Trail & Relais Malonnois 2027

At the Fond of Malonne, nobody hits rock bottom!

Here, the Fond simply refers to the heart of the village. This peaceful spot sits on the right bank of the Sambre, 8 km southwest of the capital of Wallonia, Namur. In early October, the Trail & Relais Malonnois joins the program of the village fair. Weather-wise, Walloon autumn is very unpredictable. It wavers between sunshine in the undergrowth and a proper drache—that very Belgian word for a downpour that doesn’t mess around 🌦. Either way, fallen leaves will roll out a nice soft carpet for you 🍂.

Two formats share your playground. The relay runs on a 3 km loop through the village, between the little streets of the Fond, uphill roads and a wooded section above the Calvaire 🌲. Runners notably take the Voie du Tram, a nod to the local narrow-gauge railway Namur–Malonne that appeared in 1889 🚋. On the short trail of 10.44 km, you will push further. You’ll climb into the woods that still cover more than a quarter of the village, remnants of the former Marlagne forest. Then brush past the Fort of Malonne, now a nature reserve where five species of bats winter 🦇. This route finally drops toward the Sambre valley before climbing sharply back up to the village center. On the meter: 303 mD+ announced for a nature run that doesn’t rise above 210 m in altitude. The many hills are still enough to set your calves on fire 🔥.

The concept boils down to one formula: one afternoon, two races, one fair. The "Relais Malonnois" brings together teams of three runners who each swallow 3 km before passing the baton. Bring along a beginner colleague or that cousin who swears they only run after a cone of fries 🍟. The 10.44 km is aimed more at lovers of nature looking for a short but demanding format, in the vein of trails in Belgium cut into wooded terrain. Designed as a village celebration, the event banks on a festive, friendly atmosphere 🎡.

Once you’ve crossed the line, take a detour to the Saint Mutien-Marie Sanctuary, just a stone’s throw from the start. Brother Mutien-Marie Wiaux taught for 58 years in Malonne, and he was nicknamed "the Brother who always prays" 🙏. On the Meuse side, Wépion, Malonne’s twin village, has kept its reputation as strawberry country 🍓. Namur is waiting right nearby, with its Citadel overlooking the Sambre and the Meuse, and its stilt walkers, jousting competitors who have been knocking each other off their stilts since 1411. Then toast with a péket, a grain spirit flavored with juniper berries, to be sipped in moderation 🥃.

No need to pray as much as Brother Mutien-Marie to finish the Trail & Relais Malonnois: a well-passed baton, two motivated legs, and the Fond will welcome you like a hero! 🏁