Sedan-Charleville

Sedan-Charleville is a 23.6 km road race in the French Ardennes, near the Belgian border, held on the first Sunday of October. It begins on rue Philippoteaux in Sedan and concludes on Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières. Established in 1906, it is Europe's oldest city-to-city foot race, offering a distinct character compared to a typical half marathon or town circuit. Recent events have attracted over 7,000 participants, marking it as a large-scale race and a long-standing local custom. The course utilizes departmental road 764 from Sedan towards Charleville-Mézières, crossing Donchery, Dom-le-Mesnil, Les Ayvelles, and Mézières. Early in the race, runners can view Sedan Castle, frequently noted as Europe's largest fortified castle, and the route also includes Second World War blockhouses. The environment is simple, open Ardennes countryside, unlike a metropolitan course, with villages indicating the progression between the two towns. Post-race, local culinary traditions are evident in dishes like lard salad, dry Ardennes ham, and andouille de Revin.