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Wimereux

The Trail de la Côte d'Opale

Seven distances, from ten to a hundred and ten kilometres, over cliffs and dunes

  • Over 7,000 runners
  • From 10 to 110 km
  • Finish in Wimereux
  • Mid-September
Runners on the sand, at the foot of the white cliffs
Photo: Paul dobson from ENGLAND, source, CC BY 2.0

Next edition

Dates not yet announced

The event takes place the second weekend of september, every year.

Where
Start and finish in Wimereux
Price
Paid entry, depending on distance
Crowds
Over 7,000 runners
Check the dates on le site de l’organisateur

The Trail de la Côte d'Opale brings together more than seven thousand runners in Wimereux every year, on a weekend in mid-September. It reached its nineteenth edition in 2026.

Its challenge isn't elevation — this isn't mountain country — but the terrain: cliffs, dune paths, sand and ridge tracks, with a westerly wind thrown in. Every race finishes in the Baie Saint-Jean garden, right in the centre of Wimereux, which puts the finish line in the middle of the spectators.

The seven races

  • 110 km The ultra, around 1,300 metres of elevation gain. It's the newest distance, and the one that changed the scale of the event.
  • 62 km The historic flagship race, the one that made the trail's name.
  • 42 km The marathon distance, on trail.
  • 25 and 21 km The mid-range distances, manageable with regular training.
  • 13 and 10 km The taster distances, doable without being a trail runner.
The field stretched out along the beach

What the terrain demands

The sand is what catches most runners out: running on dunes costs far more effort than a dirt path, and split times worked out on flat ground don't hold up. Bring gaiters and grippy shoes.

The wind, meanwhile, is endured one way and enjoyed the other. On the ridge sections there's no shelter at all: in strong wind, these are the longest kilometres of the course.

The trail field seen from above, on the sand at low tide

For supporters

It's one of the few trail races where waiting for someone is actually pleasant: the finish is in town, steps from the seafront and the cafés. The long distances set off early and finish late — a whole day in Wimereux fills up without any effort.

Three runners with race numbers on their fronts, on the sand

Plan your day

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    Our 3 places to stay

    Where to stay in Wimereux for the event?

    Our favourite

    To sleep in the resort

    Hôtel Saint-Jean

    A hotel address in Wimereux, within walking distance of the sea wall.

    Hotel · Wimereux

    For a gîte with a spa

    La Fenardière

    A gîte with a spa and private pool.

    Gîte · Wimereux

    To camp near the sea

    Camping l'Été Indien

    The resort's campsite.

    Campsite · Wimereux

    Our 3 restaurants

    Where to eat in Wimereux?

    Our favourite

    For seafood, facing the sea

    L'Aloze Atlantic

    A seafront address, noted for its seafood platters.

    Fish and seafood · Wimereux

    For grilled dishes

    Le Ranch

    A menu of grilled dishes, with vegetarian options.

    Grill restaurant · Wimereux

    For a change from seafood

    Le Thaï Curry

    Thai cuisine, with vegan dishes.

    Thai cuisine · Wimereux

    On the Opal Coast

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