Le Bol d'Air de la Forêt de Mervent

Le Bol d'Air de la Foret de Mervent begins in L'Orbrie, Vendee, leading runners directly into the Mervent-Vouvant forest. This September trail event, organized by Cours toujours 85, offers four race distances: approximately 8.8 km, 13.9 km, 26.3 km, and 52.5 km, alongside a 10 km walk. The longest course presents a true forest ultra challenge with 1,139 m of elevation gain; even the shortest race includes 226 m of ascent. The courses traverse L'Orbrie, Mervent, Vouvant, and Pissotte, utilizing forest paths that require official authorization from the ONF, Vendee Eau, the department, and local communes. Approximately 80 to 90 volunteers contribute to the event's operation, including about sixty marshals stationed at demanding forest sections, with support from civil protection. Having completed over thirty editions, the event is established as a local tradition rather than an isolated trail running day.