EN - PRESS KIT - Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB

PRESS KIT 2024 edition

EDITORIAL

“The Région Grand Est is proud to renew its commitment for the 2nd edition of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB which will take place from 1720 May 2024.

For 4 days the Grand Est region, with its Vosges mountains and Alsatian villages and castles, will provide a formidable backdrop for trail enthusiasts, and with 4 distances on the program ranging from 171km to 34km there is something for every runner. Competitors will enjoy a unique blend of physical and mental challenges among the forests and vineyards of Alsace. And beyond the physical performance, taking part in a trail running event is also an opportunity to discover an area, its picturesque countryside, and beautiful views.

I'd like to congratulate all those who are embarking on this sporting adventure, as well as the organizers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this second edition a success. Their dedication and commitment are remarkable, and it's thanks to them that the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB continues to grow throughout the region.

On behalf of the Région Grand Est, I wish you all an excellent race and offer you my warmest encouragement. May this be a day of performance, fun and pleasure! Have a great trail run!”

Franck Leroy President of the Région Grand Est

“Last year Alsace became part of the UTMB story by joining the world circuit for trail runners. This year, we’re proud to welcome back thousands of runners for what promises to be an exceptional race among castles, vineyards, and architectural and natural heritage. It is a timeless event and a great popular celebration which will have an Olympic twist this year as just a few weeks later, on June 26, we will welcome the Olympic Torch to Alsace as part of the European Collectivity of Alsace, just 1 month before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

Frédéric Bierry Président of the Collectivité européenne d'Alsace

“After such a successful 1st edition in 2023 that brought together over 4,600 runners, we are delighted to see the 2nd edition of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB come to fruition. As part of the UTMB World Series circuit and the 42 events scheduled for 2024 throughout the world, we are committed to offering exceptional events with international appeal, while working to develop a resilient and sustainable sporting practice that is fully in line with the values of the territories and local stakeholders. After many months of preparation, we look forward to welcoming 6,000 runners to this year's event and offering them an incredible experience throughout the weekend.”

Isabelle Viseux-Poletti

UTMB France Director

"The 2023 edition was an exceptional adventure, and this year’s event promises to be even more incredible, more authentic, and more unforgettable. Organizing an event of this scale is a bit like running an ultra. It requires patience, perseverance, humility, and boundless passion.

We've learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, improve and strengthen our determination, and as in any race, every kilometer takes us down trails, some rolling, some steep and rocky, that test our resilience. Challenges exist, and it's the ability to embrace them that makes ultimate success even more rewarding. The Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB is not just a race, it's a collective experience where every step counts, and where everyone — runner, volunteer, partner, organizer — plays a part in the adventure.

May this second edition reflect your courage, determination and self-sacrifice. We look forward to seeing you at the start line, and to witnessing your ambitions and dreams come true.”

Mathieu Pettinotti Technical Manager

TRAIL ALSACE GRAND EST BY UTMB® PRESENTATION OF THE 2nd EDITION

NEW: CHARITY BIBS

ROUTES P.17

MUST-SEE PLACES ALONG THE ROUTES P.19

EXTRA-ORDINARY RUNNERS P.23 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

PRESENTATION

The 2nd edition of Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB promises a magnificent journey through Alsace and the Vosges mountains, discovering castles, vineyards and historic villages.

From May 17 to 20, 2024, the event will bring together 6,000 runners and their support crews for an unforgettable adventure.

NEW IN 2024

• a new course for the 100M with exclusive access to Mont Sainte-Odile

• charity bibs for all 4 races

• personalized runner medals

With the support of:

3 ICONIC DESTINATIONS

OBERNAI

Nestled in a lush green setting, Obernai is a medieval town famous for its lively festivals and remarkable architectural heritage. With its charm, shopping streets and wide range of accommodation and restaurants, it is an ideal destination.

COLMAR

A city of art, history and heritage, this town has managed to safeguard its historic centre that is classified as a ‘protected area’, its museums – including the famous Unterlinden museum and its charm. Colmar is the capital of Alsace wines and is well known for its exceptional gastronomic heritage.

BARR

The wine capital of the Bas-Rhin region, nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains and criss-crossed by the famous Alsace Wine Route, Barr is a picturesque town that appeals to fine wine connoisseurs and attracts tourists in search of nature, authenticity and beautiful stonework.

