Interview – Grand Trail des Cadourques
The Grand Trail des Cadourques has quickly established itself as a standout event in the French trail running calendar from its very first edition. With an outstanding rating of 4.7/5 based on runner reviews, the race has already earned the Top Rated Race badge on TrailRunAdvisor.
Praised organisation, outstanding volunteers, exceptional aid stations, and a spectacular course through the Lot Valley: the feedback has been unanimous.
Behind this success is a team driven by passion. We spoke with Gilles Cluzet, President of the Extrapedestre 46 association and the driving force behind this remarkable first edition, to understand the keys to its success and the ambitions for the future.
Q1. In an already crowded trail running calendar, what made you want to create this new race?
Our club, Les Extrapédestres, is now one of the largest in the region, with over 260 members. Historically, we had been organising a traditional local trail race for more than 30 years, with distances of 12 km and 24 km.
With the rapid growth of trail running in France and the increasing popularity of longer formats, especially ultra-trails, we wanted to take things to the next level. Our region, the Lot Valley, is perfectly suited for this type of event. The idea was therefore to create a race of national standing, matching the potential of our territory.
Q2. Your race received excellent reviews from its very first edition. Did you expect such feedback?
We were pleasantly surprised by the level of enthusiasm from the moment registrations opened, almost 10 months before race day. Very quickly, we sensed strong interest, both on social media and within the trail running community.
The appeal of the Lot Valley—its heritage, landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere—clearly played a key role. The “new race” factor also attracted many runners looking for fresh experiences.
Q3. Runners praised the flawless organisation and “top-level” volunteers. How important is the human aspect of your event?
The human experience was at the heart of our project. We mobilised no fewer than 210 volunteers over three days. All of them were trained and prepared in advance to ensure smooth organisation without improvisation.
Our club is deeply committed to values such as sharing, mutual support, and friendliness. We knew this first edition would be crucial for the race’s image, and that started with delivering an outstanding welcome.
Q4. The aid stations left a strong impression. Was that a deliberate choice?
Absolutely. We are fortunate to be based in a region renowned for its gastronomy. We wanted to showcase local products by working with artisans from Cahors.
Cheeses, cured meats, pastries… everything was designed to offer runners a unique experience. Many were impressed by both the quality and generosity of the aid stations, which have now become one of the race’s key highlights.
Q5. The course is described as varied and beautiful. How did you design it?
Designing the course was probably the most complex part. A good trail route needs the right balance between runnable sections, technical trails, climbs, descents, and scenic viewpoints.
We relied on our deep knowledge of the area while navigating many constraints: Natura 2000 protected zones, agreements with landowners, forestry regulations…
It was a long and demanding process involving 12 municipalities, but essential to create a course that is both challenging, accessible, and visually stunning.
Q6. Some runners are already saying they will return. What do you want them to feel at the finish line?
Our goal is clear: to make runners want to come back—not only to race again, but also to discover the region.
We want them to remember not just the effort, but also the welcome, the encouragement, and the spirit of solidarity that defines trail running. That human dimension is what makes this sport so special.
Q7. What are your ambitions for the future?
After this very successful first edition, our ambition is to establish the Grand Trail des Cadourques as a major national event.
We still have room for improvement and areas to refine as we aim for excellence. See you in 2027 for an even more ambitious second edition.
Conclusion
With a 4.7/5 rating, outstanding runner feedback, and unanimously praised organisation, the Grand Trail des Cadourques has achieved something rare: becoming a Top Rated Race from its very first edition.
With its immersive course, premium aid stations, and strong human experience, the race ticks all the boxes of a must-do trail running event in France.
One thing is certain: the Grand Trail des Cadourques is not just a new race—it is already a must-attend event for trail running enthusiasts.
