirmed. The 10 km race begins at 09:10, followed by the half marathon at 09:30. Bib prices are 17 EUR for the 10 km and 22 EUR for the half marathon, suggesting a local French running event rather than a major destination race.