Festival de la Légende du Graoully

About the Event

The Festival de la légende du Graoully 2026 is a captivating trail running event that breathes life into the mythical lore of Metz and the Moselle region. Scheduled for the weekend of April 11–12, 2026, this festival is far more than a standard athletic competition; it is an immersive journey through enchanted forests and rugged terrains, themed around the legendary dragon of the city. Starting with a series of evening challenges on Saturday, the event transforms the landscape into a mysterious playground where 65 dedicated volunteers assist runners in navigating paths that feel as if they have been plucked from a medieval epic. With collector posters and special edition t-shirts available, the festival has become a cultural hallmark for the regional running tribe, blending folklore with fierce physical endurance.

The 2026 edition offers a diverse array of "rituals" and "quests," catering to different levels of bravery and stamina. From the accessible 13km "Appel du Graoully" to the grueling 42km "Ordalie," which demands a minimum age of 20 and features a punishing 1,400 meters of elevation gain, the courses are designed to test the limits of even the most seasoned trail specialists. Unique to this festival are the combined challenges, such as "Le Jugement," which pairs the 13km night run with the full 42km marathon for a total of 1,750 meters of climbing. Even the youngest runners can participate in the legend through the Graoully Kids races, ensuring the spirit of the dragon is passed down to the next generation of athletes. Despite the high difficulty, the event's popularity is undeniable, with all race categories currently showing full capacity.

Race or Challenge	Distance & Elevation	Date & Time
L'Appel du Graoully	13 km \| +350 m	April 11, 18:00
Les Terres Oubliées	19 km \| +650 m	April 12, 09:30
Royaume du Graoully	27 km \| +900 m	April 12, 08:30
L'Ordalie du Graoully	42 km \| +1,400 m	April 12, 07:00
Le Jugement (Combined)	13 km + 42 km \| +1,750 m	April 11–12

Demographic Metric	Regional Statistics (Metz/Moselle 2026)
Metz Population	Approx. 118,000 Residents
Moselle Department Pop.	Approx. 1.05 Million Residents
Median Age	42.5 Years
Urbanization Rate	Approx. 78%
Primary Language	French