Running in Calais: tips and running events

In Calais, running isn't just about racking up kilometers. It's a way to discover a region shaped by the sea, history, and wide-open spaces stretching to the horizon. An iconic port city on the Opal Coast, Calais is now establishing itself as a hub for sporting events, where running becomes a fantastic means of exploration.

Running between land and sea

From the historic heart to the fortifications, from the lively streets to the spectacular maritime panoramas, Calais offers a diversity of scenery suitable for all activities, from the beginner runner to the endurance enthusiast. In 2026, three major running events – urban, heritage and coastal – illustrate this dynamic and invite everyone to experience the city differently, with sneakers on their feet.

Running on Sangatte beach under a low tide sun.

The Trail des Forteresses invites runners to traverse varied terrain, alternating between cobblestones, trails and urban passages, passing by major historical sites that tell the defensive history of the city:

The Citadel of Calais, an imposing starting point for the race
Fort Risban, facing the sea and distant horizons
Fort Nieulay, a former military structure designed by the famous engineer Vauban

Depending on the distance chosen, 2 or 3 of these fortresses mark the route, offering very different viewpoints throughout the race.

Discover the Fortress Trail

The breathtaking view from the redeveloped Fort Risban over the fishing district of Calais, with the Lighthouse, Notre Dame and in the distance, the Town Hall and its belfry.

Gate of Fort Nieulay, a lock fort deconstructed and relocated by Vauban.

Calais Urban Trail

Run where no one ever runs!

May 22, 2026

Over the years, it has become an unmissable event on the Calais sporting calendar, The Calais Urban Trail returns in 2026 for its 6th edition placed under the sign of discovery, sharing and good humor. On May 22, 2026, the city comes alive to the rhythm of the runners' strides.Smiles and collective energy, in a festive atmosphere accessible to all. No time to beat, but a city to explore in a different way.urban-trail invites runners and walkers to take ownership of Calais by passing through sometimes unexpected places, exceptionally opened for the occasion, and to take a new look at the urban space.

The event offers a 10-kilometer non-timed walk, designed to allow everyone to participate at their own pace, whether they are a regular runner, an occasional jogger, or a curious walker. The route reveals unusual passages, providing a friendly way to rediscover the urban heritage. To ensure comfort and a smooth flow of participants, the walk will begin at 19:00 PM, divided into 5 starting waves.

Discover the Urban Trail

Urban trail in Calais in front of Calais Town Hall.

Calais XXL Marathon

Running on a grand scale, between the city and the open sea

28st June 2026

In 2026, Calais is innovating in the field of running with the Calais XXL Marathon, the very first ever organized in its territory. 28st June 2026 Runners and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to explore Calais and its coastline in a challenging yet deeply immersive sporting adventure. Three races are offered, catering to all levels: Marathon, Half marathon and 10km.

Running becomes a way to discover a territory shaped by the sea, the wind, and the light. Between the port atmosphere, open horizons, and exceptional coastal landscapes, the Calais XXL Marathon promises a unique experience worthy of its name.

The heights of Cap Blanc-Nez and its iconic Dover Patrol.

An exceptional panorama, from the city center to Cap Blanc-Nez

The Calais XXL Marathon stands out with a course designed to showcase the full diversity of the Calais landscape. Runners will traverse urban areas, the seafront, and vast natural spaces, culminating in a passage through Cap Blanc-Nez, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the English Channel and the coastline. Offshore winds, the changing light of the Opal Coast and unobstructed views accompany every step. The route alternates between rolling sections, false flats, and accelerations, adding rhythm to the race while showcasing the city's neighborhoods and the stunning visual appeal of the coastline. The detailed course will be revealed in April 2026!

Discover the Calais XXL Marathon

Aerial view of Cap Blanc Nez during exceptional high tides. The sea retreats the furthest due to the high coefficients.

The Coul'Run in Coulogne

Colour and fun in Coulogne

The 24 July 2026

For an experience where the stopwatch matters less than the number of colors on your t-shirt, head to Coulogne. During the traditional village fair on July 24, 2026, the Coul'Run transforms running into a true chromatic festival. The concept is simple: a 3km or 6km course, to be completed by running or walking, where you pass through zones where colored powder is thrown. It's the ideal event for families, groups of friends, or runners who simply want to unwind in an electrifying atmosphere.

From 7pm, after a rhythmic group warm-up, participants will embark on a unique sensory adventure… and the show continues after the finish line:
XXL Powder Jet : A spectacular finale to color the sky (and faces!).
Color Snake concert : Live music to keep the energy at its peak.
DJ night: To dance until the end of the night and conclude this memorable day.

All the details of the Coul'Run

Image from the first edition of the Coul'run with people having fun, laughing while throwing colored pigments

The 10th Coulonnoise

October 31 and November 1, 2026

Beyond the new challenges of 2026, the Calais XXL sporting calendar relies on well-established annual races. Among these events, the Coulonnoise holds a prominent place. On October 31st and November 1st, 2026, this event will celebrate its 10th anniversary, promising an exciting and memorable edition. Much more than just a competition, the Coulonnoise is a true intergenerational celebration that brings together runners from all walks of life over two days.

The sporting challenge: A technical and fast half-marathon for performance enthusiasts.
Sport for all: Races of varying distances and a walk reserved for children, so that the youngest can also taste the adrenaline of the race bib.

Discover the Coulonnoise

Take the opportunity to stay in Calais

The races on the Opal Coast, This is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover Calais XXL! Between outings, let yourself be surprised by the Belfry, listed by UNESCO, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Stroll along the Seafront, breathe in the salty air and admire the majestic sculpture of the Bourgeois by Rodin. Want a cultural immersion? Beaux-arts museum opens its doors to you with its inspiring exhibitions. And for a grand getaway, head to the Calais Dragon : climb aboard this fascinating creature and let yourself be carried along the coastline. Between heritage, culture and fresh air, Calais has so much to offer!

To see and do

The Dragon of Calais, a colossal mechanical animal that moves along the renovated Calais seafront and its fine sandy beach in the background.

In the foreground, the street lamps which definitively mark the art-deco style of the Town Hall in the background and its monumental belfry.

It happened in 2026

Fortress Trail

Running through the heart of Calais history

The April 12 2026

In Calais, in addition to offering original landscapes, running becomes a true invitation to exploration. Sunday, April 12, 2026 will mark the 1st edition of the Trail des Forteresses. an event that combines effort, discovery and heritage, starting from the Citadel of Calais, former fortress in the city centre. Conceived as a journey through history, this timed urban trail allows you to (re)discover Calais from an original angle, running through places steeped in history, between military architecture, open spaces and maritime atmosphere.

View of the fortifications of the Citadel of Calais, a medieval vestige.