Trails in Mayenne

The roof of the West and trails that climb (yes, indeed!)

You thought the Grand Ouest was flat as a pancake? Then you don't know the Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point of the Armorican Massif proudly standing at 416 meters above sea level ⛰️. It's the local Everest, the must-visit spot to tackle some elevation and prepare for your future mountain challenges without leaving the department 📈. The Regional Natural Park of Normandy-Maine offers an exceptional playground for a technical trail run, where roots and rocks will remind you to always watch your step 👀. If you prefer the flow, the 85 km of towpath along the Mayenne River are perfect for speeding up in a bucolic setting 🌊. This is where towing horses used to pull barges in the past, now it's your turn to tug along the machine 🐴.

Between medieval history and cheesy delights

Running here is also a journey through History with a capital H. You can cross Sainte-Suzanne, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," a medieval city that resisted William the Conqueror (just that!) and offers amazing views on the surrounding countryside 🏰. Don't miss Jublains either and its best-preserved Gallo-Roman fortress in the West, ideal for a historical run that will make you feel like a legionnaire in sneakers 🏛️. For recovery, forget bland energy gels and dive into the local heritage: the famous Port-Salut, originally made by the monks of the Abbey of Entrammes, or a good glass of Perry to rehydrate in moderation 🧀. The people of Mayenne are proud of their land, and it's not unusual to hear a few words of the local dialect at the refreshment stations, like "being in the groove," (being in a good mood), which will definitely be the case for you after finishing 😄.

Discreet yet tough champions

Mayenne doesn't just produce milk, it also forges champions with strong personalities. We think inevitably of Alban Chorin, an emblematic figure of Laval sport, capable of huge performances in both marathons and trails, proving that the air of the 53 gives strength 🫁. Local runners train hard, often in the forests of Mayenne or Pail, braving an oceanic climate that can throw all four seasons at you in a single day 🌧️. It's this resilience that is the strength of the Mayenne pack: here, we don't complain about mud, we play with it 🐗. Moreover, the department is the birthplace of Douanier Rousseau in Laval, a painter famous for his lush jungles, proof that wild nature has always inspired the locals 🎨.

Your next challenge on the trail calendar

The trail calendar in Mayenne is as varied as the department's landscapes. For the warriors, Les Pieds dans l'Buru is the undisputed benchmark, with courses that will make you visit the roof of the West and test your mental limits 🧠. If you like mixing pavement and heritage, the Urban Trail of Laval will let you discover the hometown of Ambroise Paré from a new angle, amid cobbled streets and staircases 🏙️. For a mystical atmosphere, La Main'Erve Trail in Saulges offers an adventure with L’Homo-ça-coince or La Cro-Mignon🦉. In short, if you're looking for a race in Mayenne to start with or excel at, you'll find what you need 🍽️.

So, stop making excuses and come discover this surprising area where every kilometer is earned. It's time to check out the events, choose your challenge, and book your bib for a 100% nature experience 🎫.

Scroll down now to discover all the available races and choose the one that will make your legs tremble! 👇