EDITORIAL
The RĂŠgion Grand Est is proud to renew its commitment to the 3rd edition of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB, taking place from May 15 to 18, 2025.
For four days, the RĂŠgion Grand Est with its Vosges mountains, picturesque villages, and Alsatian castles will be a fantastic playground for trail running enthusiasts.
With five race distances ranging from 158 km for the longest to 17 km for the shortest, runners will find challenges that match their personal goals and will experience a unique journey of physical and mental endurance through the forests and vineyards of Alsace.
Beyond athletic performance, taking part in a trail race is also a special opportunity to discover a region its landscapes, charming places, and hidden, well-preserved panoramas.
I would like to congratulate all the participants taking on this sporting adventure, as well as the organizers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this third edition a success. Their dedication and commitment are truly remarkable, and it is thanks to them that the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB continues to grow and shine throughout the RĂŠgion.
On behalf of the RĂŠgion Grand Est, I wish you all an excellent race and offer my warmest encouragement. May this event be marked by achievement, camaraderie, and enjoyment!
Happy trails to all of you!
Franck Leroy President of the RĂŠgion Grand Est
ÂŤ As we approach this 3rd edition in Alsace, I want to thank all the participants for their enthusiasm, which has once again exceeded our expectations this year. Your motivation is an honor for us and pushes us to continually live up to the trust you place in us. This event wouldnât be possible without you and without the dedication of the more than 800 volunteers working alongside the organizing team. Together, with our partners and the territory, weâve created a true community united by the spirit of pushing boundaries and weâre incredibly proud of that. Iâm truly looking forward to sharing this event with you, full of sport, solidarity, and celebration, in the heart of such a unique RĂŠgion.Âť
Isabelle Viseux-Poletti
UTMB France Director
ÂŤ Each edition of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB is a unique adventure a story of passion and perseverance that is rewritten year after year. From May 16 to 18, 2025, we invite you to experience a new epic journey on the Alsatian trails, between vineyards and mountains, where every step creates memories, and every climb reveals the greatness of effort.
Organizing an event of this scale requires that inner flame the drive that pushes us to go further. We know trail running is much more than a race; itâs a personal quest, a journey where the unexpected blends with emotion, where every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow.Here, victory isnât measured only by the stopwatch, but by the intensity of shared moments, by the satisfaction of crossing the finish arch after braving the distance and demanding terrain. The Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB is, above all, a collective adventure where runners, volunteers, partners, and organizers come together to create an unforgettable experience.
May this 3rd edition be the stage for your achievements, a reflection of your determination, and a witness to your most powerful emotions. We canât wait to see you at the starting line, to hear your footsteps echo along these exceptional trails, and to share this incredible journey with you. Âť
Mathieu Pettinotti Technical Manager
PRESENTATION
14,600 EUR
raised in aid of the ELA association, the Club Vosgien, the Châteaux Forts dâAlsace and UTMB Cares.
THE PROGRAM
4 DAYS OF SPORT AND CELEBRATION:
Starts:
- Friday 7:00 in Orschwiller = 100K
- Friday 19:00 in Turckheim = 100M
- Friday 20:00 in Obernai = 20K (Ronde des Pages)
- Saturday 15:00 in Barr = 20K (Trail des Pèlerins)
- Sunday 7:00 in Barr = 50K
Finishes in Obernai :
- Friday 17:00 = 100K
- Friday 21:00 = 20K (Ronde des Pages)
- Saturday 12:00 = 100M
- Saturday 17:15 = 20K (Trail des Pèlerins)
- Sunday 10:30 = 50K
Full program
WOMAN IN TRAIL
In order to enhance fairness and adaptability for women in trail running, the UTMB World Series is introducing suitable measures to ensure that its races address womenâs specific needs, offering services that make their participation and experience in trail running easier.
