Raidlight Vendée trail 2026

The Raidlight Vendée Trail takes place in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez on the Vendée coast of western France, typically in early November. This event is a series of trail races, not a single competition, offering multiple distances. Participants can select from a short night run to an ultra-distance course. A common element across all races is the transition from daylight to darkness; runners start in the light and finish after sunset, making headlamps and pacing as crucial as outright speed. The courses traverse coastal and natural landscapes near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Distances offered are approximately 10 km, 20 km, 42 km, and 72 km. The longest route features around 730 metres of elevation gain, and the marathon-equivalent race includes about 490 metres of ascent. Certain years also feature shorter day and night races, a combined event, and races for children. Popularity can be high; one 45 km race sold out over a month in advance, was briefly reopened, and ultimately reached its limit of 180 participants.