Photo: Organisation La Pastourelle (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Salers
La Pastourelle
Saturday, 8 May 2027
Your checklist for La Pastourelle
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Waterproof jacket with hood and a thermal long-sleeve always in the pack
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
On the 60K eat at every solid aid station: La Bastide and Puy Violent are far apart
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
3 modalities
Le Grand Cirque
- Distance
- 60 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2890m
- Max Time
- -
Trail La Pastourelle
- Distance
- 31 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1150m
- Max Time
- -
La Buronnière
- Distance
- 10 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 210m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Grand Cirque | 60 km | D+ 2890m | - |
| Trail La Pastourelle | 31 km | D+ 1150m | - |
| La Buronnière | 10 km | D+ 210m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~14 h of La Pastourelle?Worked out for the longest course (60 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for La Pastourelle
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
6°C – 14°C
Average 10°C
Rain
43%
5.5 mm avg
Wind
20 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (43% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 6°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 8 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
La Pastourelle: trail among the Cantal volcanoes
Salers, one of the most photographed medieval villages in France, becomes the capital of Auvergne trail running every May. The 2027 edition takes place on the weekend of 8-9 May with three foot races, a team relay, mountain bike events and hiking routes.
Le Grand Cirque: 60 km and 2,890 m
The flagship race starts on Friday 8 at 07:00 from rue du Couvent. The route climbs to Col de Néronne, drops to Le Falgoux, hauls up the Luchard plateau and follows the volcanic ridges to Puy Mary (1,783 m). Then come Puy Chavaroche, the traverse to La Bastide, Puy Violent and the final descent to Saint-Paul-de-Salers. Nine aid stations and strict cut-offs.
Saturday’s 31 km
Saturday 9 belongs to the 31 km Trail La Pastourelle with 1,150 m, starting at 08:30, and the team relay on the same course. La Buronnière over 10 km closes the programme at 10:30: an accessible route for a first mountain race.
A village behind the race
The event is run by the association La Pastourelle 2000 with hundreds of volunteers, aid stations stocked with local produce and a village that lives for the race. The trail village, Friday pasta party and closing meal are part of the weekend.
If you want more mountain races across the border, check the races in France calendar and plan your season with the planner.
360Complete Pack
La Pastourelle 2027 entry
RegistrationEntries open in late November and the 60K fills up. The D+ 4000 challenge is capped at 200 places and the team relay is the quickest way to run the 31K with friends.
Tips
- •Mark the entry opening date: the 60 km goes fast
- •If you hesitate between 31K and 60K, the climbing decides: 2,890 m is no ordinary marathon
- •The D+ 4000 pack means racing Friday and Saturday: not a first ultra
Where to stay for La Pastourelle
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Kit for La Pastourelle
GearEarly May in the Cantal: snow on the summits, mud in the meadows and cold on the Puy Mary ridges. Mandatory kit may be enforced depending on the weather.
Tips
- •Waterproof jacket with hood and a thermal long-sleeve always in the pack
- •Lugged shoes for wet meadows and volcanic rock
- •Survival blanket, whistle and reusable cup are compulsory
Which shoes for La Pastourelle?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for La Pastourelle?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
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Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Nutrition for La Pastourelle
NutritionThe 60K has nine aid stations from Col de Néronne to Puy Violent, with solid and liquid food. The 31K has six and the 10K two.
Tips
- •On the 60K eat at every solid aid station: La Bastide and Puy Violent are far apart
- •Carry salts: the climbing hurts more than the distance
- •Carry spare gels: La Bastide to Puy Violent is 8 km
Getting to Salers
TransportSalers sits in the heart of the Cantal, 45 minutes from Aurillac and two and a quarter hours from Clermont-Ferrand. Village parking is limited, with designated car parks and shuttles.
Tips
- •From Aurillac on the D-38, final climb on the D-680
- •Park on the outskirts: the medieval centre is pedestrian
- •Book accommodation months ahead: Salers has few beds
Car rental for La Pastourelle
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for La Pastourelle
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for La Pastourelle
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for La Pastourelle
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is La Pastourelle 2027?
- The weekend of 8-9 May 2027. The 60 km Trail Le Grand Cirque starts on Friday 8 at 07:00, and on Saturday 9 the 31 km, the team relay and the 10 km are held.
- What are the distances and elevation gains?
- Trail Le Grand Cirque 60 km with 2,890 m of ascent, Trail La Pastourelle 31 km with 1,150 m, a team relay on the same 31 km course and La Buronnière 10 km with 210 m.
- What is the D+ 4000 challenge?
- A challenge limited to 200 entries combining Friday's 60 km with Saturday's 31 km relay course: more than 4,000 m of climbing in two days.
- Where is Salers and how do I get there?
- Salers is in the Cantal, Auvergne, 45 minutes from Aurillac on the D-38 and just over two hours from Clermont-Ferrand. Access is by road; the nearest airport is Aurillac.
- Who organises La Pastourelle?
- The association La Pastourelle 2000, with technical support from Running Club Arpajonnais and the Cantal cycling committee.
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