Competitive Nordic Walking: Are There Races and Events?
Nordic walking is often seen as a gentle activity, reserved for Sunday-morning strolls. It is a reductive image. In France, a genuine competitive scene has developed over more than a decade, overseen by the French Athletics Federation. And for lovers of ultra-endurance, the discipline pushes its limits to events of 42 kilometres and beyond.
The official structure of Nordic walking competition
The French Athletics Federation (FFA) is the only federation holding the ministerial delegation for Nordic walking in France. It launched the national Marche Nordique Tour circuit in 2014, then broadened it in 2016 into three categories of nature competition events:
- Discovery Competition (MNCD): events under 21 km, ideal for starting out in competition
- Long Competition (MNCL): events from 21 to 42 km, the discipline's "marathon" format
- Ultra Competition (MNCU): events over 42 km, for ultra-endurance walkers
These events can carry FFA labels (Regional and National) and take place essentially in nature, drawing on the codes of trail running.
The big events of the calendar
The Nordic walking calendar in France is rich in events combining conviviality and competitive spirit:
- Euro NordicWalkin' Le Dévoluy (19-21 June 2026): the great annual European gathering, with learning, improvement and events for all levels. More than 3,000 participants every year.
- Euro NordicWalk'in Bordeaux (3-5 April 2026): the Nordic Walking Fair facing the Garonne, with competitive and discovery walks
- NordicWalk'in Lyon: 9th edition with emblematic routes through the city's historic districts
- La Normandique, Deauville: the eagerly awaited fixture of the Normandy coast
- Bagnoles-de-l'Orne Nordic Walking Marathon: the reference event in marathon format
Competitive Nordic walking: a technical discipline
In competition, technique really makes the difference. It is not the fastest legs that win, but those who best optimise their propulsion, their frequency and their economy of movement. The most experienced competitors, who test themselves regularly at events like Lyon's NordicWalking or the FFA marathons, are unanimous: pole quality is decisive.
Sergi Garcia i Gisbert, an experienced Spanish practitioner, tested the MØNARC® Arcs de Marche over a 93 km course mixing asphalt, trails and forest track. His verdict: poles "intended for experienced Nordic walkers, ideal for competition".
Nordic walking and ultra-endurance
The FFA's Ultra category (over 42 km) is booming. Events like the great Alpine crossings or ultra-walks of 120 to 200 km attract an ever-larger public. For these extreme formats, the endurance of the equipment matters as much as the walker's physical endurance.
Alain Gestin, an ultra-walker who regularly walks with the MØNARC® Arcs de Marche, embodies this community of endurance explorers for whom the pole is a travelling companion over the long hours as over the long days.
The MØNARC® Arcs de Marche®
Curved 100% carbon Nordic walking poles, 140 g per pole, designed in France and assembled in France. 140 g per pole and a forward-directed push: they are designed to help you gain pace without additional effort.
Disclaimer. This article provides general information. It does not replace the advice of a doctor or health professional, nor supervision by a qualified instructor. Before starting or stepping up physical activity, especially if you have a health condition, pain or ongoing treatment, consult your doctor. Exercise according to your fitness, on suitable ground and with equipment in good condition. Each reader remains solely responsible for their own practice and for the decisions they make based on this information, and MONARC SAS cannot be held liable for their consequences.