© Obernai © Colmar

THE PROGRAM

4 DAYS OF SPORT AND CELEBRATION:

Starts:

- Friday 20:00 in Colmar = 100M

- Sunday 10:00 in Orschwiller = 100K

- Sunday 10:30 in Barr = 20K

- Monday 07:00 in Barr = 50K

Finishes in Obernai:

- Saturday 13:40 = 100M

- Sunday 13:00 = 20K

- Sunday 20:30 = 100K

- Monday 10:40 = 50K

Full program

THE COURSES

MAP

1 MAJOR ROUTE THAT INCLUDES SOME OF THE REGION'S WONDERS.

From Colmar to Obernai, via the region's most beautiful castles and trails, this event is a unique journey through an area of exceptional cultural, gastronomic and historical heritage.

The 4 distances come together to provide all runners with the best scenery and must-see places to explore. All competitors will finish on the ramparts of Obernai, one of France's most beautiful destinations.

With 19 ascents and 6,300m of climbing for runners doing the longest route, it's a great way to get some altitude and take in the extraordinary views.

THE COURSES

Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers en Région Grand Est

171km – 6,300D+

17 May 2024, start at 20:00

A legendary journey

The stuff of legend, this 100M race will take runners on a journey of discovery. The route includes over 20 castles and the beautiful landscapes of the Vosges mountains.

Click here for more detail on the course

The course in 3D

NEW IN 2024

• Site of remarkable beauty: le monument du Galtz – runners passing through Trois-Epis will be able to admire the impressive historic statue of Christ Blessing.

• Aubure: located on the road between Colmar and Kintzheim, Alsace’s highest village will be one of the event’s base camps this year

• Mont Sainte-Odile: runners will have privileged access to walk through the grounds of the sanctuary. A unique experience!

• A new highest point: after crossing Aubure runners will reach Finkenhoehe, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.

THE COURSES

Ultra-Trail des Païens

116km – 4,200D+

19 May 2024, start at 10:00

A mysticalexperience

From crossing the Haut-Koenigsbourg via the ancient Celtic road to experiencing the magnificence of Mont Sainte-Odile, runners are guaranteed a magical experience. Mountains, vineyards, picturesque villages and castles, this course has it all!

Click here for more detail on the course

The course in 3D

THE COURSES

Trail des Celtes 50km – 1,990D+ 20 May 2024, start at 07:00

A Celtic ballad

Discover the magic of Mont Sainte-Odile and 7 other castles while journeying along the ‘sentier des merveilles’ that takes in the Bloss and Heidenkopf peaks. This course promises to be memorable.

Click here for more detail on the course

The course in 3D

THE COURSES

Trail des Pèlerins

34km – 1,280D+

19 May 2024, start at 10:30

In the footstepsof the pilgrims

A short format for runners that want a taste of the medieval atmosphere. Competitors will run through a lush, enchanted forest that is home to 7 castles.

Click here for more detail on the course

The course in 3D

Best Of 2023

MUST-SEE PLACES

MUST-SEE PLACES

Château du Hohlandsbourg

Obernai

A breathtaking belfry, wheat market, SaintsPierre-et-Paul church, famous ramparts and a central square, Obernai will win you over in a heartbeat.

Château

Ottrott

Ottrott showcases the Pagan Wall, an ancestral monument of the region.

du Haut-Koenigsbourg

Colmar

Known as ‘Little Venice’ this town boasts many outstanding religious and artistic buildings, including the Collégiale St-Martin, the Dominican Church, the Maison des Têtes, the Maison Pfister and the famous Batholdi Museum.

Kintzheim

This charming town is home to the majestic Volerie des Aigles and the lively Montagne des Singes.

Barr

Mont Sainte-Odile

A landmark in Alsace, the former monastery offers exceptional panoramic views.

Visitors will be charmed by its cobbled streets and traditional style, with vineyards running alongside houses.

Châtenois

A medieval town famous for the witches’ tower of the SaintGeorges church.

