CARCASSONNE
**The Grand Raid des Cathares**
The Grand Raid des Cathares is an ultra-trail running event featuring seven different race formats. Whether you are new to trail running or an experienced runner, there is a race to suit every level.
Established in 2015, the Grand Raid des Cathares will hold its 12th edition on 22, 23 and 24 October 2026, starting from Carcassonne, in the Aude department of southern France.
The Grand Raid des Cathares is a long-distance medieval adventure covering approximately 161 km with 7,000 m of positive elevation gain. The route starts in the medieval city of Carcassonne (Place du Prado) and heads towards Pic de Bugarach and then Château d’Arques, with an estimated completion time of around 41 hours.
This is a circular, single-stage trail race through natural terrain, completed at each runner’s own pace and under semi-self-sufficient conditions.
**Seven races are on the programme:**
– **Grand Raid des Cathares:** 161 km — 7,000 m elevation gain, 22 October at 9:00 PM
– **Raid des Bogomiles:** 101 km — 4,300 m elevation gain, 23 October at 11:00 AM
– **Raid des Troubadours:** 85 km — 3,200 m elevation gain, 23 October at 9:00 AM
– **Trail des Hérétiques:** 63 km — 2,750 m elevation gain, 24 October at 4:00 AM
– **Trail des Colombes:** 41 km — 1,300 m elevation gain, 24 October at 8:00 AM
– **Trail des Patarins:** 25 km — 850 m elevation gain, 23 October at 2:00 PM
– **Trail nocturne du château comtal:** 12 km — 250 m elevation gain, 23 October at 8:00 PM
A moins de 30 mn à pied de la gare de Carcassonne ! (environ 25 min et 2117 m).
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