Trail des Verriers

Running at Dusk in the Northern Vosges

Since 2016, the Trail des Verriers has gathered runners every first Saturday of May on the forest trails of Goetzenbruck, in the heart of the Glass and Crystal Country. Organized by the Foyer rural de Goetzenbruck, this semi-night trail offers a unique running experience: late afternoon and evening starts allow participants to run in the fading light of dusk, headlamp on. The event is limited to 500 runners for adult distances and regularly sells out several weeks before the start.

Routes for All Levels

The Trail des Verriers offers several formats adapted to all types of runners.

Discovery Trail 26 km

The main 26 km route with 928 meters of positive elevation gain constitutes a real technical and physical challenge. The route uses forest trails and hiking paths between Goetzenbruck, Meisenthal, and Soucht, crossing wooded and hilly landscapes typical of the Northern Vosges. Start at 7 PM.

Nature Race 12 km

A 12 km route with 448 meters of positive elevation gain offers a more accessible alternative while retaining the technical and semi-night character of the event. The route connects Goetzenbruck and Meisenthal. Start at 7:30 PM.

26 km Relay

The 26 km route can also be run as a two-person relay, allowing participants to share the effort and experience the adventure as a team.

Children's Races

Events adapted for the youngest participants are organized in the early evening starting at 5:30 PM:

• 700 m for 6-9 year olds
• 1,300 m for 10-12 year olds
• 2,600 m for 13-16 year olds

A Tribute to Glassmaking Heritage

The name “Trail des Verriers” pays tribute to the region's glassmaking tradition. Goetzenbruck and its neighboring communes — Meisenthal (famous for its glass Christmas baubles) and Soucht — form the Glass and Crystal Country, a region marked by centuries of glass industry. The trails taken by runners cross these landscapes where nature and industrial heritage blend harmoniously.

Organization and Volunteering

The Trail des Verriers is supported by the Foyer rural de Goetzenbruck and a team of volunteers from several local associations: the Club Vosgien, l'Officine du Gueux, and the young people of Saint-Louis (CAAP'S). Each edition mobilizes dozens of volunteers to ensure safety, refreshment points, and route marking.

Supervision and Safety

The trail is supervised by first aid stations distributed along the route, mountain bike followers, and a medical team. Refreshment points and aid stations along the route support runners throughout their effort.