For this purpose, the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB organization is implementing the following during its event:
- Making menstrual products and personal hygiene items available at all aid stations for any athletes who may need them,
- Providing separate and suitable facilities, such as distinct restrooms and changing areas for men and women, to offer a respectful and comfortable experience,
- A dedicated women contact within the organizing team,
- Two local partner associations: Boobs Aventure and Ladies Run
- An events program led by Culotte & Trail and the womenâs associations Boobs Aventure and Ladies Run:
- Culotte & Trail Podcast â Friday, May 16 at 3:00 PM on the Obernai stage
- Muscle wake-up session â Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 AM at the chill zone in Obernai
- Book signing for âNaturellement bien dans tes basketsâ by Anne-Lise Collet â Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Omnino CafĂŠ space in Obernai
- HOKA shoe testing â Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 AM at the Omnino CafĂŠ space in Obernai
- Self-massage workshop â Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 PM at the chill zone in Obernai
In addition, UTMB Group has implemented a pregnancy policy at all UTMB World Series circuit events. This policy is designed to be flexible and accommodating, and applies to pregnant athletes, athletes whose partner is pregnant, as well as athletes undergoing adoption or surrogacy procedures.
Pregnancy policy
ENVIRONMENT
Since 2023, the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB has taken concrete action to reduce its environmental impact. In 2024, our efforts have intensified and will be continued or even strengthened in 2025 through concrete, measurable actions, codeveloped with local stakeholders and participants.
2024 KEY FIGURES:
⢠34 Environmental ambassadors
⢠0 Single-use plastic bottles used
⢠9 868 Bottles eliminated compared to 2023
⢠0 Disposable cutlery/cups distributed (BYOU initiative: Bring Your Own Ustensils)
PROTECTED AREAS:
We work in coordination with authorities and environmental associations (DDT, Club Vosgien, etc.) to preserve biodiversity:
- Natura 2000 Zone of Thannenkirch (bats of the Vosges)
- Tranquility zone of the Taennchel biological site in the Massif of Ortenbourg (protected by an APPB)
- Regional nature reserve of the Bischenberg hills
In 2025, the 100M and 100K courses will be rerouted to avoid the peregrine falcon nesting zone, a "Vulnerable" species in Alsace, following recommendations by the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO).
GOING EVEN FURTHER
Our goal is to sustainably anchor good practices.For 2025, we are working to:
- Strengthen public awareness
⢠60 Shuttles
⢠2 195 Runners transported
231 Accompanying persons transported
⢠âŹ42,000 Invested by the organization
⢠Carpooling platform promoted
- Continue the âzero plasticâ approach
- Expand shared transportation
- Enhance partnerships with biodiversity stakeholders
THE COURSES
THE COURSES
Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers en RĂŠgion Grand Est
158 km â 5,800D+
16 May 2025, start at 19:00
A legendary journey
The stuff of legend, this 100M race will take runners on a journey of discovery. The route includes over 15 castles and the beautiful landscapes of the Vosges mountains.
Click here for more detail on the course
The course in 3D
NEW IN 2025
⢠Starting town: Turckheim
Turckheim, located in the heart of the famous Alsace Wine Route, has the honor of hosting the start of this yearâs main race. A characterful winegrowing town, it charms visitors with its authenticity and rich heritage
Its perfectly preserved medieval ramparts, its three historic gates â the Porte de France, the Porte de Munster, and the Porte du Brand â along with its night watchman, who upholds a centuries-old tradition, make Turckheim a true living witness to Alsatian history.
As an iconic starting point, Turckheim offers runners an exceptional setting, where culture, heritage, and the art of living come together.
THE COURSES
Ultra-Trail des PaĂŻens
116 km â 4,200D+
16 May 2025, start at 07:00
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
Trail des Celtes
50 km â 2,000D+
18 May 2025, start in 07:00
A Celtic ballad
Discover the magic of Mont Sainte-Odile and 7 other castles while journeying along the âsentier des merveillesâ 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
34 km â 1,300D+
17 May 2025, start at 15:00
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
Ronde des Pages
17 km â 300D+
16 May 2025, start at 20:00
A first semi-nocturnaladventure
This short, friendly and accessible format is perfect for newcomers to trail running or for those seeking to push their limits on fast, rolling terrain. A journey through vineyards, orchards and forests in a semi-nocturnal atmosphere.
Click here for more detail on the course
The course in 3D NEW FORMAT IN 2025!
MUST-SEE PLACES
MUST-SEE PLACES
Turckheim
A charming medieval town, Turckheim has preserved its authenticity with its ramparts, three historic gates, and half-timbered houses. Located on the Alsace Wine Route, it is renowned for its night watchman tradition and its remarkable wine and culinary heritage.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Ottrott
Ottrott showcases the Pagan Wall, an ancestral monument of the region.
