The Challenges of Sainte Barbe 2025

Stop mumbling and come get active! 🔥 Yes, the challenges of Sainte-Barbe are back, with a friendly atmosphere 😆. As every year, we await you in the beautiful town of Hénin-Beaumont ⭐️ at the heart of the Pas-de-Calais, in the north, north, north of France 🫨. A varied landscape is planned, with water, countryside 🏔️, and some villages! Of course, there are several disciplines offered, all in open air: cycling 🚲, running 🏃, or walking 🚶, you choose what you prefer. For more excitement 🎊, the race will start in December, so dress warmly… Expect temperatures between 2° and 8° 🥶, pack a neck warmer, a beanie, and gloves! 🧤

The program offers choices, so everyone will be happy! 😄 Let's start with running. Two available distances: 5 km or 10 km, with lovely routes around the city 🌆. A system of scratch rewards 🏅 is in place, so no fuss, everyone will be on the same pedestal! ✅ We continue strongly with cycling, MTB (Mountain Bike) or Gravel, welcome to you! 🚴 Two carefully prepared loops, with 20 km and 40 km. We hope your thighs are warmed up for this beautiful ride 🌻. Want to take it easy? No worries, a 6 km hike is organized, to enjoy with your close ones 😉. Parents, you won’t quickly be rid of your kids 🧒, they thought of you! A “Family Race”, 1 km takes place! 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Imagine seeing your little one, with a medal around their neck, adorable, right? 😍 All routes are organized around the city, with Espace François Mitterrand as your starting point. On your way 🛣️, the Parc du Bord des Eaux, aptly named due to its large lake in the middle. Look closely, you might see some residents 🦆. Passing through the green lung of Hénin (inhabitants of Hénin) 🌳, the Terril des Pommiers, a place with some elevation 📈, for a refreshing breath of fresh air.

You deserve some rest after a great effort! 💪 The region can be visited all year round and it’s an opportunity to discover it well 🔍. The Hauts-de-France holds surprises, even if it's not always very nice weather...⛅️ In the host city center, visiting the Saint-Martin Church in Hénin-Beaumont is a must! ⛪️ Since 2003, this architecture is listed as a French historical monument, so classy! 🤓 Otherwise, 15 minutes' drive west brings you to Lens, the city of the “blood and gold”! Full of history 📖, Lens was rebuilt 80 years ago, so the city center is brand new and definitely worth a visit 🫵. East this time, Douai, yeah, it doesn't seem like it, but there's a lot of monuments to discover! 🏛️ Of course, we also remember the food lovers, because you are in for a treat 😆. The flamiche with maroilles, it's hard to find something more typical, (also hard to find something more indulgent), just, the tooth-brushing step is mandatory after that… 🧀 A sweet finish, the stuffed waffles of the north, a pure delight 🍯.

So, are you ready to embark on a great race in the north of France? 🎊