5K races near Carquefou

Foulées des Côteaux de l'Evre is a long-running race day in Beaupréau, Maine-et-Loire, offering two nature races: 5 km and 12 km. It is the oldest race in the department, held annually in October, bringing together runners, volunteers, and spectators. The routes traverse the local park and the coteaux, emphasizing short off-road running over a city road race format. Children have their own age-adapted races, adapted-sport athletes are included, and the day supports Octobre Rose.

Foulées des Côteaux de l'Evre is a long-running nature race in Beaupréau, Maine-et-Loire, offering 5 km and 12 km routes through the local park and hills. It holds the distinction of being the oldest race in the department, welcoming a broad spectrum of runners instead of a select competitive group. The event gathers runners, volunteers, and spectators. Separate races are organized for children, allowing younger participants to compete at their own level. The race also accommodates athletes with adapted sports and supports Pink October, integrating a strong community focus into the event.

Des Marais et des Bosses begins at La Carrière in Saint-Herblain, near Nantes, sending participants on a 10.5 km loop through marshland and a quarry. This mid-November event is for teams, with pairs and fours working together in a progressive relay. Shorter courses for children and juniors are also offered, alongside listed distances of 1.5 km, 5 km, 21 km, and 42 km. The main relay features a unique format: the first runner begins solo, and teammates join sequentially at the start of each new loop, ensuring the entire team finishes together. For the four-person relay, runner one completes 42 km, runner two 31.5 km, runner three 21 km, and runner four 10.5 km. In the two-person version, the distances are 21 km and 10.5 km. Outdoor Club Herblinois organizes the race, which appeals to friends, families, colleagues, beginners, and more experienced runners seeking a shared experience over individual achievement.

Corrida Ancenis is a nighttime urban road race in Ancenis-Saint-Gereon, organized by ACPA and the Ancenis town hall. Participants begin from the castle courtyard in the early evening, selecting between 5.5 km and 11 km distances. The longer race involves one or two circuits of the city course. This event marks its sixth year, with a limit of 650 participants across all distances. Registration is exclusively online. The finish line is located on the town hall square, offering participants hot wine, hot chocolate, and other beverages post-race. Music is provided along the route, and costumes are encouraged, with awards for the best dressed. A portion of each entry fee supports the Telethon, positioning the race as both a local festive occasion and a standard timed event. The 5.5 km race is open to those aged 15 and older, while the 11 km requires participants to be 16 or older. Both distances necessitate a medical certificate or license during registration.

The Corrida de Saint Philibert de Grand Lieu, known as the Phil'Run, is a Christmas-season road race held in Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, Loire-Atlantique. Organized by AR Sud Lac before the year-end holidays, it features short urban races instead of a long-distance event. The main Père Noël race covers 10.4 km, the Course des Lutins is 5.2 km, and two free children's races offer a 1 km option for the youngest participants and a 2.5 km course for ages 12 to 13. The route remains within the town, beginning and ending on Boulevard de la Moricière, across from the Jean-Rostand school, and then proceeds through local streets. The event originated from the club's aim to establish a road race that could attract a larger audience than their previous September race. The Christmas timing aligns with the French corrida tradition: city races with a festive atmosphere and numerous costumes. The term "corrida" has Portuguese origins, where it simply denotes a race. AR Sud Lac benefits from substantial local support, with almost 500 licensed club members and approximately 120 volunteers assisting with the event.

Corrida de la Beaujoire is a Christmas-season running event in Nantes, located in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. It is structured as a small race series, not a single start: children and beginners can opt for short, free runs, while more experienced runners can participate in the 9.6 km Corrida de la Beaujoire. The shortest option is the 1 km Parade déguisée, a low-cost fancy-dress run for those seeking a playful atmosphere alongside athletic activity. La Ronde de Noël is a free 1.2 km race for the youngest participants or anyone preferring a very short distance. La Grande ronde de Noël adds a free 2 km option, and the Challenge Jean Jahan offers a middle distance at 4.5 km.

The Foulées Vitaliennes offers a 23 km relay option, where two runners can each cover 11.5 km of the longest race. This event takes place in Saint-Viaud, Loire-Atlantique, within the Pays de la Loire region, with its next running set for mid-February. The program includes road races of 5 km, 11 km, and 23 km, suitable for both short-distance participants and those seeking a longer morning challenge. The routes follow natural paths near Saint-Viaud, with the proximity of the sea contributing to the scenery. The 23 km and relay races begin first, followed by the 11 km, and then the 5 km, establishing a straightforward staggered schedule for the day. Organized by Association Fabrice, the event's structure suggests a local race designed for club runners, pairs, and recreational runners preferring a moderate distance over a large urban event.

The Buxia Trail starts in La Boissière-de-Montaigu in the Vendée, with the race headquarters located on Rue du Stade near the sports complex. This event spans a late-winter weekend, featuring trail running rather than a single race. It begins with a 12 km semi-urban night trail on Saturday, followed by longer nature trails on Sunday. Sunday's individual races are conducted in one stage and semi-autonomy, with distances approximately 27 km, 16 km, and 10 km. Some sources also list the daytime options as 23 km, 15 km, and 9 km. The event caters to a broad spectrum of runners, from those attempting a short local trail to individuals seeking a longer self-supported run. It also includes three children's races for school-age groups up to minimes. The OGEC of Notre Dame school has organized the trail for over 30 years, contributing to its atmosphere as a long-standing village sports weekend, distinct from a typical commercial race.

Le dernier homme debout Orvault is a trail discovery event in Orvault, in Loire-Atlantique in France’s Pays de la Loire region. The main format is a short but punchy 7.5 km race with 250 meters of climbing, and the program also includes Le Cens unique over the same distance and elevation, plus Le double cens at 14.5 km with 450 meters of climbing. The routes are built for runners who want more than a flat road race, with enough elevation to make the shorter distances feel like a real test. The event is aimed at a broad field, from newer trail runners to fitter athletes looking for a sharper challenge, and nearby La Gaudinière park gives visitors a green place to explore around the race day.

Odysséa Nantes begins at Cours Saint-Pierre, sending a pink crowd through the center of Nantes for a breast cancer charity run and walk. The local event includes a timed 10 km run, a 5 km walk or run, and a children’s event named “Je cours pour maman.” It takes place in March, with the objective to move with others while raising funds for breast cancer research and support, emphasizing solidarity over times or podium finishes. The route passes historic monuments and central streets before returning to the Odysséa village. There, stands collect donations, and the finish area provides music, entertainment, and a group warm-up. Regular runners, beginners, walkers, families, and children are welcome. Individuals not present in Nantes can participate remotely with a digital bib. Odysséa was founded in France by international athlete Frédérique Quentin and physiotherapist Frédérique Jules. Its races have supported organizations like Institut Gustave-Roussy, Institut Curie, Europa Donna, and Vivre comme avant, funding research projects and practical aid for women undergoing treatment.

Les foulées de Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire is a long-running local race weekend in Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, near Nantes, with all events starting from the Station nuage. The program takes place over a March weekend and is organized by SNAC with the city. The current format includes a Saturday 10 km Nordic walk, followed by a Sunday schedule featuring five running races for various age groups. The courses utilize the islands due to construction on Boulevard des Pas Enchantés altering the typical layout. Consequently, sections of the routes traverse island roads and paths. The former FFA-labeled 10 km race has been succeeded by a 13 km race, and shorter events comprise a 5 km race for participants aged 16 and older, and a 3 km race for ages 12 to 15. This series is now in its 71st edition, establishing it as a well-established local event.