Obernai
A breathtaking belfry, wheat market, SaintsPierre-et-Paul church, famous ramparts and a central square, Obernai will win you over in a heartbeat.
Mont Sainte-Odile
A landmark in Alsace, the former monastery offers exceptional panoramic views.
Barr
Visitors will be charmed by its cobbled streets and traditional style, with vineyards running alongside houses.
Kintzheim
This charming town is home to the majestic Volerie des Aigles and the lively Montagne des Singes.
Châtenois
A medieval town famous for the witchesâ tower of the SaintGeorges church.
Aubure
ULTRA-TRAIL VILLAGE & ANIMATIONS
A festive and sporty atmosphere open to everyone â runners and spectators alike!
From May 15 to 18, Obernai, Barr, Turckheim, and the surrounding villages will come alive to the rhythm of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB. Between festive events, the Ultra-Trail village (brand village), emotional sporting moments, and activities for the whole family, everyone will find a reason to join the celebration even without a race bib!
All events are free and open to both runners and the general public, except for the kidsâ races (Friday in Châtenois and Saturday in Obernai), the SUUNTO x POWERUP run (Friday in Obernai), the HOKA shoe testing (Saturday in Obernai), and the mobility/strengthening and self-massage workshops (Saturday in Obernai). These specific activities require prior registration, are subject to certain conditions, and have limited spots available.
Full program: https://alsacegrandest.utmb.world/discover/the-event/agenda
EXTRA â ORDINARY RUNNERS
THE MEN'S FAVOURITES
SĂŠbastien SPEHLER
France entered in the 100M
Originally from Alsace, SĂŠbastien won the 100M of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB in 2024. Heâs coming back in 2025 to defend his title on the main distance. A long-distance specialist, he also took 1st place at the Trail du Ventoux (75 km) in March 2025.
Benjamin ROUBIOL
France entered in the 50K
Benjamin placed 2nd at the 2024 European Mountain and Trail Running Championships (58 km), and won the Trail Running World Championship in 2023 (87 km). He competes across a wide range of distances, from middistance races to ultra-trail events.
Romain DISCHER
France entered in the 20K (Trail des Pèlerins)
A specialist in short formats (20 km), Romain comes from an orienteering background. In 2024, he joined the national team for the first time, competing under the French colors. He finished 3rd in the Asics SaintĂŠLyon (24 km) in November 2024.
ThĂŠo LE BOUDEC
France entered in the 100K
Winner of the 2024 Grand Raid Ventoux (84 km), the 2024 UTCAM (113 km), and the 2024 Asics SaintĂŠLyon (82 km), ThĂŠo is a versatile runner, highly competitive over distances ranging from 50K to 100M.
Alexandre VIOLLE
France entered in the 20K (Ronde des Pages)
Both road and trail runner, Alexandre has been part of the trail running world for over ten years. He recently stood out with a 2nd place at the Raid des Gabariers (15 km) in February 2025, a victory at the Trail des 6 Burons (76 km) in 2024, and a 2nd place at the UTPMA (51 km) that same year.
THE WOMEN'S FAVOURITES
Sabrina STANLEY
United States â entered in the 100M
An ultra-trail specialist, Sabrina has won the Hardrock 100 twice (161 km). In both 2023 and 2024, she finished in the womenâs top 10 at the UTMB (173 km). She wrapped up her 2024 season with a victory at the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB (161 km).
Marie GONCALVES
France entered in the 50K
In 2024, Marie stood out with several podium finishes, including a victory in the 50K at the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB a title she will defend this year and a win at the Asics SaintĂŠLyon (82 km). In 2025, she kicked off her season with a third-place finish at the Trail GivrĂŠ (25 km) and a second-place finish at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB (28 km).
MaĂŤlle BEAUVIR
France entered in the 20K (Trail des Pèlerins)
Coming from an orienteering background, MaĂŤlle has been dedicating herself to trail running for several seasons. In 2025, she won the Raidlight Winter Trail (24 km), placed 2nd at the Trail des GrĂŠsivaudan (32 km), and took 3rd at the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB (46 km).
Kristeen WELCH
United Kingdom entered in the 100K
Kristeen has made a name for herself on marathon-distance trail events. After claiming victory at the UTS 50K (55 km) at Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB in 2023, she is set to take a major step forward in 2025 as she tackles her first ultradistance race: the 100 km Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB.
