Cross des collines de l'Artois - Maisnil-lès-Ruitz 2027

The Cross des collines de l'Artois is a cross-country race held at the Parc départemental d'Olhain in Maisnil-lès-Ruitz, situated on the hills overlooking the Artois countryside. Artois Athlétisme organizes this event in conjunction with the park. The program typically features seven races catering to various ages and skill levels, covering categories from young children to both short and long cross-country distances. It was established as a strategic racing point between the departmental cross-country championships and the semi-finals for the French national championships, serving as both a preparatory event for competitive runners and a local competition for those seeking a challenging run with mud and hills. The course navigates the open plain at the park's summit before descending into wooded areas, mud, steep ascents, and sharp 180-degree turns, which some participants liken to Alpe d'Huez. Competitors travel from across northern France and the Paris region, and the race is accessible to both licensed and non-licensed athletes. Refreshments are provided along the courses, along with prizes and awards. A novelty race for babies around midday contributes to the event's atmosphere, lending it more of a club meet feel than a singular race start. Early online registration is advised due to limited availability, and on-site registration incurs an additional fee if spaces remain.