Journal · Sports

A model week for a trail-running training camp in the Jura

By Robin — your host · 12 July 2026 · updated 10 October 2026 · 2 min read · Our method

A good trail camp week in the Jura alternates threshold work, climbing, an easy day and a long run, and above all removes transfers: every session starts from the accommodation. Here is a Saturday-to-Saturday plan, built on five loops measured from Jura 835, one whole house at 835 m, for 6 to 8 people.

Saturday: setting up camp

Arrival in the late afternoon, keys handed over, then the maps spread out on the long table. You set the week: who leads which session, which days start early, where the easy day goes. The first meal is shared, and night falls on the hamlet, completely. A short scouting walk before dinner is better than a run: the week will be busy enough.

Sunday and Monday: easing in and threshold

Sunday, an easy run on the Rapoutier loop, which starts at the door: about 6.8 km with 213 m of climbing. Monday, a threshold session on the voie du tram, an old line turned path: 11 km with only 225 m of climbing, smooth enough to hold a pace without reading it off the watch.

Tuesday and Wednesday: the climbing

Tuesday, the Fort du Plasne loop: 15.3 km and 316 m of climbing, a solid volume without excess. Wednesday, the hardest session: the Pré d’Haut loop, 19.1 km with 631 m of climbing, with climbs that force a brisk walk. The estimated walking times, about 6 hr 25 min for this loop, help pace the day for those mixing running and hiking.

Thursday and Friday: easy day and long run

Thursday, the easy day: a short walk, mobility work in the garden, an unashamed nap. Friday, the long run closes the week on the Crans loop, the longest of the five: 23.6 km and 494 m of climbing. Back home, legs up and a big pan on the hob; the stove does the rest. In winter the same day can be spent on the trails described in our guide to the nordic area.

Adapting the week

This plan suits a group already used to climbing. For less trained runners, swap the Pré d’Haut loop for a second outing on the voie du tram, and shorten the long run. In spring and autumn, forest paths can be muddy: bring shoes with a good grip and a light jacket. In summer, start early, before the afternoon heat, and carry water, since refill points are rare on the ridges.

Saturday: heading home

Departure on Saturday, the week done. The house will have carried the camp without complicating it: rented entire to one group, 3 bedrooms and a study, all on one level. The rate is weekly, for the house, and is split between runners. For UTMJ preparation or the Transjurassienne, the same camp plays out again from one Saturday to the next.