Raid des Catalaunes Returns to Châlons-en-Champagne with Record Participation and New Challenges

CHÂLONS-EN-CHAMPAGNE, France — The second edition of the Raid des Catalaunes, a multi-discipline endurance event blending trail running, mountain biking, canoeing, and archery, concluded successfully on April 25, 2026, drawing a record 100 participants to the Grand Jard in northeastern France. Organized by the Team Trail Châlons club and supported by local partners, the event marked a triumphant revival of a historic race last held in 2004, now reimagined with a focus on inclusivity and community spirit.

What Happened: A Day of Grit and Camaraderie

The Raid des Catalaunes unfolded under clear skies, with athletes navigating a grueling course that tested their versatility across four distinct disciplines:

• 11 km trail run through the scenic landscapes of Châlons-en-Champagne, starting and finishing at the Grand Jard.
• 3 km canoe-kayak leg on the Mau River, a technical stretch requiring precise navigation through gentle currents.
• 18 km mountain bike segment to Chepy, featuring mixed terrain that challenged riders’ endurance and bike-handling skills.
• Team archery challenge, a collaborative finale where groups of three competitors aimed for accuracy under pressure.

Official results, published on the French Triathlon Federation’s event page, confirmed that all 100 registered participants completed the course, with no major injuries reported. The event’s emphasis on teamwork and mutual support—rather than outright competition—was a defining feature, aligning with the organizers’ vision of fostering a welcoming environment for athletes of all levels.

Key Moments and Standout Performances

While the Raid des Catalaunes does not award individual prizes, several participants stood out for their resilience and sportsmanship:

• Franck Sourd, a veteran trail runner and multiple-time winner of the Trail des Ajaux, completed the running segment in under 50 minutes, setting an unofficial benchmark for the course. Sourd, a local favorite, praised the event’s organization, telling organizers, “The route was well-marked, and the volunteers were fantastic. It’s great to see this race back in Châlons.”
• Marie-Agathe Ouahba-Ragetly, an athlete from the Club Olympique Champagne Argonne Athlétisme (COCAA), delivered a strong performance in the canoe leg, leveraging her experience in water sports to navigate the Mau’s twists efficiently. Ouahba-Ragetly, who also competes in triathlons, noted that the event’s multi-discipline format “keeps you on your toes—you can’t rely on just one skill.”
• The Dragon Ladies, an all-female team, impressed in the archery challenge, finishing among the top groups. Their success underscored the event’s commitment to gender inclusivity, a core value for the organizers.

The archery segment, a collaboration with the 1ère Compagnie d’Arc de Châlons, added a unique cultural touch to the race. Participants used traditional recurve bows, with targets set at varying distances to test precision. “It’s not just about strength—it’s about focus and teamwork,” said an instructor from the archery club, who provided pre-race training sessions for novices.

From Revival to Revival: The Race’s History and Future

The Raid des Catalaunes traces its roots to 1994, when it was first organized by Martine and Patrice Thibert, local sports enthusiasts and community leaders in Châlons-en-Champagne. The event ran annually until 2004, when declining volunteer support led to its discontinuation. Its revival in 2025 was spearheaded by three friends and athletes—Julie Dubois, Émeline Joseph, and Justine Comar—who sought to recreate the race’s spirit after their own transformative experience at the Raid Amazones, a global all-female adventure race held in Sri Lanka.

“We wanted to bring that same sense of adventure and camaraderie back to Châlons,” said Dubois in an interview with L’Hebdo du Vendredi. “The original organizers, Martine and Patrice, were incredibly supportive. They even volunteered again this year, which meant a lot to us.” The trio’s efforts paid off: the 2026 edition saw a 25% increase in participation compared to 2025, with athletes traveling from as far as Reims (43 km away) and Épernay (31 km away) to compete.

