Cross Ouest France draws thousands of runners to Le Mans, Sarthe, in mid-January for a large cross-country race weekend supported by Ouest-France, the major French daily newspaper. Established in 1981, it features 16 races, giving it the feel of a running festival rather than a single event.
The schedule includes a 20 km trail and a 10 km Nature race, alongside 7 km and 5 km cross-country races. A separate 5 km race is designated for women. Additionally, there is a handisport race, 13 km and 7 km Nordic walking events, canicross, children’s races, and a 2.5 km family loop. This variety allows club runners, walkers, families, children, and runners with dogs to participate in the same event.