Aubure

Turckheim

EXTRA – ORDINARY RUNNERS

THE MEN'S FAVOURITES

Sébastien SPEHLER

France entered in the 100M

A French athlete specializing in canicross, mountain and trail running, Sébastien finished 2nd in the Trail de la Sainte Baume in February 2024, following two 1st places in 2023 at the Lyon Urban Trail (26km) and the Mont-Blanc Marathon (23km).

Romain BONDUELLE

France — entered in the 100K

Placing 8th in the Grand Trail des Templiers in 2023, and 1st in the Trail des Balcons de Cauteret and the Trail des 3 Pics in the same year, Romain has made a name for himself on French trails and excels over long distances.

Benedikt HOFFMANN

Germany entered in the 50K

Placing 3rd in the Asics Sainté Lyon 2023, and 1st in the Wildstrubel by UTMB (53km), Davos xTrails (68km) and Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon (42km) races that same year, Benedikt excels in marathon racing.

Dominik TABOR

Poland — entered in the 20K

Originally a road runner, Dominik switched to trail running after 13 years of athletics. Since then, he has excelled in distances ranging from 20K to 50K. In 2023, he finished 2nd in the 23km Mont Blanc Marathon and 1st in the Jesenický Marathon (41km).

THE WOMEN'S FAVOURITES

Anna CARLSSON

Sweden entered in the 100M

Anna is renowned for her endurance in trail running, and is the Swedish 24-hour champion. She also finished 1st in the 81km EcoTrail Copenhagen in 2023.

Joanna TALLMANN

Germany entered in the 100K

German athlete, equally comfortable on short distances as on long ones, she ranked 1st in the Vulkantrail (74 km) and the Kleiner KoBoLT (99 km) in 2023, and achieved the same podium position at the Wetzlarer Drachentrail (35 km) in 2024.

Katarzyna SOLINSKA

Poland — entered in the 50K

Equally at home on short and long trails, Katarzyna is a complete athlete who performs well in the world's finest trail running events. Finishing 6th woman at the UTMB in 2023, she came 1st earlier this year in the Transgrancanaria over the 21km format.

Astrid VAN CLEEF

Belgium — entered in the 20K

A young mother, Astrid returns to the trail in 2024 after finishing the Nice Côte d'Azur by UTMB 20K in 2023 while 7 months pregnant. Winner of The Longest Day Trail (100 km) last year, she also performs well on short trails.

EXTRA-ORDINARY RUNNERS

FROM ALSACE

ANAIS WACHENHEIM

Entered in the 20K.

A family affair

Anais, a 19-year-old student from Alsace, is the youngest runner of the 2024 edition in all categories.

Born into a family of runners, this young volunteer firefighter is a member of a running club and the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB will be her first trail running competition. She'll be sharing the 20K with her boyfriend, while her father will be lining up at the start of the 100K and her mother will be joining the team of volunteers. Only her little brother will miss out as he's still too young!

JULIANE WIBERT

Entered in the 100M.

An ultra is like a slice of life: anything can happen

A former cyclist, this 37-year-old nurse from Alsace came to trail running late in life.

A keen sportswoman, Juliane will be doing her first 100M at the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB. With Mont Sainte-Odile her favourite playground, she has chosen to compete in her first ultra on home ground. She is planning a pressure-free race, her only goal is to reach the finish line and to be cheered home by her parents – her most loyal supporters!

EXTRA-ORDINARY RUNNERS FROM ALSACE

ALEXANDRE LABBE

Entered in the 50K.

In the big leagues!

Alexandre, a 20-year-old STAPS student, will be doing his first 50K at the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB.

EDGAR GING

Entered in the 100M.

When you're from Alsace, you never give up

The oldest competitor in the 100M at the 2023 Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB, Edgar will be back in 2024.

A crossfitter for several years, this young Alsatian loves a challenge. After spectating in 2023 as he wasn't old enough to take part, he began to dream of crossing the finish line in Obernai. Supported by his family, he has been training for a year to achieve this goal. He even managed to convince his mother to take part in the 20K. If all goes as he hopes he would love to specialize in ultra-distance running, and one day be at the start of the UTMB in Chamonix.

