Join L’assaut du Maquisard 2026
L’assaut du Maquisard is both a tribute and a demanding and atypical sporting event, in an exceptional setting.
First of all a tribute because the starting point, from the Liège provincial high school of agronomy in La Reid (Theux), is also a high place of the 40-45 resistance symbolized by the stele of the unknown Maquisard, at the top of the pass.
These are also events that are as beautiful as they are demanding, with trail-running and/or cycling courses that take advantage of the terrain and wooded landscapes of the Ardennes and which all end with the ascent of the Col du Maquisard.
The event is unusual because it combines disciplines that are rarely combined, road cycling and trail running, in 3 possible duathlon formulas. How could you not combine the most beautiful Belgian cycling climbs nearby, such as the Stockeu, Rosier or Maquisard hills, made popular by the Doyenne cyclist "Liège-Bastogne-Liège" and the most beautiful landscapes and forest slopes such as the Ninglinspo valley, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the Maquisard assault!
Course details
This course is designed for highly experienced trail runners (over 1500m of elevation gain). After a 5km run and crossing the Charmille forest, runners will face 15km of significant ascents and descents in the Ninglinspo valley. Following a transition that passes close to the start, ideal for spectators, participants will descend the slopes of the Maquisard towards Theux before climbing them again on a course that is as beautiful as it is unique.
Trail Run 25km
This route is intended for experienced trail runners (900m of elevation gain). After 5km of running and crossing the Charmille, the runners will face 15km of significant elevation gain and loss in the beautiful Ninglinspo valley.
Trail Run&Walk 13km
This route is designed for trail runners looking for speed or those of intermediate level (300m of elevation gain on a trail). Participants will descend into one of the most beautiful valleys in Belgium, the Ninglinspo (municipality of Aywaille), passing through the superb flowering hornbeam grove of Haut-Marêt, 573m long and boasting 4500 hornbeam trees!
Trail Run&Walk 5km
This route is intended for beginner trail runners and walkers (145m of elevation gain).
Duathlon
The 70km cycling route may seem accessible, but it's designed for experienced cyclists, featuring over 1800m of elevation gain. Participants will tackle legendary climbs such as the Côte de Winamplanche (new for 2026), the Côte du Rosier-Nord II (6.7km!), the Côte de Neuville, the Stockeu (and the Eddy Merckx statue), the Côte de Wanneranval, the Côte de Brume-Sud, the Côte de la Vecquée (new for 2026), and finally, the Côte du Maquisard via the Haftay. All eight climbs are timed. Unlike a traditional duathlon, participants don't start the race immediately afterward. The 25km and 10km races start together. So, after a short rest period, the duathletes will start alongside the trail runners.
Bike
The region is home to the most beautiful (and challenging) Ardennes hills which have made the reputation of the “Old Lady” of cycling races, Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
The 70km cycling route may seem very accessible, but it is intended for experienced cyclists, featuring over 1800m of elevation gain. Participants will face legendary climbs:
1. Winamplanche climb – 1.5km, 120m elevation gain, average gradient: 8%
2. Rosier-Nord II climb – 5.8km, 370m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.4%
3. Neuville climb – 2.88km, 191m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.6%
4. Stockeu climb – 1km, 126m elevation gain, average gradient: 12.6%
5. Wanneranval climb – 1.5km, 141m elevation gain, average gradient: 9.4%
6. Brume-Sud climb – 1.6km, 132m elevation gain, average gradient: 8.25%
7. Vecquée climb – 3km, 193m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.5%
8. Haftay (Maquisard) climb – 1.75km, 103m elevation gain Average slope 5.9%
These 8 climbs are timed. At the top of these climbs, participants will enjoy exceptional views of the Ardennes, the Amblève valley, the town of Stavelot, Trois-Ponts, etc.
The intermediate 50km route (1,200m elevation gain) features 5 timed climbs and stunning scenery:
1. Winamplanche climb – 1.5km, 120m elevation gain, average gradient: 8%
2. Rosier-Nord II climb – 5.8km, 370m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.4%
3. Neuville climb – 2.88km, 191m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.6%
4. Vecquée climb – 3km, 193m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.5%
5. Haftay (Maquisard) climb – 1.75km, 103m elevation gain, average gradient: 5.9%
The shorter 35km course (900m elevation gain) features 3 timed climbs and stunning scenery over the Amblève valley:
1. Winamplanche climb – 1.5km, 120m elevation gain, average gradient: 8%
2. Vecquée climb – 3km, 193m elevation gain, average gradient: 6.5%
3. Haftay (Maquisard) climb – 1.75km, 103m elevation gain, average gradient: 5.9%
Start address: Rue Haftay 21, 4910 Theux, Belgium
Finish address: Rue Haftay 21, 4910 Theux, Belgium
Register
Registration closes on 12 June (176 days left)
The current price step is valid until 04 January, 2026
selected tickets
Total
You can, within 24 hours after your registration, get a full refund if you change your mind.
What’s included
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done E-certificate/e-diploma
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done Timing chip (single use)
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done Parking
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done Drink Stations
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done Nutrition Stations
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done Medical Assistance
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done Toilets
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
When and where can I collect my BIB/race pack?
Your e-ticket containing a QR code received by email is necessary to collect your race bib. 1. Before the race Location: Trakks Liège: Chaussée de Tongres 257B, 4000 Liège Date: TBD 2. Race day Location: HEPL - La Reid Campus (Rue Haftay 21, 4910 Theux) Time: from 8:00 am.
Can I change the distance after I purchase a ticket?
In the event of a change to a shorter distance, the runner keeps the assigned bib but must simply report the change of distance to the registration dispute table. The timekeeper will then take this into account.
What is the cancellation/refund policy for this event?
No cancellation is eligible for a refund 30 days before the event.
Mandatory equipment 40K, 25K and 13K
Identity document Mobile phone 1.5 litres minimum water + personal cup 15cl min. Food reserves Survival blanket Highly recommended: the GPX track and a device to read it
Mandatory equipment 5K
Identity document Mobile phone Personal cup 15cl min.
Mandatory equipment cycling
Helmet Bicycle repair kit Identity document Mobile phone Highly recommended: personal cup, 15cl min. Two water bottles filled with water or sports drink
The race information has been found on the official website of the event or through publicly available sources. Always refer to the official website the latest race information. Please let us know if any data is wrong or missing, by emailing us.