Cross du Courrier de l'Ouest et de la ville d'Angers

Once Upon a Time in the West !

While Renault launches its R5 🚙, Eddy Merckx dominates all records on the Tour de France 🚴🏼‍♂️ and Simone Veil fights for a fairer world, running sees the birth of a new popular event. We are in 1975, in the Maine-et-Loire department, in the Pays de la Loire region, when the Cross of the Western Courier is born. Since then, every November, just a stone’s throw from Angers, the commune of Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou welcomes you to a popular event, within its Parc de Pignerolle. Thousands of runners come to challenge themselves on the different courses offered. 🏃‍♂️

On today’s program, 17 races across a variety that will delight young and old alike. From a discovery course for the little ones to the Grand Slalkes of the Park, this event offers you a range of routes right in the heart of the Parc du Château de Pignerolle. You just need to pick your favorite among the family courses G the Gallery (920 m), the Launchers - sprinters - jumpers (1.4 km), the AS women and men Intersport challenges (4.3 km and 8.5 km respectively), the little park strides (4.3 km), the Mutual Harmony runs (6.8 km), and the Grand Slalkes of the Park (10.5 km). Kids also have their own slot: 5 races are reserved for them by age group. 👶

Do you love nature 🍃? You’re in for a treat! Eighty hectares in a park boasting elegant French-style gardens and a castle 🏰 dating back to 1776. You won’t run out of space to explore in this estate already famous for the running. Depending on your chosen route, you’ll wander through the park among the woodsvast expanses of grass and bucolic paths. In case of capricious weather ⛈, mud is a possibility. 🐗 Watch out for slips! For the two longest distances, the start is at the Grande Alléegrand avenue, heading toward the castle. It’s a nearly complete tour of the park if you choose these routes. For the other races, you’ll start with a burst on a large green space, toward the park’s woods. Normally, you might have seen deer 🦌, but given today’s excitement, it’s not guaranteed they’ll show up 😅. While you race, you’ll be wide-eyed 🤩 and also have a lot of cheering! The spectators are also on hand. At the start, and all along the course, the crowd will roar and cheer you to the finish. 👏

After your race, you can fully enjoy the town of Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou and its numerous green spaces. If you’re tired of greenery and want a bit of urban vibes, Angers is just a short hop away. Yes, the capital of Anjou has its own surprises. By the banks of the Maine, don’t miss the architectural heritage and history of the city. From the Château d'Angers, built by Saint Louis in the 13th century and former residence of the Dukes of Anjou, to the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Maurice and its stunning stained glass, you’ll be wowed by what you’ll see. You’re probably hungry, right? You must try the local specialties. Calf's head à l'Anjou followed by a little shortbread, and to finish, the famous crème d'Anjou, this dessert with whipped cream will delight your taste buds. After a good meal like that, a little Cointreau (in moderation) and you’re back to normal. 😋

You’ll be Ange-joyed to come run here! 😬