ル・マン周辺のHalf Marathonレース

The Semi-Marathon de Beaufort en Anjou is a road running event held in early October in Beaufort-en-Vallée, Maine-et-Loire, within France’s Pays de la Loire region. The primary event is a half marathon, complemented by shorter races: les petites foulées (approximately 5.6 km) and les foulées (approximately 9.7 km). An intermediate race of about 10.5 km is also listed on some entry pages. Additionally, walkers can participate in an 11 km Nordic walk, ensuring the day caters to more than just half marathon runners. The half marathon begins as a loop from Place Notre Dame, starting near the Notre Dame church. The course departs Beaufort-en-Vallée, passing through Gée and Mazé, following the Couesnon river. It incorporates small bridges, roads, paths, woods, and forest sections surrounding the town. Runners will see the ruins of Beaufort Castle and head towards the Château de Montgeoffroy de Montmirail, weaving local heritage into a largely rural route. The region is also known for poularde à l’angevine, a local chicken dish, offering a more regional post-race meal than the typical pasta.

Ultra Trail La Mayenne is an 85 km race along the Mayenne towpath, connecting Mayenne and Daon by the river. Scheduled for April, it can be completed solo or as a relay, offering a challenge between a full ultra and a shared long-distance run. The course follows the old towpath beside the Mayenne with minimal elevation change (66 meters negative). Relay teams can divide the race into legs of 36.7 km and 48.3 km, with the option for the pair to run the last kilometer together. Alternatively, the course can be split into five shorter sections, such as Mayenne to Montflours and Montflours to La Pignière. Mandatory equipment is required, and aid stations are cup-free. The inaugural event attracted 550 participants. Organizer Le Son de vie allocates profits to Deux rayons de soleil, supporting twins with cerebral palsy, and to the departmental Handisport committee.

Courir à Meslay-du-Maine is a local running event in Meslay-du-Maine, France, centered on a labelled half marathon typically held in October. The half marathon is in its eighteenth edition. Organizers describe the route as fairly rolling, suitable for runners seeking a straightforward road race over a technical course. The program now includes an approximately 11 km nature race and hike, open to all, following the discontinuation of the older Meslinoise race due to low participation. A portion of each entry for the nature race supports Octobre Rose, the French breast cancer awareness campaign. Organizers have also reduced entry fees, a practice they note is uncommon currently. Registration is managed via Klikegolien.

Festicap - Marathon de Guecelard takes place in late October in Guecelard, a town in Sarthe, Pays de la Loire, near Le Mans. The 42.195 km marathon is the only one held in Sarthe. The event also offers shorter races: 4.25 km, 11 km, and a half marathon. The event accommodates various participants, including a walking option, children’s and junior races, a relay, and an Ekiden. The course follows town roads, park paths, and forest trails. Hundreds of runners from across France, including locals, those from Le Mans and the Paris region, and visitors from Belgium, participate.

Cross Ouest France draws thousands of runners to Le Mans, Sarthe, in mid-January for a large cross-country race weekend supported by Ouest-France, the major French daily newspaper. Established in 1981, it features 16 races, giving it the feel of a running festival rather than a single event. The schedule includes a 20 km trail and a 10 km Nature race, alongside 7 km and 5 km cross-country races. A separate 5 km race is designated for women. Additionally, there is a handisport race, 13 km and 7 km Nordic walking events, canicross, children’s races, and a 2.5 km family loop. This variety allows club runners, walkers, families, children, and runners with dogs to participate in the same event.

The La Pyjama Party Trail is a trail running and Nordic walking event held in Tours, located in France’s Indre-et-Loire department. Participants are encouraged to wear pajamas. The event takes place in mid-February and features forest and nature routes, courses for children and juniors, and at least one untimed option. The race distances range from 10 km to 21 km. The 10 km La Pilou-Pilou Découverte trail race had over 300 participants in its last edition, and the 21 km La Grenouillère Aventure is the longer trail option with over 100 participants. Nordic walkers have their own routes: the 11 km La Virée Nocturne is an untimed walk, and the 13 km La Nordic’Aventure is another Nordic walking course. The event is set in the Centre-Val de Loire countryside near Tours, combining a costume theme with forest running.

