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This is the flagship event of our festival. This unique ultra-trail challenge, covering an impressive distance, attracts the most daring runners for an extraordinary night-time adventure. The race will start on 19 December 2026 at 7.00 pm, immersing participants in an unforgettable experience amidst festive lights and the magical atmosphere of Christmas. A demanding course combining undulating trails and the landscapes of the Vendée, the H.O.T promises to push physical and mental limits, whilst celebrating the spirit of sharing and solidarity that characterises this enchanting time of year. An unmissable event for lovers of trail running and challenges!!
INFO ADDITIONAL
♦ Start: Saturday 19 December 2026 – 7.00 pm in Les Herbiers town centre
♦ Finish: At the Parc Expo. Sunday 20 December from 6.00am
♦ Compulsory and recommended equipment: See the rules
♦ Race number collection: At the Parc Expo: Saturday 19 December from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm
♦ Pre-race briefing: Saturday 19 December at 6.15 pm – at the Salle d’Herbauges in the town centre.
♦ The Salle d’Herbauges will be open from 3.30 pm for HOT runners and their support teams, whilst they await the briefing and the start
♦ Course Markings:
White lime markings on tarmac and certain trails
Fluorescent orange markers + reflective tape every 20 metres, always on the RIGHT-HAND side
Directional signs in the same colour as the race number
Occasionally red and white or yellow and black barrier tape.
Qualification for the Western States
Western States 100 – The Original Ultra Trail Race
Before the global trail running boom, there was the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run – the race that started it all. Held annually in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the Western States 100 is recognised as the first 100-mile trail race in history. In 1977, the first edition of the Western States 100, only 14 runners took to the start line, and just one – Andy Gonzales – finished within the 24-hour time limit
Qualify for the Western States:
The 2025 HOT 133 km Individual has been officially recognised as a qualifying race for the 2027 Western States. This means that runners who complete the race will be eligible to enter the 2027 Western States lottery (organiser’s website here)
We are awaiting confirmation from the organisers regarding qualification WSER 2028
108 km - DIVERTING ROUTE
♦ Departure before 14:00: If the runner leaves the refreshment station before 14:00 (19 hours into the race), they will complete the full 133 km.
♦ Departure between 2.00 pm and 3.05 pm:If the runner leaves the station between 2.00 pm and 3.05 pm (time cut-off), they will be directed onto the shortened route of approximately 121 km. They will be timed and awarded 4 ITRA points.
♦ After 15:05: Afterthe cut-off time has passed, runners will not be permitted to continue.
From 13:00 onwards, any runner who wishes to take the shortcut may inform the checkpoint manager, who will make the necessary arrangements.
Find the full results for the 133 km individual race and the relief circuit | 2-person relay | 3-person relay
under the ‘Editions’ section, then ‘Results’
