Whether you are a seasoned runner or new to fitness, take up the challenge of a trail and discover the region in a different way! Guaranteed: a feeling of freedom and the opportunity to push yourself to the limits.

Check out some of our local trails and create your very own sporting calendar!

Run the slag heaps

The Slag Heap Trail, which takes place every year in November in Charleroi, starts in Roux. There are 4 distances on offer (28, 22, 15 and 11 km) and the route takes you along Charleroi’s distinctive slag heaps. During the race, you can admire the city centre and contemplate the scars of Charleroi’s industrial past, while running in a surprisingly green setting.

Take advantage of this fifth edition to (re)discover this race and enjoy the autumnal atmosphere along the way. A little bonus: a 650-metre difference in altitude on the 28 kilometres, so you can get some height and develop thighs of steel!

Taking the air along the water

In January, the Thyria Valley Trail takes you through the wooded area of Walcourt. There are different distances on offer (5, 13 and 23 km) to satisfy all sporting appetites!

This trail, a favourite among runners from near and far, sees many participants join year after year.

Through the forests of the Pays de Chimay

From February to August, the Chimay Country Forest Board puts on the Trail Challenge. To take up this challenge, participants take part in various trails across the region of the largest forest massif and receive a classification for the combined races.

The programme looks different every year. The routes are organised by different organisers (clubs, non-profit organisations, etc.). Depending on the year, you can take part in the 3 Valleys Trail, Chimay Night Trail, l’Hermetour Trail, Viroin Trail, Froidchatrail, l’Eau Blanche Trail, the Pays de Chimay Forest Ultratrail,…

Registration is open to all, depending on the category. A prize-giving ceremony is held in September at the Auberge du Poteaupré.

Along the Eau d’Heure

The Trail’Heure, organised in March in Ham-sur-Heure by the Ham-sur-Heure Jogging Club, offers runners the chance to exercise in a rural setting. There are two distances on offer: 7 and 14 km.

The start and finish will take in the enchanting setting of the Château d’Ham-sur-Heure-Nalinnes.

On the banks of Belgium’s largest lakes

In May, the Eau d’Heure Lakes Trail, in Boussu-lez-Walcourt, takes you along the banks of the largest series of lakes in Wallonia. There are three distances, starting from the football pitch on the Route de Castillon: 11 km, 20 km and 30 km. They allow you to discover the region’s varied landscapes, made up of woods, fields and, of course, expanses of water. A bar, terrace and refreshments are provided for athletes and their supporters.

In the Lower Sambre

In June, the Trail de Sambreville, organised by VitaFun, takes you from Falisolle through the Lower Sambre. The different routes, between 5 and 25 km, start from the plain of the Bois de Harzée.

Refreshments and food trucks are provided on site.

Across the brownfield sites

In August, the Indus’Trail takes you on a 5 and 11 km journey to discover the region’s industrial past. The start is at the Rockerill, located in Charleroi: a seemingly unusual destination, but one imbued with Charleroi’s culture and music.

Just for the taste of it: through fields… and Trappists

Discover the Principality of Chimay Jogging Trail, in April. This rural race is organised by the ASBL Jaco (Athletic Jogging Club of l’Oise). The course will take you through fields and woods, some of which are generally off-limits to the public.

Convince your family and beer-loving friends to join you. There are four distances on offer: one of 14 km with 8 refreshment stations (4 with water and 4 with Chimay Trappist beer), another of 5.8 km and two for children, of 1.4 km and 700 metres. Good atmosphere guaranteed.

The sports club also offers other themed races.

But there are also these other races to try:

• The Pont-à-Celles Trail in September
• The Pays des Drôles Trail in Fagnole in September
• The Two Provinces’ Night Trail in Wanfercée-Baulet in December
• The Castors by Night Trail in Aiseau-Presles in December
• The Thudi Z trail in Thuin in March
• The Montagnard Trail in Montigny-le-Tilleul in June

The list is far from exhaustive and changes year by year.