Running Events in Lyon

Welcome to Lugdunum (no, that's not a soccer player, but the ancient name of Lyon) where you can explore a delightful mix of Roman ruins and religious landmarks, but that's not all! Are you ready to uncover all the treasures of the Rhône Prefecture? Then lace up your running shoes and follow us!

With its semi-continental climate—hot and stormy summers, dry and cold winters, frequent but light rainfall—Lyon is not just a geographical crossroads but also a sporting hub. Nestled between the Saône and Rhône (the river this time), and just a short distance from Switzerland 🇨🇭 and the Alps, Lyon offers a variety of terrains to train on and explore its picturesque neighborhoods.

Your adventure naturally begins at the Presqu’île, the city's vibrant heart with its narrow streets, shops, and numerous restaurants. Next, hit the city's classics: the Place Bellecour, the Place des Cordeliers, the Place des Terreaux, the Place des Jacobins, and of course all of Vieux-Lyon. The Croix-Rousse, known as "the hill that works," though mostly residential, has some inclines to work those quads and beautiful streets to discover. Strolling (or running) along the riverbanks is a must! With some luck, you might end up at the city's colorful markets, perfect for recharging with some vitamins 🍌! For more elevation, Fourvière, also called "the hill that prays" due to its basilica dominating the city, is an excellent spot, as are the Monts d’Or, a favorite among trail running enthusiasts. The Duchère, Lyon's third hill overlooking the Saône, is a great place to get some altitude. If you prefer flat terrain, the Parc de la Tête d’Or with its zoo and rose garden, along with the riverbanks leading to the Confluence Museum, are a must-visit for Lyonnais looking for fresh air right in the city center. In short, running in Lyon is a real pleasure, especially when you can switch up your routes and enjoy the traboules, these passages under houses that shortcut from one street to another, forming 50km of underground galleries. These were very useful during both World Wars and in the time of the Canuts to protect the silk trade. If you're looking for even more space and greenery, you can head to the Parc de Parilly, the Parc Naturel de la Feyssine, or the Parc Miribel Jonage.

When it comes to races, the calendar is packed with events, each offering a unique perspective of Lyon: Lyon Urban Trail, LUT by Night, Run in Lyon, SaintéLyon (which takes you through the Loire), the Ultra Boucle de la Sarra, Nordicwalkin'Lyon, and the Ekiden de Lyon. It's the perfect opportunity to catch monuments you might have missed, like the Ancient Roman Theatre of Lyon, the Gare des Brotteaux, or the Hôtel-Dieu.

Stereotypes about the city can be persistent, but Lyon knows how to have fun. After chasing your personal records, you can also enjoy the festivities: Nuits Sonores and the Festival of Lights are internationally renowned and showcase the city's rich heritage!

Lastly, a visit to Lyon would be incomplete without a meal at a "bouchon" to sample the local cuisine, an emblem of French gastronomy, largely thanks to the expertise of Paul Bocuse, aptly nicknamed "the pope of French cuisine."

You now know you absolutely have to visit!