The Pilatrail 21 km begins in Veranne at 09:15. It offers a compact yet steep trail race: 21 kilometers covering 1,100 meters of ascent. This event is for runners transitioning from shorter trail runs to longer distances with significant elevation gain. A 7-hour time limit allows for a demanding day on foot, rather than a race focused solely on speed.
The course guides participants through the 3 dents du Pilat site, the primary landmark defining this distance. Organizers characterize it as a race created by trail runners, for trail runners. This aligns with its format: sufficient climbing to require pacing, enough distance to present a genuine mountain-style challenge, and a route centered on a distinct local feature instead of a flat road circuit.