The sporting events in La Manche

Take up the challenge!

La Manche is the perfect playground for those who want to challenge and push themselves. While you work up a sweat, you’ll be able to take in some gorgeous landscapes: unspoilt nature, an exceptional coastline and magical countryside. Whether you’re an accomplished runner, looking for new challenges or an amateur enthusiast, test yourself with the different sporting events organised in La Manche including the Diabolik de Ragnar, Run in Mont Saint-Michel by Harmonie Mutuelle, the Barjo, and the Enduro des Sables.

April

The Diabolik de Ragnar

1 april 2023

Organised by Traileurs en Cotentin, the Diabolik de Ragnar in Herqueville is a 6-hour long endurance trail. The name of the race is a reference to the Viking origins of La Manche. So channel your inner Viking and push yourself on one of the most difficult races in Normandy! You can compete in the race alone, with a partner or in a relay (two or three).

The Diabolik de ragnar

Les Fairways de la Manche

20 to 22 APRIL 2023

For the second year in a row, this golfing competition is a great opportunity to discover the golf courses in La Manche. In teams of two, take part in the qualifying rounds held on 20 and 21 April. Three circuits are proposed, and you can play:

at the Cherbourg and La Côte des Isles golf courses,
at the Centre Manche and Presqu'île golf courses,
at the Bréhal and Coutainville golf courses.

After the qualifiers, the winning teams will compete in the Fairways final on Saturday 22 April at Granville golf course. The teams that don’t qualify will have a chance to play again on the course of their choice. On the evening of the final, a gala dinner and award ceremony will be held at the Manoir de la Foulerie in Ancteville.

Les Fairways de la Manche

Rock n'Trail

29 and 30 april

Take part in this crazy sporting challenge! For this third edition, head to the quarry in Muneville-le-Bingard. The concept of this unique trail: running around the quarry as many times as possible in 24 hours. Whether you choose to run solo, duo or in a team, push your limits! Other races are also organised: a 16 km loop and a 7 km charity run.

Rock n'Trail

June

The Barjo

17 and 18 june 2023

Take up the challenge of the craziest trail in Normandy, and choose from five distances: a 100 km ultra-trail, a 50 km and a 26 km trail, a 15 km nature run and challenges combining the different races. Push yourself on the steep paths of the Cotentin Peninsula as you admire its breathtaking scenery: rugged cliffs, vast sandy beaches, little harbours and picturesque villages.

The barjo

Photo, © Anthony Lefilleul pour la Barjo

July

La Tatihougue

8 july 2023

Organised by the Défis Sentiers Océan association, the Tatihougue combines swimming and running races, and you can compete alone or with a partner. Two races are open to participants:

the 6 km race: 4.9 km running and 1.1 km swimming
the 12.5 km race: 10.2 km running and 2.3 km swimming

The race begins and ends in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, looping through La Hougue.

Le Normandie Horse Show

29 july to 6 august 2023

The Normandie Horse Show is one of the must-see equestrian events in La Manche. Different competitions are held over several days, including showjumping and breed competitions (Cob Normand, Selle Français, ponies). The foal fair and different activities are organised during this event dedicated to the equine industry. The show is held in the prestigious setting of the Haras de Saint-Lô.

Le Normandie Horse Show

Photo, © Cyril Crespeau - Tatihougue

La Tatihougue
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Le Normandy Horse Show
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Le Grand National

August

The Enduro des sables

27 august 2023

This festive sporting event was created with the goal of promoting running and enabling people to discover the beautiful landscapes of La Manche coast, near Agon-Coutainville. There are several races to choose from, all with one thing in common: you run in the sand with the sea as a backdrop! Below are the different races open to runners:

7 km
14 km
semi-marathon
junior races
walking
“crazy night”, nocturnal race

The Euduro des sables

October

The Grand National

19 to 22 october 2023

This equestrian event once again shines the spotlight on La Manche as a land of horses. The Grand National is one of the stages of the Pro Elite Grand Prix. This event is held at the Haras National de Saint-Lô and is organised by the Pôle Hippique and the Saint-Lô Cheval Organisation.

The Grand National

The Jumping International de Saint-Lô

26 to 29 october 2023

Come and watch the CSI 4* and CSI 2* events organised by the Saint-Lô Cheval Organisation.

Several competitions are held over four days, with different prizes, including the Grand Prix du Département de la Manche. Riders from all backgrounds take over the Haras National de Saint-Lô to compete in this event.

Jumping International de Saint-Lô

La Manche, a nautical destination

With its miles of stunning coastline, La Manche is the ideal setting for nautical activities. Lots of events are organised every year. Find out all about them.

The big nautical events

This selection includes some of the major sporting events in the territory, but is not exhaustive. Lots of other races and trails are organised by local associations in La Manche.