Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre 2026

The Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre begins and ends at the Roche d'Oëtre viewpoint, situated above the bocage hills of Saint-Philbert-Orne, within Normandy’s Orne department. This trail running event takes place in mid-October in Suisse Normande, a region of Normandy with steep rocks, forests, and deep gorges, differing from the flatter terrain many runners associate with Normandy. The event offers a variety of distances, from routes suitable for beginners to long ultras, including a children's race, a 5 km discovery trail, and Nordic walks ranging from 7 km to 17 km, held alongside the running events. The courses traverse the rugged terrain surrounding the Roche d'Oëtre site. Given that October conditions can bring cold rain, participants are advised to bring appropriate wet-weather gear and a hat. The more challenging races extend into ultra distances; the 88 km option commences at 3 a.m. and involves an ascent of approximately 3,150 m. The inclusion of night races contributes to the event's demanding character. The race is integrated into the UTMB Index, GPX tracks are distributed to participants via email, and essential equipment includes a cup, a phone, and a 1L water supply. The local motto, “Oëtre ou ne pas Oëtre,” adds a distinctly French trail-running touch to the weekend.