The second edition of the Raid des Catalaunes is set to return to Châlons-en-Champagne on Saturday, April 25, 2026, building on the success of its inaugural revival last year. Organized by Julie Dubois, Émeline Joseph, and Justine Comar, the multidisciplinary challenge will once again bring together 100 participants and approximately 50 volunteers for a day of archery, canoeing, and mountain biking across the Grand Jard and surrounding areas.
The event begins with a tir à l’arc (archery) test, followed by 11 kilometers of course à pied (trail running), 4 kilometers of canoë-kayak on the Mau River, and concludes with 18 kilometers of VTT (mountain biking) to the town of Chepy. This 33-kilometer route remains unchanged from last year’s edition and will pass by the chapiteau du Palc, the national circus pole installed near the passerelle in Grand Jard.
According to organizers, the raid filled to capacity in under three weeks this year, matching last year’s turnout of 100 registered duos. “We’re keeping the same participant limit for now but hope to grow it long-term,” said Julie Dubois, one of the founding organizers. “We can still rely on about fifty volunteers for preparation and supervision, along with several local associations.”
Key partners returning for this edition include the Club Épernay Canoë Kayak and the 1ère Compagnie d’arc de Châlons, which will host post-race archery initiations from 10:30 a.m. To around 3:00 p.m. For the public. These introductory sessions aim to engage spectators and promote local sports participation beyond the competitive field.
The Raid des Catalaunes was originally launched over a decade ago but was discontinued in 2004 due to insufficient volunteer support. Its revival in 2025 was led by Dubois, Joseph, and Comar—described as longtime friends and avid athletes—who sought to rekindle community interest in multisport endurance events. The inaugural return drew strong enthusiasm and sold out quickly, prompting the organizers to continue the tradition.
Beyond the race, organizers have planned a village associatif (association village) and public activity zone where spectators can cheer on teams and strive related sports. This community-focused approach reflects the event’s broader goal of promoting physical activity and local engagement in the Châlons region.
While the raid is not affiliated with larger international circuits like the Raid Amazones—a women-only adventure race featuring VTT, canoeing, trail running, and archery in exotic global locations—it shares a similar emphasis on teamwork, nature immersion, and accessibility. The Raid des Catalaunes is open to all experience levels and prioritizes inclusivity over elite competition.
For global readers, Châlons-en-Champagne is located in northeastern France, approximately 150 kilometers east of Paris. The Mau River, where the canoe-kayak segment takes place, flows through the city and is a known local venue for paddling activities. The VTT leg toward Chepy traverses rural paths in the Marne department, offering varied terrain typical of the Champagne countryside.
As of now, no changes to the route, schedule, or participant capacity have been announced. The organizers confirm that the April 25, 2026, start time will begin in the morning from Grand Jard, though exact timing has not been specified in verified sources. Updates on race-day logistics, weather contingencies, or volunteer sign-ups will be shared through local channels closer to the event.
The Raid des Catalaunes stands as a testament to grassroots sports revival in France, demonstrating how dedicated local organizers can reestablish meaningful community events after years of absence. Its blend of archery, endurance paddling, and off-road cycling offers a unique test of versatility and teamwork, appealing to athletes seeking a multifaceted challenge outside traditional race formats.
Those interested in following the event or learning about future editions are encouraged to monitor updates from L’Hebdo du Vendredi and the organizing team’s official communications. Public attendance is welcomed, with opportunities to engage in initiatives and support local sporting culture.
Archysport will continue to track developments in regional multisport events like the Raid des Catalaunes that highlight innovation and inclusivity in endurance sports.
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