A 133km Christmas night ultra through the Vendée bocage
La HOT du Père Noël is the flagship ultra of Les Courses du Père Noël, a festive Christmas race weekend in the Vendée bocage of western France. The race starts at 7pm on December 20th under the glow of Christmas lights in Les Herbiers town centre, sending 250 runners into the night across 133km of mixed paths, tracks, and country lanes through the rolling hedgerow-lined countryside. Despite the modest elevation profile — the course never exceeds 284m and gains only 2,540m — the combination of distance, December conditions, and an overnight start keeps the finish rate around 59%. Finishers earn points toward Western States qualification, making this a destination race for European ultrarunners chasing the California classic.
Some ultra experience recommended
Les Herbiers, Vendée, FranceDecember 19, 2026
La HOT du Père Noël is a point-to-point trail race in Les Herbiers, Vendée, France, held on December 19, 2026. The course covers 133 km, climbs 2,565 m, and has a 25h cutoff.
The 2025 edition is an officially recognized qualifying race for the Western States 100 lottery (2027 edition). Finishers receive one qualifying ticket.
| Location | km | Elevation | Cutoff | Crew | Drop bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 106 m | — | ||
Saint Paul en Pareds Aid Station | 18.7 | 119 m | 3h36m10:36 PM | Crew | |
La Flocellière Aid Station | 41.1 | 213 m | 7h24m2:24 AM +1 | Crew | |
ATMC-Rue de l'Innovation Aid Station | 51.8 | 159 m | 9h37m4:37 AM +1 | ||
Saint Mars La Réorthe Aid Station | 69.0 | 140 m | 12h46m7:46 AM +1 | Crew | Drop Bags |
Les Épesses Aid Station | 88.0 | 193 m | 16h17m11:17 AM +1 | Crew | |
Golf des Alouettes Aid Station | 108.5 | 219 m | 20h5m3:05 PM +1 | Crew | |
La Samilière Aid Station | 123.5 | 133 m | 22h52m5:52 PM +1 | Crew | |
Finish Finish | 133.0 | 117 m | 25h8:00 PM +1 |
Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.
Sign in for race-day weather at every station, points of interest, segment-by-segment analysis, pacing, and to save this race to your calendar.
Approximately 20 motorhome/camper van spaces available near Parc Expo des Herbiers (the finish/HQ area).
December race in western France — nighttime temperatures can approach or drop below freezing, with rain and mud common
Exposed bocage countryside can experience strong winds, particularly during overnight hours
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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