Gravelanza by Salomon: a new gravel running race lands in Paris
June 13–14, 2026, Meudon Forest. Salomon is launching Gravelanza, the first gravel running race at the gates of Paris. A hybrid format between road and trail, three accessible distances, a central village, live music, product testing, and a brand-new team format — the Run Crew Battle.
If you run in Paris (or you're traveling there in June) and you're after an event that breaks the marathon/technical-trail mold, this is your 2026 highlight. The event is already live on BPMoov — you can save it to your favorites and get notified the moment registration opens.
Gravelanza Paris 2026 — the essentials
- When: weekend of June 13–14, 2026
- Where: Meudon Forest, just outside Paris
- Distances: 7 km, 16 km or 24 km
- Format: race + festival (village, concerts, product testing, recovery)
- Plus: Run Crew Battle (team challenge for run clubs)
- On BPMoov: ✅ available — save it to be alerted
What is "gravel running" exactly?
If the term sounds familiar from cycling, you're on the right track. Gravel running takes its cue from gravel biking: not quite road, not quite trail. A hybrid race on rolling paths that combines the comfort of road running with the joy of nature.
In practice:
- Stabilized forest paths — no jarring asphalt, no technical rocks
- Natural sections — woodland trails, terraces, panoramic views
- A flowing pace — you can actually run, not hike up a climb
- Gentle elevation — accessible, even if you don't do trail
Plain English: a format built for urban runners who want nature without the technical headaches of trail. Paris pavement, minus the concrete. Forest trails, minus the twisted ankles.
The program: 3 distances, one weekend, one forest
Salomon has split Gravelanza into three accessible distances so everyone has a fit:
- 7 km — to discover the format or come along with beginner friends
- 16 km — the sweet spot for a regular runner who doesn't do marathons
- 24 km — the headline distance, equivalent to a "nature half"
Every course starts and finishes at the central village, in the heart of Meudon Forest. Expect: forest paths, stabilized trails, natural sections, and the showstopper — the Observatory Terraces, an iconic viewpoint over Paris from the Meudon hills.
The Paris region has never had a race in this format. Now it does.
More than a race: a festival
This is where Gravelanza separates from the pack — the experience doesn't stop at 24 km in the woods. Salomon and agency Playground designed the event as a running festival, drawing inspiration from New York–style Run Crew battles.
At the central village:
- Run Crew Battle — clubs compete on three criteria: speed, power and atmosphere. Yes, vibe is judged. It's a real score.
- Salomon product testing — gravel running shoes to try on the day
- Gravel running workshops — to understand the format, posture, pacing
- Recovery zones — physios, osteopaths, guided stretching
- Live concerts + on-site food — the festival angle taken seriously
- ISO 20121 certified — eco-responsible event standards
The looped course design around the village lets spectators (friends, family) see runners multiple times during the race. It's a small detail that turns a sporting event into a shared moment.
Who is Gravelanza for?
Good question — and the answer is broader than you might think:
- Urban runners who finally want to run in nature without flying or driving 2 hours
- Beginners looking for a friendly first event (the 7 km is built for that)
- Regular runners who want to break the routine of road/marathon with something different
- Run clubs and crews that can race together for the Run Crew Battle
- Spectators who finally have an event where they can actually follow the race without leaving the village
Bottom line: if you run in Paris or you're visiting in June 2026, this is the local event you don't want to miss.
→ Download BPMoov to save Gravelanza to your favorites
Concept races fill up fast. The registration alert in BPMoov makes sure you don't miss the window.
Paris, London, LA: the birth of a global circuit
Gravelanza isn't a one-off Paris experiment. Salomon has announced three editions in 2026:
- Paris — June 13–14, 2026 (founding edition)
- London — 2026 (date TBC)
- Los Angeles — 2026 (date TBC)
The goal: lay the groundwork for the first global gravel running circuit, with a brand, a format and an experience that stay consistent from city to city.
Practical translation: you're here for the world's first edition. The runners talking about this in 2030 will be the ones who can say "I was there."
How to register for Gravelanza Paris 2026
The process is standard, with one twist: for high-profile, capacity-limited races, anticipation is everything.
- Save Gravelanza to your favorites on BPMoov — you'll be notified the second registration opens.
- Get your paperwork ready — for races in France, you'll need a PPS (Parcours Prévention Santé) or a competition-grade medical certificate.
- Pick your distance — 7, 16 or 24 km. First event? 16 km is a great middle ground.
- Build your run crew — if you run with a club or friends, the Run Crew Battle is a great team motivator.
- Confirm the details on the official site when you finalize registration (final course, fees, swag, etc.).
Free, takes 30 seconds, and guarantees you won't miss the registration window.
FAQ — Gravelanza Paris 2026
What is "gravel running"?
Gravel running is a hybrid discipline between road and trail. You run on rolling paths (forest tracks, stabilized trails) with moderate elevation and steady pace. Not the jarring asphalt of road, not the technical sections of trail. An accessible, fun format built for runners who want nature without the trail-running headaches.
Where does Gravelanza Paris 2026 take place?
The event is held in Meudon Forest, just outside Paris (southwest). The central village and start/finish are inside the public forest, with an iconic stretch on the Observatory Terraces offering a panoramic view over Paris.
What distances does Gravelanza offer?
Three distances: 7 km, 16 km and 24 km. All three races start and finish at the central village. The 24 km is the marquee event, equivalent to a "nature half-marathon."
Do I need to be an experienced runner to take part?
No. The format is built to be accessible: limited elevation, rolling paths, no technical sections. The 7 km is open to beginners, the 16 km suits a regular runner, the 24 km works for someone who already runs at least an hour continuously.
When does Gravelanza registration open?
The event is already live on BPMoov. Official registration runs through the Salomon/Gravelanza site — save the event to your favorites in the app to get the registration alert.
What's the Run Crew Battle?
A team format open to clubs and running collectives. Three ranking criteria: speed, power, atmosphere. The "atmosphere" score is judged separately — your crew is rated on the energy you bring to the event. A unique format on the European running scene.
Run in Paris? This race was made for you.
Gravelanza ticks every box that's been missing from the Paris running calendar:
- A new discipline that resonates with urban runners
- An accessible distance (7 km) that can be your first event
- Easy logistics (Meudon Forest, 30 min by RER from central Paris)
- A festival format that turns the race into a shared experience
- A brand (Salomon) that knows how to put on an event
The event is already on BPMoov. Download the app, save Gravelanza to your favorites, and be among the first to know when registration opens.
2,000+ races across France and Europe. Free. iOS and Android.
See you on June 13 in Meudon Forest.
Article published April 27, 2026. Information cited comes from the official announcements by Salomon and the Playground agency. Always verify details (fees, final course) on the official website before finalizing registration.