September 26-27, 2026 marks the 42nd edition of an exhilarating trail running and walking festival nestled within the picturesque forests near Raismes, just outside Valenciennes. The event is part of the Nord-Evasion Challenge for all distances over 10 kilometers. On Saturday evening, September 26th, runners can start their adventure with "Les Allumés," a 10-kilometer night race featuring stunning forest trails under moonlight and starry skies. This challenging course includes 120 meters of elevation gain and is priced at €19. For those who prefer walking competitively over running, the "La Marche des Lampistes" offers similar terrain with an equally enchanting setting just ten minutes after Les Allumés. The main event takes place on Sunday, September 27th, starting early in the morning to ensure runners have ample daylight for their journey. The day begins at 6:00 AM with "La Contrebandière," a grueling 45-kilometer trail race that winds through rugged terrain and dense forests, offering breathtaking views of the Scarpe Escaut Regional Nature Park along its 430-meter elevation gain. This challenging course is priced at €35. Immediately following La Contrebandière are two waves for "La Sauvage," a less daunting but still formidable 25-kilometer race with an elevation gain of 260 meters, starting at 8:00 AM and 8:05 AM. This event is priced at €25 per participant. For those seeking more manageable distances yet still desiring the thrill of competition, "L'Authentique" offers a scenic 16-kilometer course with 210 meters of elevation gain starting at 9:00 AM and 9:05 AM. This race is priced at €20. At 10:30 AM and 10:35 AM, the day continues with "La Furtive," a brisk 10-kilometer run that includes 120 meters of elevation gain and costs €15 per participant. For those who wish to enjoy the trails but prefer shorter distances or want to explore at their own pace, there's also "La Rando" (€11), another 10-kilometer walk through scenic forest paths. The day concludes with a unique event for younger participants: "Galibot," a fun-filled 3-kilometer race designed specifically for children. This event is priced at €8 and offers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a less competitive setting. All races are carefully managed by dedicated volunteers who prioritize participant safety, especially during night runs or when weather conditions might affect trail visibility. The event's "Barrière Horaire" policy ensures that runners remain safe throughout their journey; if safety cannot be guaranteed due to darkness or other factors, participants may be required to withdraw from the race and will receive assistance back to the finish line. This annual festival in Raismes not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also fosters a sense of community among trail runners and walkers. With its diverse range of distances and terrains, there's an experience for every level, making it a must-attend event for outdoor enthusiasts. For more information or to register, visit the official website.
Races Offered
La Contrebandière- 45 km - 7 terrils - 575 m D+
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
45K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:00
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€35.00
La Sauvage - 25 km - 5 terrils
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
25K
terrain
Type —
Running
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08:00
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€25.00
L'Authentique - 16 km - 3 terrils
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
16K
terrain
Type —
Running
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09:00
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€20.00
La Galibot - 3 km
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
3K
terrain
Type —
Running
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09:15
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€8.00
La Furtive - 10 km - 2 terrils
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:30
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€15.00
Rando des Terrils - 10 km - avec 1 ou 0 montée de terril
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:45
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€5.00
Balade des P'tits Quinquins - 1200m
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
1.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
12:00
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€0.00
Balade des P'tits Quinquins - 700m
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
0.7K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
12:10
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€0.00
Balade des tout-P'tits Quinquins
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
Balade des tout-Ptits Quinquins
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
12:15
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€0.00
Les Allumés - 10 km - 2 terrils (nocturne)
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
20:10
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€19.00
Marche des lampistes - 10 km (nocturne) - 2 terrils
Sep 27, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
20:20
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€15.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Raismes.
thermostatTemperature
12.8° / 21.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
11.0° / 19.5°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 56m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.9 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (3.5)
humidity_mid
Humidity
76.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:22
nightlight
Sunset
19:58
About Raismes
Learn more about the host city, Raismes.
Raismes is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. The flutist Gaston Blanquart (1877–1962) was born in Raismes.
