Runners at the Nîmes Urban Trail (NUT) described the 24km city race as a surreal experience, combining sport, sightseeing, and unique encounters. The event, held each February, offers participants access to spaces normally closed to the public, from retirement homes to Michelin-starred restaurants and city hall.
The race starts with a burst of energy as participants navigate unusual settings. At a retirement home, residents welcomed runners with trumpets, drums, and homemade flags. For many, the gesture was deeply moving, turning sweat into tears of joy. The course also passes through five-star hotels, a chapel, a barracks, and even a nightclub, making it a truly immersive urban adventure.
The route showcases Nîmes’ rich Roman history. Competitors pass landmarks such as the arena, Tour Magne, Temple of Diana, and the Musée de la Romanité, where the race even crosses the roof terrace. Fancy dress is a tradition, with participants often dressed as gladiators, crocodiles, and Roman emperors, reflecting the city’s heritage. The crocodile, a symbol dating back to a first-century BCE Roman coin, appears throughout Nîmes on fountains, paving stones, and decorations inside public buildings.
The NUT caters to all fitness levels with several distance options: a 24km trail, a 16km race, a 10km race, and a 10km walk where jogging is prohibited. Co-founder Benoît Goiset emphasized that the event is about more than physical challenge. He aimed to break down social barriers and involve the entire city, ensuring that no location is off-limits for runners. The route evolves each year, featuring new and unusual sites to maintain excitement and novelty.
Participation in urban trail running is growing rapidly in France. While international runners dominate events like the Paris and Berlin Marathons, NUT remains predominantly French, with 98% of participants in 2025 coming from across the country. France now hosts more than 100 urban trail events, but Nîmes stands out for its combination of historical landmarks, community engagement, and immersive urban settings.
The race’s climax takes place in the Roman arena, where runners are greeted with snacks, drinks, and the cheering of onlookers. Many participants described the finish as a moment of pride and celebration, feeling like warriors after conquering both hills and urban obstacles. The event also provides a glimpse into the “real Nîmes,” from school classrooms to the daily life of older residents and the hidden beauty of the Jardins de la Fontaine, an 18th-century park with stone fountains over canals.
For visitors and participants, the NUT offers a complete introduction to the city, combining athletic challenge with cultural discovery. It demonstrates how running tourism can transform the way people experience urban environments, blending exercise, history, and local engagement into a single event.
Registration for the 2026 Nîmes Urban Trail opens for the race on 15 February, with prices starting at €38 for the 24km event. Accommodation is conveniently located opposite the start line, with double rooms at Appart’City available from €105. The event promises both an unforgettable running experience and a unique way to explore the heart of Nîmes.
