Course des lumières - Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne 2026

Course des lumières is an evening race in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, held in early December as runners move through the town after dark. The main race is about 5.2 kilometers and is open to women and men born in 2010 or earlier. Organizers expect around 650 runners, and this edition marks the race’s tenth running. The route starts on the usual circuit toward the swimming pool and around the lake, then heads out by Chemin de la Galoche, Route de Sandrans, Montée de la Carronière, Chemin de Roblinges, and the entrance to the old castle. It then uses Rue des Remparts, passes through the cultural center, returns behind Stade Jean-Decomble, and finishes under the market halls by Rue Pasteur and Rue Philibert-Collet. Organizers call this version more “nervous” than the old route, with a few climbs that trail runners should enjoy. Before the race, children can join “l’envolée des lucioles,” a relaxed 1.5-kilometer walk at 7:30 p.m., supervised by club athletes, with parents allowed to come along and no timing, registration, or awards.