The Trail Cloysien des 3 Rivieres begins at the Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon in Cloyes-sur-le-Loir, located in France’s Centre-Val de Loire region's Eure-et-Loir department. This yearly March trail race offers three primary distances: 10 km, 16 km, and 21 km. The event is designed for participants preferring trails over road races, featuring hills, forest paths, and chateaux along the course. The 10 km race is run in full autonomy, requiring runners to manage their own provisions without aid stations. The race attracts a robust local field, with registrations often filling rapidly and nearly a thousand participants in a recent running. The 10 km event alone can host several hundred starters, featuring a balanced representation of men and women, with average finish times slightly exceeding one hour. A dedicated course is provided for juniors, ensuring the event caters to younger participants as well as adults pursuing longer distances. A substantial volunteer photography team contributes to the event's character, documenting runners from various perspectives and in diverse weather conditions, subsequently publishing galleries from multiple named photographers.

Ekiden de Laval is a team relay race held in Laval, located in France’s Pays de la Loire region. The start and finish are situated at Cour de la Résistance by Square de Boston. The primary Ekiden covers the marathon distance of 42.195 km, divided among six runners with legs measuring 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 7.195 km. A Semi-Ekiden is also offered, spanning 21.100 km for three runners, with legs of 5 km, 10 km, and 6.100 km. The course is designed around a 5 km loop, meaning most participants will run either one or two laps based on their position in the relay. The final runner incorporates an additional shorter section of 2.195 km. Teams can consist of friends, family, colleagues, club members, or local competitors. The event attracts notable Mayenne athletes who compete for the marathon relay victory. Refreshment stations are positioned near the Pont de l’Europe exit at Square de Boston and at the finish line. Participants are required to provide their own cups.

The Courses des 3 Clochers is a trail and hiking event held at the Parc de Loisirs de Vaux in Ambrières-les-Vallées, Normandy. Participants can select from three trail routes: 7.5 km, 12.5 km, or 21 km. A separate 10 km walking route is also available. The routes follow natural paths along the Mayenne river, with inclines that suit trail runners more than road racers. The event does not use official timing or rankings. Poles are permitted, water stations are situated along the courses, and a GPX file is supplied. The event attracts enthusiasts of off-road running and hiking. Dawa Sherpa, a notable figure in international trail running, is expected to attend.

Rocanto'trail is a spring trail-running event held in Saint-Antoine-du-Rocher, a village in Indre-et-Loire within France's Centre-Val de Loire region. The adult races offer distances of 7 km, 14 km, or 21 km on nature trails, suitable for both new participants and those seeking a longer run. Dedicated races are also available for children and juniors, contributing to the event's atmosphere as a local club-and-family gathering rather than one solely focused on the main competition. The Ardrée Bluegreen golf course serves as the race hub, hosting the start, finish, and aid station for all participants. The children's "fun run" covers approximately 700 meters and is designed for children accompanied by an adult. Rocanto'trail supports ADEL CENTRE, an association aiding children with leukemia or cancer; one euro from each adult entry and all proceeds from the children's race are donated to the organization. Sébastien Barc, a multi-Olympic medalist and Olympic torchbearer, is the event patron. Now in at least its sixth edition, the race depends on volunteers for course marking, setup, and on-site support.

The Parc de la Rivière trail run is a small event held at the Étang in Parc de la Rivière, Étival-lès-le-Mans, Sarthe, France. It features two race distances, 11 km and 16 km, both starting at 9:15 AM. An 11 km walk is also available for those who prefer to enjoy the outdoor setting without competing. Foulées d'Etival organizes the event, with online registration through Klikego and on-site sign-ups for walkers. The course follows paths through Étival and neighboring communes, presenting a local trail run rather than a flat road race. The organizer indicates natural variations in difficulty, implying varied terrain and sections. Entry fees are reasonable, with discounts for FFA-licensed runners, and the walking option is very affordable. As a first-edition event, its appeal lies in a relaxed community race centered on the park and local trails, offering a choice between running 11 km, running 16 km, or walking the shorter distance.

Rocanto'trail is a spring trail-running event held in Saint-Antoine-du-Rocher, originating from the Ardrée Bluegreen golf course. Participants can select from three course lengths: 7 km with approximately 70 m of elevation gain, 14 km with around 150 m, or 21 km with about 250 m. The golf course location serves as the starting point, finish line, and aid station, providing a convenient layout for both runners and observers. Additionally, a brief children's "pleasure race" of roughly 700 m is offered, where children can be accompanied by an adult and receive a medal upon completion. The event benefits ADEL CENTRE, an organization that assists children with leukemia or cancer. One euro from each adult registration fee is contributed to the group, and all proceeds from the children's race are also donated. Food will be available at the finish area, and Sébastien Barc, a decorated athlete and Olympic flame carrier, acts as the event's patron.