Canadian Race 2026

No need to cross the Atlantic to take part in this race! 🇨🇦

Although it has a misleading name, the Canadian Race takes place in the Pas-de-Calais department, in the Hauts-de-France region, for a total immersion in the historic site of Vimy 🇫🇷. The event takes place in June, to commemorate key moments in our collective memory 🕊️. With a total of 5 events, the competition spans one intense day 💥.

This event offers several varied routes. You can choose between the Little Race of 5 km, the Speed Race of 11 km or the main course: the trail of 22.6 km 🌲. For those who like esprit de corps, the Full Race lets you line up as a team with one runner on each distance 🤝. Each time is added up and the ranking is based on the cumulative times of each participant⏳. If you’re not really into running, choose the walk of 11 km 🚶‍♂️. But then, why is this race called the "Canadian Race"? 🤔 We’ll explain: Vimy was the scene of a major Canadian victory during World War I 🫡. The route is a real step back in time, between Lens and Arras 🏰. Indeed, in 1922, France granted Canada the exclusive and perpetual use of these 107 hectares to thank its soldiers 🇨🇦. The route will take you up the famous Vimy Ridge, a demanding section that will put your calves to the test 🚀. There you’ll discover the Canadian Memorial, whose two pylons represent France and Canada at peace 🏳️. By the way, did you know the memorial was built with 6,000 tons of very rare limestone from Croatia, because it was the only kind able to withstand erosion while remaining white? 💧You learn something new every day with Finishers 🤓. The organization also offers kids’ races with several distances depending on their age 🧒.

To extend the experience, the area around Vimy is full of activities for the whole family 🧑‍🧑‍🧒. You can visit the restored trenches and underground tunnels such as the Grange tunnel, where soldiers waited for the final assault in complete darkness 🔦. It’s a life-size history lesson that will fascinate younger visitors 👆. Nearby, the Louvre-Lens or the squares of Arras offer unmissable cultural outings 🖼️. If you prefer to relax, the surrounding parks are perfect for a post-race stroll 🌳. One thing is certain: you won’t leave Vimy quite the same after conquering this legendary ridge🥇.

Ready to run in the footsteps of history? ✍️