The reference trail in Normandy in the heart of the Suisse Normande
Dominating the Rouvre valley by more than 118 meters, the Roche d'Oëtre is one of the most spectacular natural sites in Normandy. This rocky promontory, classified as a protected natural site, offers a breathtaking panorama of the deep gorges carved by the river in the schists and sandstones. The vegetation clinging to the walls, the meanders of the Rouvre and the surrounding forests create a landscape worthy of the great mountain ranges.
It is in this magnificent setting, in the heart of the Suisse Normande, that the routes of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre unfold, offering runners technical trails, demanding climbs, and breathtaking views.
The Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre offers a complete range of distances suitable for all levels, from beginners to ultra-trailers:
The Saturday evening night trail (16 km) is one of the unique features of the event: running with a headlamp on the trails of the Suisse Normande provides a unique and magical experience.
Organized by the association Activ'Orne, the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre is part of an initiative to promote sports practice in natural environments and to enhance the landscape heritage of the Orne region. The association mobilizes dozens of volunteers to ensure the safety of runners, the marking of the routes, and the animation of the refreshment points.
The event also includes a 20 km Nordic walk open free of charge to everyone, allowing non-runners to enjoy the trails of the Suisse Normande at a more relaxed pace.
With its unique landscapes, technical routes, and festive atmosphere, the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre has established itself as a reference race in the trail running calendar of the Grand Ouest. Runners appreciate the quality of the trails, the beauty of the ridge passages above the gorges, and the friendly welcome at the refreshment points.
The 17th edition of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre takes place on October 17th and 18th, 2026 in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, in the heart of Suisse Normande. The program includes: a night trail on Saturday evening, a two-stage ultra, and multiple courses from 8 to 88 km on Sunday through the Rouvre gorges, with exceptional panoramic views of the Roche d'Oëtre site. Nordic walking and children's races complete the weekend.
Organized by the Activ'Orne association, the 17th edition of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre will be held on October 17th and 18th, 2026 at the emblematic site of Roche d'Oëtre, in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne (Orne, 61). It is one of the major trail running events in Normandy, in the heart of Suisse Normande.
The routes take participants along the steep paths of the Rouvre gorges and offer spectacular viewpoints over the Roche d'Oëtre belvedere. The event offers a wide range of distances, from accessible discovery routes to challenging ultra-trails.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday evening with the traditional night trail, followed on Sunday by all the races, Nordic walking hikes, and children's races.
Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne is located southwest of Orne, in the heart of the Suisse Normande.
Start and finish in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, 61430.
Night trail on Saturday evening. Staggered starts on Sunday from 6 am depending on the distances.
Paid registration depending on the distance. 20 km Nordic walk is free.
Online registration on the Activ'Orne website. Registration opens around May.
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Site de la Roche d'Oëtre
Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, 61430 Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne