Trail d'Agen

The two races are quite different in character. The 17 kilometre route is billed as an urban trail and works through the town of Agen, while the 8 kilometre route is a course nature on natural ground. If you want a longer, town-based run pick the 17 km; if you want a softer, shorter run on trails pick the 8 km.

The 8 kilometre course nature is the natural starting point. It is short enough to run comfortably without a long build-up and it introduces off-road running without asking you to commit to a big training block. Runners already comfortable on trails will find the 17 kilometre urban trail a good step up.

The choice depends on which race you enter. The 17 kilometre urban trail spends much of its time on hard town surfaces, so normal road shoes are usually the sensible pick. The 8 kilometre course nature runs on natural ground, where light trail shoes with a bit more grip will feel more comfortable.

French trail races of this kind are marked by the organising team with arrows, tape and marshals at the junctions and road crossings. Course marking and any route changes are confirmed on the organiser's website in the days before the race, so check there before you travel and take note of the briefing on the morning.

Trail races in this part of France normally go ahead in rain, and the courses are runnable in wet conditions. If severe weather forces a change, the organiser will announce it on their website and social channels, so keep an eye on those in the last few days before the event.