Why This Race Matters: More Than Just a Sporting Event

The Raid des Catalaunes is more than a test of physical endurance—it’s a celebration of Châlons-en-Champagne’s sporting heritage and a testament to the power of grassroots organizing. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Inclusivity at Its Core: Unlike traditional races that prioritize elite competition, the Raid des Catalaunes welcomes athletes of all skill levels. The organizers intentionally designed the event to be accessible, with no cut-off times and a focus on teamwork over individual glory. “We desire people to finish with a smile, not just a medal,” said Joseph.
2. Local Partnerships: The event’s success hinges on collaborations with regional clubs and businesses. The canoe segment, for example, was made possible by Les Pelles Châlonnaises, a local paddling club that provided equipment and safety oversight. Similarly, the 1ère Compagnie d’Arc ensured the archery challenge was both safe and authentic.
3. Economic and Social Impact: The race brings visibility to Châlons-en-Champagne, a city of 45,000 in the Grand Est region. Local hotels, restaurants, and shops reported increased foot traffic during the event weekend, with many participants staying overnight. The Grand Jard, the race’s central hub, also benefited from the influx of visitors, reinforcing its role as a community gathering space.
4. A Blueprint for Revival: The Raid des Catalaunes serves as a model for how dormant sporting events can be resurrected through passion and persistence. Its success has already inspired similar initiatives in neighboring towns, with organizers in Reims exploring the possibility of launching their own multi-discipline race.

By the Numbers: The 2026 Edition

What’s Next: The Road to 2027

With the 2026 edition deemed a resounding success, the organizers are already planning for next year. Key priorities include:

• Expanding Participation: The team aims to cap registrations at 120 participants to maintain the event’s intimate, community-driven feel. They are also exploring options to include a youth category, pending necessary permits.
• Enhancing the Course: Feedback from this year’s athletes highlighted the need for clearer signage on the mountain bike segment. Organizers plan to work with local authorities to improve route markings and safety measures.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The 2027 edition will introduce eco-friendly practices, such as reusable water stations and a ban on single-use plastics. The organizers are also considering a “green wave” start, where participants are encouraged to carpool or use public transport to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
• Community Engagement: To build on this year’s momentum, the team will host a series of pre-race clinics in partnership with local clubs, offering training sessions in trail running, canoeing, and archery. These clinics will be open to the public and free of charge.

The official date for the 2027 Raid des Catalaunes has not yet been announced, but organizers have indicated it will likely take place in late April, aligning with the region’s mild spring weather. Interested participants can follow updates on the Team Trail Châlons Facebook page or the French Triathlon Federation’s event calendar.

How to Get Involved

Whether you’re an athlete, volunteer, or spectator, there are multiple ways to engage with the Raid des Catalaunes:

• Compete: Registrations for 2027 will open in early 2027. Preserve an eye on the official channels for announcements. The event is open to teams of 2–4 participants, with no age restrictions (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
• Volunteer: The race relies on a dedicated team of volunteers for roles such as course marshals, registration assistants, and first aid providers. Those interested can contact Team Trail Châlons via their Facebook page.
• Cheer: Spectators are welcome to line the course, particularly at the Grand Jard, where the start, finish, and archery challenge take place. Local businesses are encouraged to set up stalls or offer refreshments to support the event.
• Sponsor: The Raid des Catalaunes offers sponsorship opportunities for local and regional businesses. Sponsors receive branding visibility on race materials, social media shoutouts, and the opportunity to engage with a growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• The Raid des Catalaunes is a multi-discipline endurance event held in Châlons-en-Champagne, France, combining trail running, canoe-kayak, mountain biking, and archery.
• The 2026 edition attracted a record 100 participants, a 25% increase from 2025, and featured collaborations with local clubs like Les Pelles Châlonnaises and the 1ère Compagnie d’Arc.
• Organized by Julie Dubois, Émeline Joseph, and Justine Comar, the race revives a historic event last held in 2004, with a renewed focus on inclusivity and community.
• Standout participants included trail runner Franck Sourd and athlete Marie-Agathe Ouahba-Ragetly, both of whom praised the event’s organization and atmosphere.
• The 2027 edition is expected to introduce sustainability initiatives, expanded participation, and youth engagement, with registrations likely opening in early 2027.

Final Thoughts: A Race That’s Here to Stay

The Raid des Catalaunes is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of Châlons-en-Champagne’s sporting spirit and a testament to the power of grassroots organizing. By blending tradition with innovation, the event has carved out a unique niche in France’s endurance sports calendar, offering a refreshing alternative to the hyper-competitive races that dominate the scene. As the organizers look ahead to 2027, one thing is clear: the Raid des Catalaunes is back, and it’s here to stay.

For those inspired to take part, the next step is simple: mark your calendars for late April 2027, start training, and get ready to experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind event. In the meantime, share your thoughts in the comments—have you participated in a multi-discipline race like the Raid des Catalaunes? What’s your favorite endurance challenge?