Half Marathon races near Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray

The Bois-Guillaume Half Marathon is a road race held in mid-October in Bois-Guillaume, a town near Rouen in Normandy. The primary event is a 21.1 km half marathon. A 10 km race is also held that morning, alongside a Joëlette Cup for teams running with a person with a disability. Both the half marathon and 10 km begin at the Espace Guillaume le Conquérant. The main races are popular and can sell out. The 10 km is open to a broad range of participants, from beginners to experienced runners, including youth and seniors. The half marathon course consists of two 10 km loops. It includes urban sections within Bois-Guillaume and a portion that goes through the Forêt Verte. This design offers more variety than a simple town-centre race while maintaining a straightforward format for participants and observers. The Joëlette Cup covers the 10 km distance and has no entry fee. The race also supports Octobre Rose, allowing runners to contribute to the league against cancer. A partner village with food vendors is located behind the Espace Guillaume le Conquérant.

Bois-Guillaume’s race day begins at Espace Guillaume le Conquérant with two options: a 10 km run at 9:30 and a half marathon at 9:50. The 10 km follows a simple, low-difficulty route suitable for many participants, whereas the half marathon presents a greater challenge, consisting of two 10 km circuits within Bois-Guillaume. The half marathon features a section through Forêt Verte, offering the longer race its most notable part. This event marks its 37th year and typically attracts a full field, bringing together club athletes, local residents, and newer runners for the same morning. A free Joëlette Cup is also held on the 10 km course, where teams of up to five participants run with an individual with a disability. The race collaborates with Octobre Rose, allowing participants to contribute to the cancer league during registration, and a partner village with food is set up near the starting area.

Les Boucles du Pays Elbeuvien is a road-running series held in Elbeuf, Seine-Maritime, featuring a 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon. It's a long-standing, well-attended event on the local running calendar, attracting over 1,000 participants annually. The 5 km is available as a run or walk, and the half marathon follows the official 21.097 km distance. The 5 km race begins behind the Elbeuf-sur-Seine town hall; it is timed and certified. The walk starts five minutes after the run, without timing or ranking. The 10 km is timed and serves as a qualifier for the French championships, open to cadets and older. Younger participants have free races, with distances ranging from 650 m to 2,000 m based on age, held at the Ladoumègue sports complex in Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf. For convenience, baggage drop and bib pickup are available before the event or on race morning, along with physiotherapy or massage services.