The CERN Relay Race, organised by the Running Club and the Staff Association, will be back on Thursday, 7 May for its 54th edition.

This now legendary race – the first edition took place in 1971 – returns with the same ingredients as in past years, which led to record numbers of participants in 2025: 183 teams and over 1100 runners/walkers in total. The goal of the 2026 edition is thus clear: to beat that record!

The main race will start at 12.15 p.m. in front of Building 40, closely followed by the walkers’ race and the children’s race, which is being organised with the support of the Jardin des Particules.

The CERN Alumni Network will be taking part in the event thanks to an online relay race challenge: teams composed of CERN alumni from across the globe will be able to run the CERN Relay Race distances in their different locations.

The social part of the event won’t be forgotten, with the participation of various CERN clubs and Staff Association partners that will be presenting their activities, and there will be a professional DJ to liven up the event. As always, runners are more than welcome to participate in fancy dress and to compete in the costume contest.

No doubt the spectators will be out in force cheering all the teams on and the sun will shine, making the 54th edition the best one yet.

Register on the CERN Running Club webpage.