Les Foulées Charentonnaises are making a highly anticipated return for another exciting edition. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the city of Charenton-le-Pont, in the Val-de-Marne (94), hosts the 41st edition of this iconic running race across Île-de-France. Organized by Azur Olympique Charenton, the route stretches from the streets of the town to the pathways of the Bois de Vincennes, on the side of the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Over 2,000 runners are expected to take to the starting line for a day dedicated to sport and friendly camaraderie.
Everyone is welcome to participate. Adults can choose from three distances: the 15 km, the 5 km, and the Mile (1.609 km)—a mid-distance event still uncommon in road races around Île-de-France, and suitable for all levels. For children, three dedicated events are available: 2.4 km, 750 meters, and 1,500 meters.
Each event has its own unique route, but they all share a common thread: flat courses on asphalt, with start and finish lines in the heart of Charenton, near the Nelson Paillou Gymnasium (Charenton-Écoles metro station).
The 15 km route is run in two identical laps through the streets of Charenton-le-Pont and the paths of the Bois de Vincennes, including a scenic pass around the Lac Daumesnil. This event is the highlight of the day, officially recognized by the FFA as a regional race, and celebrated as one of the fastest 15 km courses in France — last year, 238 runners broke the one-hour mark. It’s a perfect warm-up ahead of the Paris Semi-Marathon.
The 5 km, also officially certified and completely flat, follows a single loop through the Bois de Vincennes and the streets of Charenton. This year, it is an official supporter of the Val-de-Marne departmental championship, ensuring a lively turnout at the start line. To assist runners in maintaining their pace, pacemakers will be present every minute from 15 to 20 minutes.
The mile (1.609 km) remains in the urban area, taking place through the streets of Charenton on a fast, flat route that's perfect for testing your speed. The kids' races (2.4 km, 750 m, and 1,500 m) also unfold in the city, without venturing into the woods.
The day's schedule is structured as follows:
Registration is now closed, with all bibs already allocated. Participants can pick up their race numbers at Gymnase Nelson Paillou (4 bis rue Anatole France, Charenton-le-Pont) on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday morning from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes before each race start. All details can be found on the official Foulées Charentonnaises website and on the French Athletics Federation calendar. For more information, visit the Foulées Charentonnaises official site or check the Federation’s calendar.
At the end of February in Charenton, the main adversaries are the cold, rain, and wind—sometimes even more formidable than the course itself. The Bois de Vincennes is notorious for gusts that can suddenly sweep through the open paths, especially around Daumesnil Lake. Mud also threatens to be part of the landscape. On the 15 km route, a smart approach is to stay close with the pack as long as possible, particularly during the first loop, to shield yourself from the headwinds. It's better to start at a steady pace and conserve energy for the second loop, where the crowd thins out and the wind chill becomes more intense. Don't forget to wear shoes suitable for rainy conditions.
On the 5 km route, the flat and fast course is ideal for achieving personal bests. With pacemakers on hand, it's advisable to stick behind the pace setter that matches your target right from the very start, rather than charging ahead in the excitement of the initial moments. For the mile, the main challenge is managing your effort: although it's a short distance, the urban, flat course encourages runners to give it everything right from the beginning—something that might catch even seasoned long-distance runners off guard.
From a logistical standpoint, we strongly recommend collecting your race bib the day before (Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Nelson Paillou Gymnasium to avoid morning stress. On-site amenities include changing rooms and showers, providing real comfort for a winter race. Lastly, the organizers encourage participants to use public transportation (Charenton-Écoles metro station, line 8) as part of their eco-friendly initiative, which has been recognized with the CNOSF Sustainable Development label. This way, you won't have to worry about parking. Finally, be sure to bring a change of clothes, as you'll definitely need them after the race.
Wishing all participants a great race!
Dates and Opening Time
On February 22, 2026
Location
Bois de Vincennes
Plaine de la Belle Etoile
75012 Paris 12
Recommended age
From 7 to 99 years old
Official website
www.lesfouleescharentonnaises.fr
