The 9th edition of the Cannes Urban Trail, one of the key events on the Cannes sporting calendar, takes place on Sunday, 25th January, 2026
Forget the red carpet. In Cannes, the most exciting route this year isn’t lined with paparazzi, but with pounding feet and breathtaking vistas. The Cannes Urban Trail, organised by the Athletic Club de Cannes and the Mairie de Cannes, is back for 2026, transforming the city from a glamorous backdrop into a dynamic, challenging, and accessible playground. This isn’t just a race; it’s an urban expedition that annually draws nearly 3,000 runners and walkers of all levels to (re)discover the heart and soul of the Côte d’Azur.
A Challenge for Every Pace
The genius of the Urban Trail lies in its inclusivity. With five distinct race formats spanning from a family-friendly 1.4 km to a demanding 28.5 km journey with 700 meters of elevation gain, the event truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned trail seeker, a casual weekend walker, or a family with young children, your starting line awaits.
Video via TheACCANNES YouTube channel
More Than a Race: A Citywide Discovery
This is where a typical fun run meets an architectural and natural tour. Participants don’t just clock kilometers; they embark on a journey through the very identity of Cannes. The courses weave a stunning tapestry of terrain: from the soft sands of Macé Beach, up historic staircases, along hidden trails, past the iconic Palais des Festivals, to the serene Siagne canal and the panoramic Belvédère viewpoint. You’ll pass grand landmarks like the Villas Domergue and Rothschild, the Notre-Dame d’Espérance church, and trace paths through the Croix-des-Gardes forest. The views are the ultimate reward, stretching from the snow-dusted peaks of the Mercantour to the tranquil íÎles de Lérins.
The 2026 Line-Up: Find Your Challenge
- The Grand Cannois: 28.5 km | 700 m+ | 9:00 am (for those born in 2006 or earlier)
- The Cannes Urban Trail: 16 km | 330 m+ | 8:30 am (for those born in 2008 or earlier)
- The Petit Cannois: 9 km | 125 m+ | 11:00 am (for those born in 2010 or earlier)
- The Cannes Urban Walk: 9 km | 125 m+ | 11:05 am (for those born in 2014 or earlier)
- The Pitchoun Cannois: 1.4 km & 2.5 km | 9:10 am (Children born between 2013-2016)
All races start at Plage Macé and finish in the vibrant Square Reynaldo Hahn. Maps and routes for each course are available on the Cannes Urban Trail website.
A Growing Phenomenon
The event’s appeal is undeniable. The 2025 edition saw 2,385 athletes from 36 nationalities take part, a perfect blend of local community (75% from the Alpes-Maritimes) and international flair, with a gender split of 59% men and 41% women. It’s a powerful testament to the event’s friendly, intergenerational spirit.
The Heart of Outdoor Sport
Cannes Urban Trail is the flagship event of the city’s ambitious sporting programme. This initiative cements Cannes’s commitment to free, friendly, and accessible sport for all, leveraging its incredible natural and urban landscapes. With over 100 km of marked trails, free fitness zones, and a staggering 2,250 sporting events per year, Cannes lives and breathes athleticism. This dedication has been nationally recognised with the prestigious “Active & Sporting City” label at the highest level (4 laurels).
In Cannes, sport is more than a pastime – it is truly a lifestyle and a city style. The Urban Trail is your invitation to experience it firsthand.
Ready to explore Cannes in motion? Registration, bib collection, and full race details are available at www.cannesurbantrail.fr.
Courtesy Cannes Urban Trail
PHOTO CREDITS
- All photos and images courtesy and © Mairie de Cannes unless otherwise credited
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