Festi-Trail

A lush trail to discover the landscapes of Vendée, that’s the ambition of the Festi-Trail since 2017. At the heart of the Vallée de Poupet, in a friendly and family-friendly 👪, you’ll be able to Run in Saint-Malo-du-Bois, along the Sèvre Nantaise. It’s the perfect opportunity to run under the spring temperatures in May, it’s your turn to get ready. 😉

There’s something for every taste, and the range of events is wide with 12 km, 25 km, 42 km, 60 km and 80 km for pushing yourself to the limit. For lighter appetites, the “Malouine” covers 12 km. A notch up, there’s the 25 km of the “Boca-trail.” If you want to enjoy the sunrise, then the 42 km of the “Festi-Sèvres” are made for you. But if you’re a glutton and night running at 5 am doesn’t scare you, the “Festi-trail” of 80 km with a positive ascent of 2000 mD+ to complete solo or in relay is the share you’re after. By the way, these two latter events will earn you respectively 2 and 4 ITRA points, with such elevation you had to expect it. 💪

You’ll start your race in high spirits, for sure, since the start will be spectacular! Especially for the “Festi-trail” from the sports hall of Saint-Malo-du-Bois where you’ll launch under the smoke effects ! What a great warm-up before taking on the Vendée Bocage. Along your route you’ll pass through fields, woods, locks and mills 🌿. It’s a technical and demanding on trails and dirt paths. For example, there will be passages on floating wooden pontoons to cross the Sèvre Nantaise as well as a few rocks. It will be tight, steep and you may have to sometimes help yourself with a rope to overcome all obstacles. But the view of the Viaduc de Barbin is worth a few sacrifices and we guarantee that! Among the villages you’ll pass through along your journey, the cité de Mallièvre deserves a longer detour after the race, just like discovering the Poupet hills and the domaine de la Coussaie. 👀

Then, after tearing down the trails like a madman, you’ll be delighted to cross the finish line surrounded by smiling volunteers and bands present for the occasion 🥁! After enjoying the showers, a little extra bonus always welcome, you’ll be able to savor a well-deserved rest and head to taste the local specialties! From the Vendée brioche, the bottereaux or a carnival fritter typical of the region, there’s plenty to whet your appetite.

Are you feeling charged for all these Festi-ities? 🎉