5 Active Challenges to tackle in Brittany this year
Want to keep fit beside the seaside? Fancy taking the edge off the calorie-burn with a beautiful view? Brittany has various options for runners this year, all making the most of its breathtaking coastline and bracing sea air.
Check out our five favourite races happening between May and October, and don’t worry if you’re not super athletic – many cater for walkers, too. Here’s to Brittany’s great outdoors… it certainly beats the gym.
France, Cotes-d’Armor (22), Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h, randonnee sur la cote de Granit Rose, le phare de Mean Ruz
The Mont Saint-Michel Marathon – 27 May 2018
Frequently ranked among the 10 most beautiful marathons in the world, the Marathon de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel will allow you to discover a jewel of French cultural heritage. This unique route has been a wonderful challenge for thousands of runners since 1998. With the majestic Mont Saint-Michel as a backdrop, it’s one of the only marathons in the world where you can see the historical finish line before even setting out.
For more information, click here: The Mont Saint-Michel Marathon (External link)
The Guirec Trail, Perros-Guirec – 27 May 2018
Two separate routes allow runners to experience Perros-Guirec through its coastal paths and hinterland: a 10km nature race and a 22km trail. All entry proceeds are donated to a charity called Les Enfants de Trestel. New for 2018 is a 10km walking option, organised by the Friends of the Côte de Granit Rose, and a solex bike tour. With a 13-kilometre coastline and three large sandy beaches, Perros-Guirec is also endowed with panoramic views over an archipelago of seven islands, home to one of the France’s largest bird sanctuaries.
For more information, click here: The Guirec Trail (External link)
The Ultra Marin, Golfe du Morbihan – 28 June 2018
Covering a distance of 177km, the longest of Brittany’s super adventure races takes you in a loop around the Gulf of Morbihan, breaking off mid-way to cross the water in an inflatable dinghy. The race along roads and paths is run as a single stage. You have a time limit of 42 hours to get back where you started… this one is strictly for advanced-level athletes!
For more information, click here: The Ultra Marin Trail (External link)
The Bout du Monde Trail, Plougonvelin – 7 July 2018
At the gateway to Brest, four nature races ranging from 20km to 57km take you towards the sea, following the ‘Sentier des Douaniers’ (Customs Officers’ coastal path). Coves and creeks offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Iroise sea. Past the Vauban fort at Bertheaume and the square lighthouse of Kermorvan, the finish line is in a beautiful headland setting on the cliffs of the Pointe Saint-Mathieu.
For more information, click here: The Bout du Monde Trail (External link)
The Kernic Bay Trail, Plouescat – 7 October 2018
This group of trails gives runners a choice of 25km, 15km or 8km, and there are also options for walkers and for those with reduced mobility – La Course Joelettes – to enable everyone to soak up the beautiful surroundings of Plouescat. Situated on the so-called ‘Côte des Sables’, this is a true beach lover’s paradise. The trails start and finish from the Centre Nautique on the Porsguen port.
For more information, click here: The Kernic Bay Trail (External link)
Find out more about Brittany’s top 10 races.
WIN A TRIP TO THE FRENCH REGION OF BRITTANY
©A.Lamoureux
BRITTANY TOURISM IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN A TWO-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO ON THE GULF OF MORBIHAN, WITH TWO ENTRY PASSES TO THE ULTRA MARIN TRAIL 2019!
Fancy tackling one of Brittany’s toughest runs? Covering a distance of 177km, the Ultra Marin is not for the faint-hearted. The longest of Brittany’s super adventure races takes you in a loop around the Gulf of Morbihan, breaking off mid-way to cross the water in an inflatable dinghy. It’s run along roads and paths as a single stage and you have a time limit of 42 hours to get back where you started.
To chill out after the challenge, we’re offering the chance to win a two-night stay at the five-star Hotel Miramar La Cigale, a haven of tranquillity with panoramic sea views situated in Arzon on the Rhuys peninsula, on the southern side of the Gulf of Morbihan. The hotel’s 100 rooms and 13 suites with private balconies offer supreme comfort, with décor in perfect harmony with the surroundings. Relax in the hotel’s heated seawater pool and jacuzzi, make use of the fitness room overlooking the sea, and enjoy the two spas – Expérience and Océanique – with their indulgent treatments.
The prize includes two Ultra Marin Trail entry passes, accommodation in a double room with breakfast, plus return flights for two from the UK to Rennes or Nantes. Make sure you select YES to the competition question to enter this awesome prize when completing your entry form for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon!
#FeelBrittany
Photo Credits: Top [©iStock] Left [©A.Lamoureux] Middle [©iStock] Right [©SergeDetalle] See the terms & conditions.
Feel Normandy are offering you the chance to take on Run in Mont Saint-Michel!
Calling all runners! Feel Normandy are giving you and a friend the exclusive chance to win FREE ENTRY worth up to €79 into the incredible
Run in Mont Saint-Michel on 26 & 27 May. They are also offering 50 runners-up exclusive discounted entries! If you win, you and a friend can claim your prize to take part in one of the following distances:
- Marathon – the ultimate challenge
- Duo Marathon – a relay for two
- Semi – a half marathon
- Trail – 55km in the Normandy countryside
The Mont-Saint-Michel, rightly called ‘The Wonder of the Western World’, is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights, set in the mesmerising bay where Normandy and Brittany merge, the island draws the eye from great distances.