Laurie GONGUET
France entered in the 20K (Ronde des Pages)
Laurie has taken part in various trail races in the 20K and 50K categories, including the Trail des Glières (41 km) in October 2024, where she finished 4th among the women. She is also the host of the podcast Culotte & Trail, which explores the world of womenâs trail running. A live episode is scheduled for Friday, May 16 at 3:00 PM on the Obernai stage.
EXTRA-ORDINARY RUNNERS FROM ALSACE
LOUIS
Entered in the 100M.
A big leap into the world of ultras
At 20 years old, Louis, a student in economics and management in Strasbourg, is about to take on a major challenge: his very first 100M at the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB. He will be the youngest participant in this edition.
Originally from Lampertsloch, Louis discovered trail running in 2020 almost by chance while running on Alsatian paths during lockdown.After completing his first 50 km in April 2024 and a 75 km in October, he decided to skip the 100 km step altogether and go straight for the ultra. Training solo, he runs over 100 km per week and fine-tunes his preparation with long outings in the Vosges. Though heâs never run at night before, heâs counting on race-day adrenaline to carry him through the unknown.
Supported by loved ones for assistance, he hopes to complete the race in under 24 to 26 hours. This challenge marks the end of a chapter: after three years of balancing studies and trail running, heâs considering slowing down and exploring other disciplines though he knows heâll return to ultras one day.
SERGE
Entered in the 100M.
A passionate runner ready to take on his first 100M Serge, a 59-year-old from Alsace, works in sales and is a father of two. He discovered running at the age of 21.
After the 50K in 2023 and the 100K in 2024, heâs now preparing to run his first 100M at the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB a special race for him, as the course passes right in front of his home. Currently recovering from an injury, heâs had to adapt his training by incorporating night sessions and power hiking a tough shift for a runner at heart. A member of a running club for over 20 years, heâs training seriously, though the fear of time cutoffs still lingers in the back of his mind.
His family is a key source of support: his wife, also a runner but not a trail enthusiast, will be volunteering at the event; his younger daughter, who ran the 20K last year; and his young son will also be there to cheer him on. His goal is simple: to finish the race, drawing on the lessons he learned last year especially when it comes to managing the night and the unexpected.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
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.
ACCRĂDITATIONS
:
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.
Press accreditation collection times:
⢠Thursday May 15, 17:00-18:00 â Obernai Town Hall
⢠Friday May 16, morning â Obernai Town Hall
⢠Friday May 16, afternoon â Obernai or Turckheim (100M start area)
⢠Saturday May 17, 10:00-11:00 â Obernai Town Hall (during the press briefing)
OBERNAI TOURISM OFFICE WEBSITE
TURCKHEIM TOURISM OFFICE WEBSITE BARR TOURISM OFFICE WEBSITE
HOW TO FOLLOW THE EVENT
LIVE TRAIL
An essential app for runners and supporters.
LiveTrail is an essential race companion offering real-time tracking of selected runners throughout the event. With live tracking, predicted checkpoint timings, list of favourites, interactive course profiles, runner comparisons, webcams and more, itâs the ultimate tool for staying connected on and off the trail.
Event's social media
Stay up to date with the latest news, connect with the community, and experience the event from the inside while sharing your own journey along the way.
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
UTMBÂŽ WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
PARTNERS
UTMBÂŽ WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
PREMIER PARTNER
HOKAÂŽ, the performance footwear and apparel brand, is the premierfootwear and apparel partner to the UTMB world series.
Hokaâs role as utmb world series premier partner highlights the brandâs 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 UTMBÂŽ World Series Finals, Dacia UTMBÂŽ Mont-Blanc.
UTMBÂŽ 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.
UTMBÂŽ 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, NĂAK 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, NĂAK Ultra Energy products were created with the insights of elite runners like Mathieu Blanchard and Marianne Hogan. NĂAKâs tagline, âFuel your ultra, preserve your playgroundâ perfectly embodies the brand's approach to nutrition. As Certified B Corp, everything NĂAK 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 DâHaene 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
UTMBÂŽ 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 UTMBÂŽ 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 UTMBÂŽ MontBlanc and thus gain access to the UTMBÂŽ World Series Finals (OCC, CCC, UTMB).
