Trail de Dinant Hiver expands: two days of trail fun and new Citadel Challenge
On 12 and 13 December 2026, Dinant is once again the setting for the Trail de Dinant Hiver. For the sixth edition, the concept is being thoroughly expanded. What started as a wintry night trail is growing this year into a full trail weekend with races during the day and in the dark, longer distances, a separate program for hikers, and a new two-day challenge.
From night trail to full trail weekend
The biggest change is immediately clear: for the first time, the Trail de Dinant Hiver will be organized over two days.
The night trails remain an important part of the event. Running through the dark Ardennes nature, with only a headlamp to illuminate the course, remains one of the typical ingredients of the winter edition. But in 2026, daytime trails will also be added for the first time.
On Sunday, participants can therefore discover Dinant and the surrounding valleys in a completely different atmosphere. Furthermore, the offering is expanded with longer distances. In addition to the existing formats, a 32 km and 42 km are added. With this, the Trail de Dinant Hiver henceforth also focuses more emphatically on runners who are looking for a longer wintry challenge.
New: the Citadel Challenge
For those who find one race isn't enough, there is a brand new concept: the Citadel Challenge.
Participants combine a night trail on Saturday evening with a day trail on Sunday. The results of both races are brought together into one combined ranking.
There are two formats:
Citadel Challenge Pro
The toughest challenge of the weekend combines the 22 km night trail on Saturday evening with the 42 km trail on Sunday. Over two days, participants thus cover a total of approximately 64 kilometers.
Citadel Challenge Beginner
Those who want to get acquainted with the concept can choose the combination of the 16 km night trail on Saturday evening and the 32 km on Sunday. Good for about 48 kilometers of trail running spread over two days.
The Citadel Challenge thus adds an extra sporting dimension to the event. Not only do performances in each individual race count, but also consistency across two completely different conditions: first running in the dark and then performing again during the day trail.
Hikers also get their own event
The expansion is not limited to trail runners. For the first time, hikers also get their own program, with walking tours on Friday evening and Saturday during the day.
This makes the weekend broader than a classic trail race. Hikers can discover the same wintry environment around Dinant, but within an event organized specifically for them.
On the way to the UTMB
In terms of sport as well, the Trail de Dinant is increasingly gaining international connection. The Trail de Dinant is included within the UTMB Index system, meaning performances on recognized distances can count towards a participant's UTMB Index.
For trail runners who want to build or maintain their UTMB Index, this adds extra sporting value to their participation in Dinant.
A sixth edition taking a new step
With the expansion to two days, the sixth edition of the Trail de Dinant Hiver clearly changes in scale. Night trails remain part of the DNA, but are supplemented with day trails, longer distances, and the new Citadel Challenge.
Add to that the separate hiking program and December 12 and 13, 2026 become more than just two race days: Dinant gets a full winter weekend for trail runners and hikers.
From a first introduction to trail running to a two-day combination of 64 kilometers: the sixth edition offers more opportunities than ever to discover Dinant in wintry conditions.