Course des Gueules Noires

Step out of winter's chill into the heart of La Ricamarie, a former mining town nestled within the Ondaine Valley just minutes from Saint-Étienne. This gem in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes serves as an entryway to the Pilat Regional Natural Park, offering lush green trails that wind through rolling hills and valleys without ever climbing onto rugged ridgelines.
On January 31, 2027, runners will gather at the Caintin sports complex for the Course des Gueules Noires. The race celebrates both nature and mining heritage with two distances: a gentle 5 km loop that introduces you to trail running on mostly flat paths, and a scenic 10 km course that takes you through two loops of the same terrain. At nearly 600 meters above sea level, temperatures hover around freezing as runners enjoy panoramic views over the valley.
The highlight comes at the Puits des Combes, La Ricamarie's last headframe from 1950, now a historic monument standing tall against the backdrop of lush greenery and rolling hills. Beneath your feet lies centuries of mining history; miners once delved nearly 470 meters deep to extract coal.
The race is organized by ACO Firminy, fostering community spirit among runners eager to embrace this unique blend of nature and heritage. Whether you're a road runner looking for trail experience or an experienced racer seeking a gentle comeback run, the Course des Gueules Noires offers something distinctive with its moderate elevation gain and scenic routes.
After crossing the finish line, explore Saint-Étienne's rich mining history at the Mine Museum in Puits Couriot. For those who prefer sports over museums, the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium is a must-visit for soccer enthusiasts. And when hunger strikes, local delicacies like Fourme de Montbrison cheese and râpée potatoes await to fuel your next adventure.
Join us on January 31, 2027, and prove you have what it takes to be a true black mouth—running open-air style through the heart of La Ricamarie.