Halloween costumes are welcome at the Trail des Sapins, a late-October trail race held in Lalouvesc, Ardèche, France. Participants can select from four race distances: 7 km, 12 km, 21 km, and 46 km. The 7 km race, La Forêt des Afars, involves approximately 200 m of elevation gain. The 12 km Le Val des Sorcières offers 650 m of climbing. The longer distances present greater challenges: La Louvetrouille is 21 km with 1050 m of climbing, and L’Infernale is a demanding 46 km race with 1800 m to 2400 m of climbing, depending on the source.
The courses traverse forest paths, ridge trails, and routes through villages including Saint Alban d’Ay, Vocance, and Saint Symphorien de Mahun. The 21 km and 46 km races commence in the afternoon, meaning some of the run will occur in diminishing light or darkness. The event embraces the Halloween theme, featuring a distinctly eerie forest atmosphere and thematic decorations at the finish line. Post-race, participants can enjoy Ardèche chestnuts with fellow runners.