The Trail Nocturne du Lac de Villerest is a night trail running event held in Villerest, located in the Loire department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The race village and finish line are situated at Salle La Papeterie, adjacent to the lake. Participants begin their run from the lake beach, venturing onto the trails encircling Lac de Villerest. The event offers a range of distances, from a short, festive night run to a full 42 km Tour du Lac. The primary race distances available are 8 km, 14 km, 26 km, and 42 km, with walking options provided for the shorter courses.
The 42 km course involves approximately 1,250 metres of elevation gain, is awarded 2 ITRA points, and holds a UTMB 50K index, marking it as the day's most demanding long-distance challenge. The 26 km Grand-Duc route features 600 metres of climbing, incorporating technical sections and forest paths, and carries a UTMB 20K index. The 14 km Échappée Nocturne is designed as a faster, more approachable night-trail course. For those new to trail running or seeking the headlamp ambiance without a lengthy distance, the 8 km Run Night serves as the introductory option. The event is organized by Agence Week&sport in collaboration with US Villerest and the commune of Villerest, and it also features a collection for solidarity clothing.