Les Foulées Valenciennoises

Les Foulées Valenciennoises is a city race held in mid-April in Valenciennes, located in the Nord department of northern France. It features road races of 5 km and 10 km, alongside an 8 km Nordic walk. Children’s and junior races are also part of the event, catering to participants beyond just competitive runners. The 10 km is the primary attraction, drawing over 3,000 finishers in its last edition, with the 5 km also attracting a substantial field of more than 1,000 participants. The 10 km race begins near the Stade du Hainaut, while the 5 km starts on Rue du Quesnoy. Both races conclude on Place d’Armes, situated in the city center. The course winds through central Valenciennes, passing landmarks such as the Canal des Carmes, the Vieil Escaut, the town hall, Avenue Clemenceau, and the perimeter of Parc de la Rhonelle. It is characterized as a fast urban course, not a challenging hilly route; the 10 km involves 46 m of elevation gain, the 8 km walk 36 m, and the 5 km 22 m. The event is presented as a welcoming, local gathering, offering sufficient distance choices for club runners, casual participants, walkers, and families to engage in the same race morning.