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 pick-up takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 7:00 a.m., directly at the Base des Prés du Hem venue (150 rue des Résistants, 59280 Armentières). Please collect your bib at least 30 minutes before your race start time.
You must present a valid ID. Bib collection by a third party is allowed with a copy of the participant’s ID.
All starts take place at Base des Prés du Hem on Sunday, October 11, 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
9:45 a.m.: 10 km walk/hike
10:15 a.m.: 5 km walk/hike
10:00 a.m.: Timed 5 km run
11:00 a.m.: Timed 10 km run
For the timed races, you must provide a PPS attestation issued less than one year before race day, or a valid FFA (French Athletics Federation) licence.
5 km and 10 km walks/hikes: no age limit
5 km and 10 km running races: must be at least 16 years old on event day
MTB 25 km, MTB 50 km: must be at least 14 years old on event day
Run & Bike: must be at least 14 years old on event day
Minors must provide a signed parental consent form when registering or when picking up their bib, and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the events where their participation is permitted.
5 km walk/hike: €8
10 km walk/hike: €10
5 km trail: €10
10 km trail: €12
MTB 25 km: €10
MTB 50 km: €12
Run & Bike: €12
When registering, you can optionally make a donation to the DigestScience Foundation. A barbecue meal option (fries, sausage, drink) is available for €8.
Please add €2 per event for on-site registration.
A helmet is mandatory for all MTB events and for the Run & Bike. Any participant without a helmet will not be allowed to start.
An official event T-shirt
A numbered bib or bike plate
Prizes and entertainment in the partner village/event area
Refreshments on the MTB routes and at the finish for all events
Timing for the 5 km and 10 km running races
In October in Northern France, expect cool morning temperatures (around 10 to 14°C / 50–57°F), noticeable humidity, and frequent morning mist. Rain is also possible. Plan your kit for typical autumn conditions on the Flemish plain.
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