We don’t know whether Mademoiselle from Armentières ran on Sunday mornings, but one thing is certain: in October, the Base des Prés du Hem comes alive at daybreak to welcome nearly 1,000 participants along the banks of the Lys. In the Hauts-de-France, in Armentières in the oh-so-famous department of Nord, autumn sets in with its morning mists and its invigorating 12°C 🙃. Exactly what you need to head out onto the paths of the Flemish plain 🍂.
The Testathlon isn’t a race, it’s a multisport celebration 🎉. Do you lace up your trail shoes for the timed 5 km or 10 km? ⏱️ Do you hop on your MTB for the 25 km or 50 km? Or do you combine the two in a “Run & Bike” your legs won’t soon forget? 🦵 The routes extend across the Flemish plain, a rolling terrain par excellence, with a few wooded sections around the water sports center that break up the flat monotony 🌳. No leg-breakers, no brutal final sting. Here, the effort is about consistency and cardio, not climbing. And for those who don’t want to leave their heart out there, hiking walks are also organized over 5 km and 10 km! 🚶 So everyone is invited! 👯
What truly sets the Testathlon apart is the reason to run it. Each registration directly supports the DigestScience Foundation, a foundation recognized as being of public interest since 2008, committed to research and prevention of digestive diseases. Bib proceeds are fully donated to the Foundation 😊. The atmosphere reflects this commitment: festive, welcoming, open to all levels: from the walker on a hike to the seasoned trail runner.
After the effort, Armentières rewards you as it should 🎁. The region doesn’t hold back: a nice, hearty carbonnade, a steaming waterzooi, a glass of genever for the brave (and for everyone, in moderation! ⚠️), plus the barbecue option (fries, sausage, drink) right on site. 🍺 The town’s walls hold the memory of a historic brewery and a song that made its way through the trenches: after your effort, you’ll have well earned your Flemish foam.
You won’t have run thousands of meters of elevation gain, but you will have moved research forward by a good kilometer 🔬. Not bad for a Sunday morning in the Nord. So, what do you say? 😉
A word from the organizer:
"The Testathlon is a day I like to describe as universal—accessible to the family that wants to stroll in nature, to the mountain biker looking for a great 50 km, to the runner who wants to test themselves for a time or simply for leisure,... Everyone finds their place, in a spirit of celebration and kindness. And behind the event, there is a cause close to our hearts: the DigestScience Foundation works every day for the digestive well-being of as many people as possible, through research, prevention, and support for patients. Signing up for the Testathlon is also that: a simple, concrete gesture for a health topic that’s often neglected. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you on 11 October!"
Bib pickup takes place on Sunday 11 October 2026 starting at 7:15 a.m., directly at the Base des Prés du Hem site (150 rue des Résistants, 59280 Armentières). Pickup must be done at least 20 minutes before the start of your race.
All starts take place at the Base des Prés du Hem on Sunday 11 October 2026, according to the following schedule:
8:00 a.m.: Run & Bike
8:30 a.m.: MTB 50 km
9:00 a.m.: MTB 25 km
10:00 a.m.: Trail 10 km
10:15 a.m.: Hiking walks 5 km and 10 km
10:45 a.m.: Trail 5 km
No, it is not mandatory; however, you will need to present a PPS certificate dated less than one year before the race date for timed events.
Hiking walks 5 km and 10 km: no age limit
Trail 5 km and Trail 10 km: 16 years old on the day of the event
MTB 25 km, MTB 50 km and Run & Bike: 18 years old on the day of the event
Underage participants must present a signed parental authorization when picking up their bib.
5 km hiking walk: €8
10 km hiking walk: €10
Trail 5 km: €10
Trail 10 km: €12
MTB 25 km: €10
MTB 50 km: €12
Run & Bike: €12
An optional donation in support of the DigestScience Foundation is offered during registration. A barbecue meal option (fries, sausage, drink) is available for €9.
Please allow an additional €2 per event for on-site registrations.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all MTB events and for Run & Bike. Any participant without a helmet will be denied the start.
Each registration includes an official event T-shirt and goodies. The MTB events also include access to refreshment stations. All registration proceeds are fully donated to the DigestScience Foundation. Registrations are final; no refunds are possible.
In October in Northern France, expect cool morning temperatures (around 10 to 14°C), noticeable humidity, and frequent morning mist. There may be a risk of rain. Plan an outfit suited to the autumn conditions of the Flemish plain.
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