Corrida de Noël d'Issy-les-Moulineaux

What if you dove into a race that smells of pine needles, evergreen branches (who? Guy...) and roasted chestnuts? It’s held every year in Issy-les-Moulineaux in the Hauts-de-Seine, in the Île-de-France region, and it’s a must-discover! 🎄

Welcome to the Corrida de Noël, and this isn’t just any race. Issy’s is THE Christmas race par excellence. Here, it’s Issy! Moreover, it’s a historic event first held in 1978, the year the YMCA by the Village People was released, and yes, that goes way back 🎵. The race is open to everyone thanks to its approachable routes and its festive atmosphere made in Santa’s Village 🎅. So, did we spark your December hurry to see it? No need to mention it’ll be a bit chilly, but you can warm up with a glass of hot punch or hot chocolate (obviously warm ☕️). Then hop on the sleigh, heading to Issy! ⬇️

The aim of this race is to celebrate the end-of-year holidays in a warm, cozy vibe 🥰. Here, sport takes a back seat to camaraderie among all participants (but no worries if you want to sprint the whole way, we won’t fault you! 🏃‍♂️). Four distances are on offer with names that evoke Christmas magic ✨. If you want to challenge yourself and beat your best, you can opt for the "5 km of Rennes" or the "10 km Performance" 💪. If you just want to have fun, join the red tide on the "10 km of Santa Clauses", a goofy and playful race! 😎 And finally, if running isn’t your thing, you can join the walkers for a 3 km distance.

Warning, warning ! ⚠️ We’re upfront about this: before you start, you’ll need to pickbetween two 10 km options, it’s kind of a king’s choice! 🎵 Don’t mix up the "10 km Performance" for runners aiming to set records and the "10 km of Santa Clauses" intended for those seeking a festive, sporty, and family-friendly moment! Nothing to see, so we’re counting on you to pick the race that suits you perfectly 👌.

You’ve got it—the distances are accessible, and it’s a great way to run, shoes on, with the whole family to the lively sound of "Vive le vent" 💨. As for the route, it will wind through the streets of Issy-les-Moulineaux, and you’ll even enjoy a stretch through the Parc Suzanne Lenglen. If you’re lucky, your urban trek might be enhanced by falling snow, bringing an even more magical vibe. The Corrida de Noël is above all a joyful gathering that lets you soak up a festive atmosphere to end the year on a high note. To join in, don’t hesitate to fully embrace the spirit and wear your Santa costume (not mandatory—it's the event’s identity and soul). Ready to join a crowd of thousands of Santa Clauses ready to light up the city (to warm you up in the December chill 🔥)? Spectators will also be present in large numbers, cheering you on and giving you strength, like an early gift 🎁.

After you’ve finished your effort, you can warm up by grabbing a bite and sampling specialties from south Paris such as the cressonnier soup or fried goujon fritters. Re-energized? Then go explore the surroundings. You can visit the monuments of Paris, there’s no shortage. Otherwise the Seine is nearby; you can stroll along its banks and take a walk in the parc de l'île Saint-Germain. 🌳

Happy Corrida de Noël ! ⭐️