Since 1988, the manufacturer-coachbuilder has organized the most popular corporate cross-country race in Mayenne every year. On Sunday, November 2, a record number of runners is expected at the 24-hectare landscaped industrial site in Laval for a great moment of sport and conviviality.
A pioneer at heart, Gruau did not wait for running to become trendy. Launched sixty years ago, the annual corporate cross-country race remained unique for a long time and has, over the decades, acquired the status of a must-attend event. Born from the desire of the European leader in Utility Vehicle conversion to bring its CSREE (Corporate Social, Societal, Economic, and Environmental Responsibility) commitment to life through concrete actions, the event now brings together athletes from 160 different organizations (companies, local authorities, administrations), invited to run at the historic Gruau Laval industrial site. This is what makes it so unique and attractive: the Cross Gruau course passes through several workshops, some of which will be operational on the day of the event—a unique experience.
One of the largest corporate cross-country races in France
The Gruau Corporate Cross is part of a 12-race championship, organized in turn by various companies in Mayenne and coordinated by the Cross Corpo 53 association. This year, the association will surpass 3,000 members for the first time since its creation in 1978. The spirit of the championship is based on conviviality, sharing, and solidarity in effort. Registration is done in teams of four from the same company or local authority. Participants receive a bib allowing them to take part in the races of their choice by simply showing up at the start. Inclusive in nature, the system also reserves 700 individual registrations for students and retirees. Among the 12 events in the championship, the Gruau race in Saint-Berthevin remains the most anticipated.
A unique setting, between industry and nature
The success of the Cross Gruau is largely due to the setting it offers runners. The course spans the historic site of the manufacturer and coachbuilder. No fewer than 24 hectares have been landscaped—including the planting of 5,500 trees and shrubs, the creation of a pond, and the installation of beehives—to provide a high-quality work environment for employees. It is a bucolic setting, traditional for a cross-country race, but one that gains its originality from the immediate proximity of the production workshops. 500 people work here year-round converting Utility Vehicles for professional needs. The 1,500 participants will have the opportunity to pass through three production buildings—between the production lines for tippers, WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles), or security vehicles—some of which will be operational on Sunday, November 2. An exceptional immersion into the heart of the manufacturer-coachbuilder’s expertise.
A unifying event, open to everyone
Convivial and inclusive, the Cross Gruau is open to all profiles and ages (from 18 years old for apprentices to over 80 for retirees). Two circuits are offered: a 5 km loop, particularly popular with many female participants and some men over 50, and a 10 km loop for the more experienced. Across the entire event, female runners represent 30% of the participants. The routes are set up by employee volunteers, and dozens of volunteers are responsible for ensuring safety and medical assistance during the races. The start is traditionally given by Patrick Gruau, President of the eponymous group, who also presents medals to the winning teams. This is a further illustration of the corporate spirit of this cross-country race, which brings together employees from different organizations for a sporting challenge, creating special bonds outside the work environment and breaking down hierarchical levels. The presence of relatives and families coming to cheer on the participants adds a family touch to this event, also echoing the heritage nature of the Gruau Group, whose CSREE commitment is summarized in the promise to be “UTILYTERRE BY NATURE”.