The 2026 Challenge sur Route de France takes place on Sunday, 4 January 2026 at the Cernay‑la‑Ville Stadium on Rue de Limours. The local January weather is expected to be cool, with temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 12 °C and a chance of light rain; wind may pick up along the main roads. The race offers a range of long‑distance challenges—solo or 2‑person relay marathon, half‑marathon, 10 km run, and a special Joëlettes meeting for teams with a passenger‑pilot—along with a clear set of rules and amenities designed to ensure a safe, fair, and memorable competition for all participants.
What distances are available for this event?
→Marathon (solo or 2‑person relay) – starts at 9:00 AM
→Half Marathon – starts at 9:00 AM
→10 km race – starts at 9:30 AM
→Joëlettes Meeting (teams with a passenger‑pilot) – starts at 9:00 AM
When does the event start and finish?
→Marathon, Half Marathon, Joëlettes: 9:00 AM
→10 km: 9:30 AM
→Finish times vary by distance; see time limits below.
What are the time limits for each race?
→Marathon: 5 h 30 m
→Half Marathon: 2 h 45 m
→10 km: 1 h 30 m (cut‑off)
→20 km: 2 h 30 m (redirect to half marathon)
→25 km: 3 h 15 m (out of race)
→35 km: out of race
What are the aid station locations?
→Marathon: km 5, 13.5, 21, 28, 35, finish
→Half Marathon: km 5, 13.5, finish
→10 km: finish only
What are the official rules regarding road usage and safety?
→Runners must remain on the right side of open roads.
→Failure to stay on the right side results in immediate disqualification.
→Roads are not closed; runners must respect the Highway Code.
→Volunteers secure intersections.
What are the assistance rules?
→No personal assistance is allowed.
→No accompanying vehicles or people may be present.
What medical support will be available during the race?
→Mobile medical teams will be present throughout the course.
→Organizers reserve the right to remove unfit runners from the event.
What are the weather‑related contingencies?
→Organizers may modify, delay, or cancel the event due to weather.
→In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
How must participants register their documents?
→Valid FFA license, or a license from a federation affiliated with FFA, or a PPS dated after 4 October 2025.
→Documents must be submitted by 15 December 2025.
When and where can I pick up my bib?
→Week before the race at partner stores.
→Jan 3 2026: 15:00 – 19:00, any partner store.
→Jan 4 2026: from 7:30 AM at the stadium.
→Bib must be worn front‑facing and visible.
Can I transfer my bib to another participant?
→Direct transfer is not permitted.
→An official bib exchange platform will be available.
What are the registration fees for each race?
→Marathon: (fee details vary by race date; early‑bird and regular tiers available)
→2‑person Relay: (fee details vary)
→Half Marathon: (fee details vary)
→10 km: (fee details vary)
→Joëlettes: (fee details vary)
→Late fees and on‑site registration are available for some races.
What rewards and awards are offered?
→Participation gifts for marathon and half‑marathon finishers.
→Finisher medals for marathon and half‑marathon.
→Joëlettes: souvenir medals for passengers; optional medals for runners.
→Podiums for overall and category winners.
What environmental rules apply?
→Littering outside aid zones results in disqualification.
What image rights do participants grant to the organizers?
→Participants waive image rights for event use.
What amenities can participants expect at the event?
→Dedicated aid stations with refreshments.
→On‑site medical support.
→Volunteers securing intersections and ensuring safety.
→Official timing and course marking.
What weather conditions can participants expect on race day?
→Cool temperatures between 5 °C and 12 °C.
→Chance of light rain and potential wind along the roads.
→Participants should dress in layers and bring rain gear as needed.
