Boucles de l'Aa is a road race series in Gravelines, in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France, with the Aa canal and the coast both part of the day. The programme is built around several short distances rather than one single headline race: a 10 km performance race, a 6.5 km popular race, a 3 km race for benjamins and minimes, a 1.5 km race for CM1 and CM2 children, and two 600 m races for younger school groups. The 10 km starts first in the morning and is the only listed race with a stated entry price, while the children’s races follow later in a neat age-group order.
The route uses Gravelines’ mix of public park, seafront, and long straight sections near the Aa canal, so it suits runners chasing a quick time as well as families coming for the shorter races. Previous editions have drawn more than 2,200 runners and walkers, with starts from Sportica-Gravelines. Walking is part of the event too, including a 16 km hike, and the wider programme has also included a 5 km run. The race is organized by LLES BOUCLES DE L and appears in French running calendars, including Esprit Trail Magazine’s listings.