Trail des Zèbres 2027

The Trail des Zèbres is a winter trail race held in Fouquières-lez-Lens, near Lens in Pas-de-Calais, northern France. Taking place in late January, it features short-to-medium trail distances, typically around 10 km, 15 km, and 20 km, suitable for runners seeking mud and hills without an ultra commitment. The event originated in 1989, initiated by the town's then mayor, Michel Bouchez. Asport Event now manages the race, with the zebra in its name representing the town's symbolism for energy, liveliness, and an untamable spirit. The longer route has typically measured around 21 km with approximately 400 m of elevation gain. It incorporates fast sections, varied pacing, woodland trails, muddy paths, slippery terrain, and the vegetated slag heaps characteristic of the old mining landscape near Lens. Portions of the course have shared routes with the Nocturnal Trail of Noyelles-sous-Lens and a segment of the Ultra Trail des Pyramides Noires, contributing to a local trail-network feel rather than a simple park circuit. One previous edition saw 220 finishers on the long course, with volunteers needing to restore vandalized markings overnight, which consequently shortened that route by about 2 km. Finishers have been greeted with a fresh beer and a well-stocked refreshment table.