Ekiden — Grandes Heures Nature (Grand Besançon Outdoor Festival)

The Ekiden — Grandes Heures Nature is an evening team relay marathon held in Besançon as part of the Grandes Heures Nature festival. Teams of six runners share the marathon distance of 42.195 km across six legs, with a distinctive after‑work start at 19:00 and a festival village based at Parc Chamars. The event pairs urban and park running with significant climbs around the Chaudanne area, offering a convivial, team‑focused atmosphere within the wider multi‑sport festival.

Logistics are published by the organiser: bib collection for the Ekiden is at Parc Chamars on 12 June (12:00–18:30) and a podium ceremony is scheduled from 22:30. Entry conditions require participants to be at least 16 years old and to hold an accepted FFA licence or a PPS attestation; the organiser publishes a detailed règlement and parental authorisation form. Registration includes chip timing, refreshment points and food/drink services as listed on the official event pages, and the course profile shows around 950 m of ascent and descent for the full relay.