Courses Vertes Sénonaises

The Courses Vertes Sénonaises, known to regulars as the CVS, are the autumn trail event of the Sens Route Trail club, a running association for all abilities in the Sens area, in the north of the Yonne department. Launched in 2017 in Paron, on the edge of Sens, the event originally offered a city trail and a "Trail d'Enfer" run at night by headtorch from the Roger Treillé sports complex. It has changed over the years, with 10 km and 20 km formats, then a virtual edition during the 2020 pandemic in which runners covered the marked loop in their own time. Recent editions have moved to Saligny, a nearby village.

The programme is built around three trail races. A daytime 8 km suits runners looking for a short, punchy run in the countryside, while a daytime 16 km is the main event. As night falls, a second 8 km is run by headtorch, which completely changes how the paths and woods feel underfoot. A combined challenge lets runners take on both the day and night 8 km races, with an aggregate ranking. The 8 km and 16 km races count towards the Sénonais Trail Séries, a challenge bringing together several local trail races, which the CVS bring to a close.

The terrain is typical of the countryside around Sens: gentle relief, farm tracks and woodland sections, with modest climbing that keeps the race within reach of regular runners as well as trail runners looking for a fast outing. In October, mud and fallen leaves can make some sections slippery, especially after dark. The 8 km races are open from age 15 and the 16 km from age 17. Editions also include children's races and a walk, making it a family day out.

Saligny is a rural village about 6 km from Sens, mostly farmland but with woods covering nearly a quarter of its area. It is recorded as early as 519 as Saliniacus in pago senonico, "Saligny in the land of the Senones", and a chapel was founded there in 1118 under the name Saliniacum in Sylva, "Saligny in the woods", a fitting name for a nature race. Nearby Sens, with its Saint-Étienne cathedral and historic centre, makes it easy to extend the trip.

Registration is online via the platform given by the club, where practical information, timings and race rules are published each year. In past years the club has also held reconnaissance runs open to everyone ahead of the race. For the night race a working headtorch is essential, and warm clothing for chilly autumn evenings is advisable. Full results are posted on the club website after the event.