Are you a running fan who likes to run during the vacations? Would you like to measure yourself against other athletes? Trail, half, marathon, find out all about the best running events to do in 2024 in Loire-Atlantique (44).
APRIL
Abalone Nantes Marathon
Start the 42nd edition of the Abalone Marathon de Nantes. France’s fifth-largest marathon in terms of participants, it’s also one of the oldest. After a start in the Nave des Machines de l’Île, runners head up to Parc de Procé, Place Graslin and Place Royale, before skirting the Erdre and discovering the Île de Versailles. The route then leads to the Cathedral and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, before rejoining the banks of the Loire. Information and registration at www.marathondenantes.com
- Date: April 20 and April 21
- Departure : Nantes
- Distance: Marathon / Half / 10.5 km
MAY
Course Nature de la Presqu’Île
Running Club Croisicais Le Croisic is organizing two timed nature races between land and sea on the coastal and inland paths of the peninsula. Two events are on the program: the Presqu’île (14.3 km) and the Pierre Longue (8 km). Information and registration at www.timepulse.fr
- Date: May 19
- Departure : Le Croisic
- Distance: 14.3 km, 8 km
JUNE
Les Foulées de Bretagne
Rendezvous in the center of Nantes for this 13.5 km urban trail . On the program? An exceptional setting on the banks of the Loire, with a start to the sound of bagadoù. The route takes in the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Île de Nantes, the Machines de l’Île, the Hangar à bananes, the Butte Sainte-Anne, the Jardin extraordinaire and the Chantenay district.
- Date and time to be confirmed (late June)
- Departure: Nantes (cours Saint-André)
- Distance: 13.5 km
JULY
10 km Courir à Pornic
Pornic’ s famous race is back this summer! A 10.6 km seaside course, with views of the harbour and Pornic castle, a remarkable passage through the Ria garden and… and three times up the rue de la Source (400 metres at 6%!). Around 800 runners are expected at the start. Registration at www.timepulse.fr.
- Date: July 21
- Start: Quai l’Herminier, Pornic
- Distance: 10.6 km, 3 km (for 12/15 year-olds)
AUGUST
Les Foulées Micheloises
Come and enjoy a unique experience in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, the birthplace of the famous galette of the same name! A unique opportunity to discover Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef and the surrounding area on a picturesque route that’s one-third road, one-third path and one-third beach. The breathtaking views over the Loire estuary and the ocean are well worth the detour! Last year’s event attracted over 600 participants. Information and registration at www.timepulse.fr.
- Dates: August 4
- Start : Saint Michel Chef Chef
- Distance: 10 km, 5 km
Les Foulées des Dunes
After the beach and stairs of Gohaud in St-Michel, come and rub shoulders with the dunes and forest of Saint-Brevin. It’s all part of the summer sports program. Taking full advantage of the characteristics of the Plage de l’Océan in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, the Foulées des Dunes takes place in a preserved natural setting. A unique race in the Loire-Atlantique region on a varied course: hard sand, soft sand in the dunes, bark paths, wooden decking… Information and registration at www.fouleesdesdunes.fr.
- Date: August 15
- Start: Saint-Brevin l’Océan beach
- Distance: 10 km, 5 km
Where to stay? Make the most of a sporting weekend by booking your accommodation at a campsite in Saint Brevin les Pins. Contact the Les Rochelets campsite team on 02 40 27 40 25 or by e-mail at info@rochelets.com
SEPTEMBER
Foulées du Pont 10 km
The highest altitude race in Loire-Atlantique! Departing from Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, come and run on the Saint-Nazaire bridge and cross the Loire estuary at full speed! Two distances are on offer: 10 km (over 16s) and 5 km (14s and over). Over 1,000 amateur and experienced athletes are expected. Information and registration at www.timepulse.fr.
- Date: September 22
- Departure/arrival in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
- Distance: 10 km, 5 km
OCTOBER
Foulées Nazairiennes
With the seafront as a backdrop, the Foulées nazairiennes offers a very rolling course on asphalt, conducive to good times. The setting is magnificent. Last year, 1,200 runners took part in the flagship 10 km event. A 1050 m galopade is available for young runners.
- Date: October 20
- Departure : Saint-Nazaire
- Distance: 10 km, 5 km
NOVEMBER
Corrida de Guérande
The Corrida de Guérande is the oldest race in the Loire-Atlantique region. In a place steeped in history, the medieval city of Guérande, runners will pass through the four gates of the old city walls: Porte Saint Michel, Porte Vannetaise, Porte de Bizienne and Porte de Saillé. Information and registration at www.timepulse.fr.
- Date: November 2
- Departure : Guérande
- Distance: 10 km, 5 km
Jade Coast Trail
The Côte de Jade trail in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, with a choice of three races, is organized by the Côte de Jade Athlétic club. You’ll enjoy the incredible light at this time of year over the ocean and the fisheries that line the Côte de Jade. Around 700 runners are expected for a 15 km night race and two races on Sunday. Registration on www.timepulse.fr.
- Date and time to be confirmed
- Start : Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef
- 11 km, 15 km, 26 km
photo@pixabay