The 6 Hours of Thiers is a six-hour endurance event at the Iloa leisure base in Thiers. Runners and walkers aim to cover as many kilometers as possible between 4 PM and 10 PM. The format is straightforward: maintain movement, track distance, and decide whether to compete solo or in a relay team of up to six people. It serves long-distance runners as preparation for 100 km or 24-hour races, and is also accessible to amateurs seeking a group challenge without a technical course.
The route is a 2.8 km loop with minimal elevation gain and no technical difficulty, making the challenge one of time, pacing, and patience rather than terrain. Iloa provides a practical venue: the 70-hectare leisure base offers running and walking paths, ample parking, swimming areas, playgrounds, showers, and restrooms. A significant portion of the site is within the Natura 2000 protection network and holds the Blue Flag label for sustainable tourism. The loop allows teammates to remain almost constantly in sight, beneficial for relays, and the event concludes with a post-race meal.