Etoiles de Gimel 2026

Étoiles de Gimel is a semi-night trail race in Saint-Régis-du-Coin, Loire department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, about 20 minutes from Saint-Étienne and within the Pilat Regional Natural Park. It is typically held in June, with participants starting as daylight diminishes and the paths become illuminated by headlamps and starlight. The primary trail distances are 9 km, 15 km, and 24 km, complemented by a separate 11 km hike, Nordic walking, cani-trail, and children’s discovery races, ensuring the evening accommodates various participant types. The courses traverse the high plateaus near Gimel, reaching an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters. The 9 km “La Voie Lactée” features 300 meters of elevation gain, the 15 km “La Petite Ourse” has 450 meters, and the 24 km “Les Étoiles de Gimel” presents 750 meters. In clear conditions, runners can view the Alps in one direction and the Loire valley and Mézenc massif in the other. Participant numbers are limited to 700, with the finish area closely linked to the post-race meal, where attendees dine, discuss their runs, and encourage later finishers as they cross the finish line.