For the first time in the city, this major competition will take place between Jean-Jaurès and Dorian squares, transforming the city center into a sports hub. The municipality sees this event as an opportunity to boost urban life.
The Festival des Babets, running throughout the weekend, will offer a diverse program. School activities are scheduled for Friday. Saturday will focus on sports, health, and addiction prevention, with public events. An orienteering race, co-organized with local businesses, will invite participants to explore the city's commercial streets.
On Sunday, two 5km and 20km races will provide opportunities for amateur participation before the main French 10km Championship race, which will gather the country's top specialists. This program aims to blend high-level competition with broad public involvement.
The Coquelicot 42 Athlétisme club, with over 600 members, is behind this event. Supported by the City and the French Athletics Federation, the club hopes to make this inaugural French Championship in Saint-Étienne a popular success, extending beyond the competition itself and enhancing Saint-Étienne's visibility.
