Marathon races near Raismes

The Semi-Marathon de Mons begins on the Grand-Place in Mons, in front of the city hall, alongside 10 km and 5 km runs. It takes place in October and is organized by ASBL Semi-Marathon de Mons, which has staged the event since 2018. The day also features a 10 km walk, Joëlette starts, and short children’s races, functioning as a local running festival. The routes depart from the historic center, showing runners both central Mons and the surrounding countryside. The 5 km is open to participants aged 12 and up, the 10 km from age 15, and children aged 4 to 12 can run 500 m or 1 km circuits. Thousands of participants attend annually, assisted by hundreds of volunteers and pacemakers on the course. Profits benefit Télévie, and the event has already contributed tens of thousands of euros to FNRS since its inception.

The Ekiden France Environnement is a road relay marathon held at Stadium Lille Métropole in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille in Hauts-de-France, scheduled for mid-October. Six-person teams complete the full 42.195 km marathon distance. The legs are set: 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 7.195 km. Each runner must be distinct, making it a team effort rather than relying on one strong individual. The course utilizes a loop, run once or twice based on the relay leg. This format originates from Japan, where an ekiden is a long-distance team relay. This version emphasizes handoffs, pacing, and team support. The shorter legs suit club runners, students, workplace teams, families, beginners, and experienced runners aiming to test their speed over 5 to 10 km. Children's and junior races are also included, extending the day beyond the main six-runner marathon relay.

The Marathon International de Lille is a 42.195-kilometer road marathon beginning in Lille, the capital of Flanders. It is set for an autumn return after more than thirty years. The Ligue Hauts-de-France d'Athlétisme is organizing the event, reintroducing the marathon distance to a city already known for its popular running events. The specific marathon route is still to be announced, but Lille's races typically feature relatively flat terrain, conducive to fast running times. The city's half-marathon course has seen three French records and one junior world record set, and the overall race day surrounding the half marathon has attracted 18,000 participants. Spectators can anticipate enthusiastic support along the streets, with encouragement noted throughout the course. A notable mark from the marathon's past is Chantal Langlacé's time of 2:33:58, achieved by the French runner on the Lille course.