Race certified by Finishers: event approved by the organizer

Cross Ouest France 2026

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Photo credits: Cross Ouest France

The event in a few words

The entire editorial team of Ouest-France awaits you at the finish line to talk about your victory 📰.

Pack your bags, mid-January head to Le Mans in the Sarthe 🧳 to burn off the calories accumulated during Christmas at the Cross Ouest France ! 💪 We’re talking about one of the most famous cross-country races in France here as it gathers thousands of participants at each edition! 🤩

Do you like having options to expend your energy well? 👀 The event sponsored by the most-read daily newspaper in France has planned no less than 16 total events 🤯: a trail of 20 km, a "10 km Nature", a long cross of 7 km and a short cross of 5 km. Ladies, your attention please! 🙋‍♀️ A category event of 5 km is especially reserved for you 👑. And that’s not all because there is something for everyone, the organizers are also offering a disabled sports race 👨‍🦽, two nordic walks of 13 and 7 km, a canicross 🐶 and courses for kids! 🧒 And for parents looking to have fun with their little ones, the "Family Loop" of 2.5 km will be the perfect race to return home with a smile on your face and memories to cherish! 🥰 This event headlines: friendliness, performance, and... A good fleece to put on after the race! 🧥 But as ever here at Finishers, we always see the bright side: the chilly temperatures will give you a little boost at the start! ⚡️ Be sure not to skimp on the warm-up! 😅

Runners love The Cross Ouest France for the quality of the courses offered! 😎 Unwavering success since its creation in 1981, Mitterand’s election year... Doesn't make us any younger! 😂 And no jealousy between die-hard asphalt lovers and nature fans, although it's always a pleasure to run in the fresh air 💨. You'll pass through the Bois de l’Epau, amidst tall trees in their winter coat 🌲, and through fields and among pastures (beware of slipping in the mud if the weather acts up 🐽). This cross is sheer joy, a return to the roots of a demanding but oh so fun discipline! 🤪 Plus, in case you’re feeling low, a band will be there to liven up your course and pace your strides 🥁.

Feeling peckish after your race? Fortunately, we have the "Local Gastronomy" section! 🤓 At the foot of Le Mans Cathedral, we have THE specialty to perk you up: the famous rillettes! 😋 Given the effort you'll have put in, a little indulgence is well earned! 🤗

A cross to stay fit and in the know! 📄

4 reasons to join this race

Beat your time ⏱️
Cross-country is the ideal event to shave off seconds (or minutes for the bravest) from your old personal record! Expect shoulder-to-shoulder battles at the start and in the curves as you jostle for position, so watch out not to get thrown off balance or take a muddy tumble! 🐷
A historic event 🤓
The Cross Ouest France is an institution! Just like the newspaper, the race has secured a top spot among regional races. It's a must-attend annual event for enthusiasts of the discipline 💪.
Youngsters in the spotlight 🧒
Ahhh, the cross-country race! It's the legendary school event dreaded every year 😂. But the Cross Ouest France is 100% fun. 5 races have been created so that the youngest can showcase what they've got! 😎
Distances for everyone 👐
Trail, cross, canicross... The events are plentiful! No excuses not to participate in one of the event's races. Only the cold might hold you back... But we're told the awesome atmosphere will surely warm things up! 🔥

Note from the organizer:

"We are delighted to welcome you to Sarthe and more specifically to Le Mans for the 43rd edition of the Cross Ouest-France. A symbolic and popular sporting event, the Cross Ouest-France offers a rich and varied program all in a 100% natural setting! Join us at the starting line on the upcoming 16th, 17th, and 18th of January."

A distance for every taste

  • Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:30 PM
  • 1 loopx5.2 km

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

You can pick up your bib at the Arche de la Nature in Le Mans:

  • Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

The races will start at the Arche de la Nature in Le Mans:

On Saturday, January 17, 2026:

  • Para Cross and Adapted Para Cross: 12:50 p.m.

  • Nordic Walk Leisure: 1:05 p.m.

  • Nordic Walk Competition: 1:25 p.m.

  • "5 km Women's": 3:30 p.m.

  • "Semi-Night Trail": 4:15 p.m.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026:

  • Canicross: 9:45 a.m.

  • "Open Relay": 10:30 a.m.

  • "Family Loop": 11:30 a.m.

  • Mixed U14/U16 Cross: 12:40 p.m.

  • Short Cross: 1:00 p.m.

  • Discovery Cross U10 Girls: 1:30 p.m.

  • Discovery Cross U10 Boys: 1:40 p.m.

  • Long Cross: 2:00 p.m.

  • U12 Girls Cross: 2:40 p.m.

  • U12 Boys Cross: 2:50 p.m.

  • "10 km Nature": 3:10 p.m.

No, it is not mandatory, however, a PPS certificate less than three months old at the date of the race must be presented.

  • Discovery Cross U10 Girls/Boys: from 2017 to 2019

  • U12 Girls/Boys Cross: from 2015 to 2016

  • Mixed U14/U16 Cross: from 2011 to 2014

  • Semi-Night Trail and Long Cross: from 20 years old

  • All other races are accessible from 18 years old

FFA licensed tariffs from 20/10/25 to 15/01/26:

  • Nordic Walk Leisure: €5

  • Nordic Walk Competition: €8

  • "5 km Women's": €5

  • "10 km Nature": €8

  • "Semi-Night Trail": €10

Non-licensed tariffs from 20/10/25 to 31/12/25:

  • Nordic Walk Leisure: €7

  • Nordic Walk Competition: €12

  • "5 km Women's": €7

  • "10 km Nature": €11

  • "Semi-Night Trail": €15

Non-licensed tariffs from 01/01/26 to 15/01/26:

  • Nordic Walk Leisure: €9

  • Nordic Walk Competition: €14

  • "5 km Women's": €9

  • "10 km Nature": €13

  • "Semi-Night Trail": €17

Open Relay (4 runners):

  • Tariffs from 20/10/25 to 31/12/25: €20

  • Tariffs from 01/01/26 to 15/01/26: €28

Yes, on the "Semi-Night Trail", runners will be stopped at km 10.7 after 1h15 of the race.

  • Liquid refreshments (water) on the Nordic Walk Competition (km 7) and on the "10 km Nature" (km 4)

  • Liquid and solid refreshments on the "Semi-Night Trail" (km 10)

Focus

Cross Ouest France
Cross Ouest France
Cross Ouest France
Cross Ouest France