The Somme tourist board

Every year, some 7,000 runners come together for a great festival combining sport and tourism in the Baie de Somme on the Picardy Coast.

It was Denis Courtois who first inspired a group of friends with this apparently crazy idea when he wanted to run after giving up smoking.

The runners have to complete the return journey along the sand (which can be rather soft) between Saint-Valery and Le Crotoy.

7,000 runners will set off on the 14 kilometres of unspoiled nature that over the years has become a classic footrace.