Trail du Pastel begins and ends in Balma, near Toulouse, directing runners primarily onto trails instead of roads. The event is structured around semi-nocturnal races, commencing in the afternoon with some participants concluding after sunset. It caters to various skill levels in trail running, offering short distances for children (1 km and 2 km) alongside longer routes for seasoned runners.
The primary race distances have runnable terrain and moderate elevation gains: 11 km with approximately 120 m ascent, 17 km with around 200 m, 23 km with about 300 m, and 34 km with roughly 440 m. Two-person teams can compete in the 17 km and 23 km events, with a specific night duo option for the 23 km, indicating it is not exclusively an individual competition. The series also features an 11 km Nordic walk and, according to some sources, a full marathon distance covering 603 m of climbing, expanding its scope beyond a typical short-trail gathering.