Trail du Haut Pilat 2026

The Trail du Haut Pilat is an October trail-running event held in Saint-Genest-Malifaux, located in France’s Loire department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Organized by La Foulée du Haut Pilat for over two decades, it features four nature-focused races, ranging from a 7 km option to the 42 km MaraTrail, alongside four children’s races. The event benefits from cool autumn weather, appealing to a wide audience from local families to runners seeking rigorous training on the longer courses. The courses traverse the Haut Pilat area, with updated routes passing St Romain-les-Atheux, the Cotatay dams, Ondenon, and offering views towards Auvergne. The 42 km MaraTrail includes 1,130 m of elevation gain and single-track segments, serving as effective preparation for events like Sainté-Lyon or Sainté Trail Urbain. The 25 km course offers 650 m of climbing, additional single track, and passes the Pilat springs above 1,000 m. The 14 km race provides a moderate distance through Pilat forests, concluding near the green zone by the Plats dam. A local tradition, the “Chocolat des Princes” element, adds a unique touch to the race day beyond the running activities.