Trail des Pyramides Noires
Conquer the slag heaps of the UNESCO World Heritage Mining Basin
About Pyramides Noires
The Trail des Pyramides Noires is a nature running event organized every year in May by the Mission Bassin Minier, starting from the historic 9-9bis site in Oignies. Created in 2014, this iconic trail offers distances from 10 to 115 km across the slag heaps of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Runners tackle spectacular landscapes shaped by mining history, between black pyramids, rider paths, and reclaimed natural spaces. A children's race (1.5 km) and a Nordic walk complete the offering.
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The trail that makes the Mining Basin vibrate
Since 2014, the Trail des Pyramides Noires (TPN) has become one of the most emblematic sporting events in the Hauts-de-France region. Organized by the Mission Bassin Minier, it invites runners to discover and conquer the slag heaps, these artificial hills inherited from three centuries of coal mining. The setting is unique: the routes cross a territory inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, where nature has reclaimed former industrial sites.
Courses for all levels
The TPN offers a range of distances suitable for all types of runners:
- Trail des Galibots (1.5 km): race for children, to discover trail running with the family
- 10 km: an accessible distance to get started with trail running on the slag heaps
- 23 km: the historic TPN event, with a hilly course between slag heaps and rider paths
- 23 km Nordic walk: the same course adapted for walkers
- 46 km: a technical challenge that crosses many slag heaps in the basin
- 70 km: a demanding distance for experienced trail runners
- 115 km: the ultra-trail, a night start from Auchel for a complete crossing of the Mining Basin
A unique playground
The slag heaps offer surprising elevation changes for a region known to be flat. The climbs are short but steep, the descents are technical on black shale, and the rider paths—former mining railways—connect the different sites. Runners pass through historically significant places: the slag heap of Loos-en-Gohelle (the highest in Europe), the Base 11/19, the 9-9bis site where coal was discovered in 1842, and many other heritage sites.
Strong territorial roots
The Trail des Pyramides Noires is more than just a race: it is a tool for promoting the territory. The event helps to change perceptions of the Mining Basin, showcasing the beauty of these transformed landscapes and the richness of their biodiversity. The Mission Bassin Minier, a public institution created in 2000, leads this project as part of its mission for the renewal of the mining territory.
A solidarity and festive event
Beyond the competition, the TPN fosters a spirit of solidarity and conviviality. The finish at the 9-9bis site turns into a real celebration with generous refreshments, musical entertainment, and a partner village. The 2025 edition, the tenth, marked a symbolic milestone with over 5,000 participants, confirming the TPN as the largest trail race in Northern France.
Pyramides Noires — edition 2026
11th edition of the Trail des Pyramides Noires. The 115 km race starts from Auchel on Friday, May 8th at 11 PM. The other distances (10, 23, 46, 70 km) start on Saturday, May 9th from the 9-9bis site in Oignies.
Prices Pyramides Noires 2026
Practical information — Pyramides Noires
Access to the 9-9bis site
The Trail des Pyramides Noires starts and finishes at the 9-9bis site, Chemin du Tordoir, 62590 Oignies. This historic site, where coal was discovered in 1842, is easily accessible from the major cities in the region.
- By car: From Lille (30 min), take the A1 exit 17 Carvin then follow signs for Oignies via the D39. From Lens (15 min), take the D39 towards Oignies. From Arras (30 min), take the A26 then A21 towards Lens and D39. Marked parking lots are available near the site on race day. It is recommended to arrive early as spaces fill up quickly.
- By train: Oignies station on the TER Lens-Lille-Flandres line, then a 15-minute walk to the 9-9bis site following the signs. Lens station (TGV to Paris in 1h10) also allows you to reach Oignies by TER connection.
- By carpooling: A carpooling system is usually offered by the organization on the official website.
Registration and bibs
Registration is exclusively online on the Adeorun platform: trail-des-pyramides-noires.adeorun.com. Places are limited and registration usually opens in December for the following May edition. It is advisable to register quickly as some distances sell out within weeks. Bib collection takes place the day before the race (Friday afternoon) and on the morning of the race at the 9-9bis site. A medical certificate of non-contraindication to competitive running, less than a year old, or a valid FFA/FFTRI license is mandatory for all distances.
Indicative prices
- 10 km: approximately €15
- 23 km trail or Nordic walk: approximately €25
- 46 km: approximately €40
- 70 km: approximately €55
- 115 km: approximately €80
- Trail des Galibots (1.5 km children): free
Refreshments and catering
Solid and liquid refreshments are available along the routes at regular intervals. The start/finish village at 9-9bis offers full catering, a refreshment bar, and a relaxation area for runners and companions. Showers are available on site after the race.
Mandatory equipment
Minimum equipment is mandatory depending on the distance: reusable cup or water bottle, charged mobile phone, survival blanket for long distances. The complete list is provided upon registration.
Contact
Official website: traildespyramidesnoires.com
Facebook: Trail des Pyramides Noires
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Where does it take place — Pyramides Noires
Site du 9-9bis
Chemin du Tordoir, Site du 9-9bis, 62590 Oignies