Course des Volcans

Course des Volcans begins in Orcines, Puy-de-Dôme, west of Clermont-Ferrand, leading runners into the dormant volcano region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This September event offers trail and road races, with primary trail distances of approximately 14 km and 26 km, alongside other distances according to the current program. The location is within the UNESCO-listed Chaîne des Puys volcanic area; the volcanoes themselves are central to the event, not merely a backdrop. The trail races are moderately paced for mountain running but demand significant climbing. The 14 km course features around 365 m of elevation gain, the 26 km course about 630 m, and the longest 44 km option ascends approximately 1,130 m. The event also incorporates youth road races of 1.1 km, 2.1 km, and 3.75 km, broadening the day's activities beyond adult trail starts. CCUC Athlétisme organizes the race, recognized as a long-standing fixture on the Puy-de-Dôme running schedule. A unique element is the Challenge Convivial, designed for team participation involving an adult and a child.