The Marathon des Grands Crus also includes roller skating, open to everyone!

2 days ago

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On October 11, 2026, the Marathon des Grands Crus returns for its 7th edition. This unique event is best known for its running races. However, rollerblading is an integral part of the event's identity and features prominently in the weekend's program.

Originally, the Marathon des Grands Crus was a 100% rollerblading event! Launched in 2001 as the “Dijon Roller Marathon,” the event hosted several rounds of the Roller Marathon World Cup, attracting internationally renowned skaters. It wasn't until 2019 that running was added to the MGC program.

Even though, over the years, running races have overtaken rollerblading races in terms of attendance, rollerblading remains at the heart of the Marathon des Grands Crus. The organizing association is still AM Sports, a Dijon-based rollerblading club with nearly 700 members.

A very comprehensive roller skating program

No fewer than 4 roller skating highlights are planned during the MGC weekend:

From Saturday afternoon, a hike open to all is organized on the Burgundy canal for leisure, families and all those who want to skate in a group to the gentle rhythm of the water.

Meanwhile, on the park's walkways, young people aged 6 to 18 will be competing. First with a sprint, then in a longer race (1500 or 3000 meters), they will battle it out for a place on the podium. A relay race, with a runner and a skater, is also planned for them. Budding champions who give it their all every year.

On Sunday, the main event, roller skating will follow the running races held in the morning. A fixture of the French Roller Marathon Cup for several years, the Grands Crus Roller Half Marathon (23km) will start in Chambolle-Musigny and finish in Dijon along the legendary Route des Grands Crus. Sometimes reaching speeds of over 70km/h, the country's best skaters will once again gather this year to compete.

Behind this pack of speed demons, hundreds of recreational skaters will also be able to enjoy this unique route at their own pace. It's a chance to discover this iconic road in a different way, on rollerblades and in the friendly atmosphere for which the MGC is renowned.

Introducing roller skating to as many people as possible

All roller skating events and outings are open to everyone, whether or not they are FFRS members. Simply register on the event website, present a valid medical certificate, and mark October 10th and 11th on your calendar.

Thomas Dauvergne, organizer of the Marathon des Grands Crus: “ Roller skating is the historical DNA of the event, and we are committed to continuing to develop this aspect, whether it's to introduce our sport to non-members or to welcome the best skaters in the country to the French Cup. The Route des Grands Crus is perfectly suited to roller skating, and the MGC is recognized in the roller skating world for this unique feature. It's not every day that you can skate freely on this road, without any cars on it. ”