Photo: Organisation Nord Trail Monts de Flandre (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Saint-Jans-Cappel
Nord Trail Monts de Flandre
Sunday, 25 April 2027
L'Ultime Défi
115km D+ 2385m
L'Ultra
80km D+ 1570m
L'Aventure
59km D+ 1210m
Le Mythique
42km D+ 1040m
Le Challenge
25km D+ 540m
La Découverte
13km D+ 300m
Your checklist for Nord Trail Monts de Flandre
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Headlamp mandatory on the 115 km
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
Gels every 45 minutes
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
6 modalities
L'Ultime Défi
- Distance
- 115 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2385m
- Max Time
- -
L'Ultra
- Distance
- 80 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1570m
- Max Time
- -
L'Aventure
- Distance
- 59 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1210m
- Max Time
- -
Le Mythique
- Distance
- 42 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1040m
- Max Time
- -
Le Challenge
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 540m
- Max Time
- -
La Découverte
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 300m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| L'Ultime Défi | 115 km | D+ 2385m | - |
| L'Ultra | 80 km | D+ 1570m | - |
| L'Aventure | 59 km | D+ 1210m | - |
| Le Mythique | 42 km | D+ 1040m | - |
| Le Challenge | 25 km | D+ 540m | - |
| La Découverte | 13 km | D+ 300m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~21 h of Nord Trail Monts de Flandre?Worked out for the longest course (115 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Nord Trail Monts de Flandre
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
See comparison
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
The 6 Best Trail Running Socks 2026
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Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
6°C – 14°C
Average 10°C
Rain
43%
1.6 mm avg
Wind
21 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (43% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 6°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 25 April
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
The big trail event of northern France
The Nord Trail Monts de Flandre is the biggest trail event in northern France, with almost 9,000 runners across six distances. Its flagship, L’Ultime Défi, adds up to 115 km and 2,385 m of climbing, starting at 02:00 and crossing into Belgium.
The route covers the Flemish hills, a chain of green mounds, woods and brick villages, with Mont Cassel as the landmark. There is no mountain, but the ground is anything but flat: short repeated climbs add up.
Six distances and one party
The 80 km Ultra and the 59 km Aventure are the middle formats; Le Mythique (42 km), Le Challenge (25 km) and La Découverte (13 km) open the sport to every level. All races finish in the same place, so the atmosphere lasts all day.
Preparation
April in Flanders can bring 15 °C or wind-driven hail. Train short intervals and long steady hours, and test rain gear. The 115 km requires a headlamp and spare batteries from the start.
Sleeping in Bailleul, Lille or Ypres is the practical option. More races at /en/races/francia/alta-francia/ and kit at /en/planner/.
360Complete Pack
NTMF entry
RegistrationWith 9,000 runners it is the biggest trail event in the north; the 115 km requires a headlamp.
Tips
- •Enter before March
- •Pick your distance to match experience
Where to stay for NTMF
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Flanders kit
GearApril in the north is windy and damp: windproof, mandatory headlamp and spare socks.
Tips
- •Headlamp mandatory on the 115 km
- •Light waterproof windproof
Which shoes for Nord Trail Monts de Flandre?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Nord Trail Monts de Flandre?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Fuel for 115 km
NutritionClimbing is low but constant: eat before the aid stations arrive.
Tips
- •Gels every 45 minutes
- •Solid food at aid stations
Getting to Saint-Jans-Cappel
TransportIt is 15 minutes from Bailleul and 30 from Lille, with regional trains to Bailleul.
Tips
- •Train to Bailleul then shuttle
- •Village car parks are provided
Car rental for NTMF
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for NTMF
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for NTMF
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Body care for NTMF
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Nord Trail Monts de Flandre 2027?
- Sunday 25 April 2027, with the 115 km Ultime Défi starting at 02:00.
- Does the course leave France?
- Yes: the 115 km and 80 km cross into Belgium before returning to Saint-Jans-Cappel.
- How many distances are there?
- Six: 115, 80, 59, 42, 25 and 13 km, all on the same day and finishing in the same village.
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