Still buoyed by the euphoria of that experience, Edgar, 71, is determined to be part of the adventure again. But this year he's setting the bar even higher: as three months after the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB he's planning to be at the start of his first UTMB. There's no stopping this retired police officer, for whom trail running is second nature. A member of several trail associations, including Les Trailers de la Rose and Les mordus du Daubenschlag, he often acts as a guide on the various trail circuits in the Northern Vosges. If Edgar finds it hard to sit still, he reckons it's down to his genes! A fervent defender of Alsatian culture, he has a steely spirit, a wealth of experience and no intention of stopping!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ACCESS AND MOBILITY

Getting to Obernai:

- By train = central train station, 2h20 from Paris

- By plane = Strasbourg-Entzheim airport 25km away and Basel Euroairport 100km away

- By bus = line 257 from Strasbourg / line 262 from Ottrott

- By car and bus = A4 from Paris and 135 from Strasbourg and Mulhouse

Public transport is available throughout the weekend; information is available from each start town.

Shuttles are provided by the organization for runners and their support crew to get to the start of the races.

ACCREDITATIONS:

Media accreditation is now open. You can register via this form.

All requests will be verified and validated before the event, and a confirmation email will be sent to applicants.

PARTNERS

PARTNERS

UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS

PARTNERS

UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS

PREMIER PARTNER

HOKA®, the performance footwear and apparel brand, is the PremierFootwear and Apparel Partner to the UTMB World Series.

HOKA’s role as UTMB World Series Premier Partner highlights the brand’s ascendancy in the trail running community. HOKA was first adopted by trail and ultra-runners as a best-in-class footwear option for those seeking to perform to their fullest potential. The brand has since established a strong presence in the ultra-trail running community, known for its innovative trail running shoe assortment. In addition to top performing footwear, HOKA unveiled a brand-new apparel line in 2020, created from insights by trail running icons like Jim Walmsley, Magdalena Lewy Boulet, and Ludovic Pommeret.

PREMIER PARTNER

Dacia is the Official Premier Partner of the European events of the Series and Title Partner of the UTMB® World Series Finals, Dacia UTMB® Mont-Blanc.

UTMB® World Series shares many fundamental principles with Dacia. Both organizations focus on the spirit of solidarity, inclusivity and on the development of a mindful consumption.

UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS

TECHNICAL PARTNER

As a Technical Partner for sports nutrition and hydration in the trail running events of the UTMB World Series circuit, NÄAK will provide Ultra Energy bars, waffles, drink mixes, purees and gels to the aid stations at a large majority of the circuit's events, including during the flagship event of the season, the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc, as well as nutrition plans to all runners prior to their races. Made for trail and ultrarunners, NÄAK Ultra Energy products were created with the insights of elite runners like Mathieu Blanchard and Marianne Hogan. NÄAK’s tagline, ‘Fuel your ultra, preserve your playground’ perfectly embodies the brand's approach to nutrition. As Certified B Corp, everything NÄAK does is designed to help trail runners achieve their full potential while preserving their playground.

TECHNICAL PARTNER

Suunto have supported adventurers since 1936 and have been involved in trail running since its inception. Their legacy in the sport is enriched by a strong team of elite runners, including UTMB Mont Blanc winners Courtney Dauwalter, Francois D’Haene and Pau Capell. Suunto watches feature award-winning design, industryleading battery life, reliability, and purpose-built features for training and racing.

As Official GPS Watch and Technical Partner of the UTMB World Series, Suunto will support runners in navigating the trails and achieving their dreams across the 42 UTMB World Series Events, by bringing its heritage and experience with GPS sports watches. Athletes with a Suunto Vertical or Suunto Race watch will be able to download intuitive GPS maps in three different map styles with important landmarks, contour lines, water, paths and different sorts of terrain highlighted.

THE WORLD'S LARGEST TRAIL RUNNING CIRCUIT

THE WORLD'S LARGEST TRAIL RUNNING CIRCUIT

UTMB® World Series is the world's biggest trail running circuit, bringing together the best events on the planet, held in exceptional locations of natural beauty.

Organised in accordance with the UTMB's quality standards, the UTMB® World Series events bring together trail enthusiasts of all levels and the sport's biggest stars, giving everyone the opportunity to live the UTMB experience close to home.

These events are the first step for runners wishing to take part in the Dacia UTMB® MontBlanc and thus gain access to the UTMB® World Series Finals (OCC, CCC, UTMB).