Trails in Pas-de-Calais

From Black Summits to Chalk Cliffs

The Vertigo of Slag Heaps and the Mining Spirit

If you're looking for elevation gain where you least expect it, head to the mining basin, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The twin slag heaps of Loos-en-Gohelle, the tallest in Europe at 186 meters, are true roller coasters for trail runners. Running on this black shale is like experiencing a nature race on the moon, with an amazing view over the miners' houses that inspired the film Germinal. Each ascent is a tribute to the coal miners who worked beneath your feet. It's physical, it's technical, and most of all, it's a raw emotional experience that will help you understand why this land is called the "Land of Solidarity" ⛏️.

The Opal Coast: The Call of the Sea

A radical change of scenery with a race along the seashore at the Grand Site des Deux Caps. Between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, you'll race facing the English coast (which you can see on a clear day, promise!). The Channel wind will be your best ally or your worst enemy depending on the loop direction. The terrain alternates between soft sand, steep customs paths, and chalky lawns where biodiversity reigns. It's the perfect place for a trail where the salty air burns your lungs while your eyes marvel at the vastness of the horizon 🌊.

Gems of the Calendar to Sweat with Style

Iconic Events for All Levels

The trail calendar in 62 is as generous as the local serving of fries. For lovers of unusual challenges, the 7 Vallées Race is a mandatory pilgrimage for any self-respecting Northern trailer. If you prefer the mystical ambiance of the undergrowth, a forest race in Hesdin or Clairmarais will immerse you in a setting worthy of chivalry tales. You might even meet athletes like Renaud Brelik, a native of Lens who flies over tracks and trails with steely determination 🏃‍♂️.

Five Events to Mark on Finishers

To ensure you miss nothing, here’s the royal selection for your next challenge. The Canadian Race in Vimy is an institution that will make you discover the wild beauty of the dunes. For a complete immersion in the industrial past, the Hesdin Rose is a must-click to resonate with the miners’ rhythm. If you're looking for technicality, dash to the Trail of Hobbits in La Comté. Lastly, the Pas-de-Calais Urban Trail in Saint-Omer will let you explore the city and its canals in a sporty way. Don't forget to taste a good Flemish Carbonade or a Welsh after the effort to validate your integration 🧀.

Ready to Become a Legend of the Hauts-de-France?

Whether you're a shy beginner or an ultra-distance regular, Pas-de-Calais promises you a welcome you won't forget. Here, we don't just race against the clock, we run for the sharing and beauty of the landscapes, from the Audomarois Marshes to the hills of Artois. So, "saque ed'din", adjust your headlamp, and get ready to experience strong emotions on trails filled with history and courage. The finish line is waiting for you, and the local beer is already chilled to celebrate. Choose your distance according to your current mood and pick your bib to join the great family of Northern trail runners! 👟

Do you want me to find the shortest route to reach the foot of the slag heaps from your city? ✨