Trail des Lacs is a mid-April trail race held in Clairvaux-les-Lacs, a village by a lake in France’s Jura region. Participants can select from 8 km, 12 km, 18 km, or 28 km distances, making the event suitable for new trail runners and those seeking a longer challenge. The elevation gain increases with distance: approximately 100 m for the 8 km, 200 m for the 12 km, 400 m for the 18 km, and 600 m for the 28 km. The 18 km course is the most popular, with over 300 participants in the last edition, while the 8 km and 12 km courses each had more than 100 runners.
The route prominently features the Jura’s watery scenery, including lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. After departing Clairvaux-les-Lacs, runners proceed towards the Belvédère de la Scie, then to the Belvédère des Pimpelards, encountering regular ascents and descents instead of a flat circuit around the village. The longer courses extend into the Haut-Jura, incorporating the Etival lakes before looping back towards Clairvaux. Local food is also available during the weekend, with Bleu de Gex and Comté cheeses recommended for tasting post-race.