Trail du Pastel 2026

The Trail du Pastel begins at the Balma sports complex, east of Toulouse in Haute-Garonne, sending runners onto Lauragais paths each November. Organized by CAB Athlétisme since 2010, the event offers short children's races of 1 km or 2 km, an 11 km Nordic walk, the 11 km Lou Pastelou, the 16 km Isatis, the 22 km Cocagne for individuals or pairs, and the 42 km Marathon du Pastel. Some races are held during the day and others at night, allowing the same event to serve as a family outing, a club trail, or a longer endurance test. The routes utilize natural ground, paths, and trails near Balma, avoiding an all-road course. Runners follow waterways, including the Hers river and the Noncesse stream, before encountering initial ascents. The course becomes more technical in Bois Rond, passes the lakes of Mons and Flourens, and features the false flat on the Cayrol "chemin de fada." The return leg toward Balma requires strong downhill running after Bois de Linasse. The event's name references pastel, the historical luxury dye crop that influenced the Toulouse and Lauragais regions. At the finish, participants receive a hot drink, with coffee specifically for night runners.