Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB.
The Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers is the longest race of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB: about 158 kilometres from Lac Blanc in the high Vosges across ridges, castle ruins and vineyards to the ramparts of Obernai. The start is on Friday evening, so the first night falls on the remote high section, and most of the steep climbs only come in the second half. Also known as Trail Alsace by UTMB.
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The start is at a little over 1,100 metres at the Lac Blanc resort. The first kilometres pass the Tour du Faudé and then drop to around 560 metres by km 20, before the climb towards the Brezouard begins at km 23: a good five kilometres at over ten percent on average, topping out just under 1,100 metres again. It is the quietest, most remote part of the course.
After that the route follows the ridgelines through forest, clearings and views over the Rhine plain, through Aubure, the highest village in Alsace, and down past the Haut-Koenigsbourg into the foothills. From about km 55 the 100M runs on the Ultra-Trail des Païens course, and the pattern changes: altitudes stay between 200 and 750 metres, but climb follows climb, mostly two to three kilometres at ten to twelve percent with ramps over 20 percent.
Past the castle ruins of Bernstein and Landsberg, Mont Sainte-Odile with its pagan wall and the Heidenkopf area, the last section runs through Rosheim to the ramparts of Obernai, where every race of the weekend finishes. Our profile adds up to about 5,660 metres of climbing; the organiser states 5,100.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 22.7 | 2.1 km | 10.4 % | 21.5 % | +221 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 26.3 | 3.1 km | 11.6 % | 26.2 % | +361 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 73.8 | 3 km | 10 % | 20.6 % | +297 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 80.1 | 3 km | 11.7 % | 25.2 % | +349 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 88.3 | 1.5 km | 13 % | 24 % | +198 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 111.2 | 3 km | 10.4 % | 19.5 % | +310 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 133.3 | 2.6 km | 8.9 % | 24.1 % | +228 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 137.3 | 1.5 km | 12.3 % | 25.7 % | +181 m | Cat. 3 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB.
Start under control
The Friday 17:00 start means you cover the Brezouard and the long ridge section to Aubure largely in the dark. The terrain there is relatively even, but the long downward trend from km 32 to the plain tempts you into too quick a rhythm. Whatever quads and energy you spend here you pay for twice later.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided in the second part, on the 100K section. Between km 74 and 140 there are six climbs of 180 to 350 metres each, steep and short enough to tempt you to push. Hike them consistently, with poles if you use them, and run the easier stretches between them relaxed.
Spend what is left
The biggest trap is the descending. More than a fifth of the course drops steeply, over 6,600 metres downhill in total, and the last two short, vicious climbs after km 133 hit you on tired legs on Saturday. Plan your fuelling so you can still descend under control there.
Training plan for Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB: 12-week build
Build the base
For a 158-kilometre race with over 5,000 metres of climbing most age-group runners need between 28 and 38 hours; the time limit is 40 hours. The effort is predominantly aerobic and very long, with many short, steep spikes in the second half and one night, possibly two, on course.
Train race pace
The decisive sections are the steep climbs and descents from km 74 to the finish. They require you to hike steep ground and descend under control after 15 to 20 hours. Build in back-to-back weekends of long runs on hilly terrain, with the second day on pre-tired legs carrying most of the climbing.
Rehearse the course
Train eccentric strength for the descents specifically: steep stairs and forest paths downhill, supplemented by squats and lunges. The course runs on forest trails, forestry roads and vineyard paths, so time on rooty, rocky singletrack pays off.
Arrive fresh
The evening start and the night in the high Vosges section call for practice with a head torch and at least one long night run. In mid-May nights above 1,000 metres can be cool, so test your mandatory kit in cold and wet conditions.
Courses
Download the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
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Everything about Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB.
How long is Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB?
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB is 158 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB have?
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB has around 5,663 m of elevation gain over 158 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB?
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB is classified as Mountainous, averaging 36 vertical metres per kilometre. 9% of the route is flat, 23% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 19% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB have?
The hardest climb of Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB starts at kilometre 26.3, runs for 3.1 km at an average of 11.6% and gains 361 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 2. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB a loop course?
No, Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB is a point-to-point course: start and finish are in different places.
Is there a GPX file for the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB course?
Yes. The Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB?
Preparation for Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB should account for 158 km, 5,663 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB?
The pacing strategy for Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB should reflect 158 km, 5,663 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB take place?
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB takes place on May 14, 2027.
Where does Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB take place?
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB takes place in Obernai, France.
Which distances does Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB offer?
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB offers 5 distances — Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers - 100M: 158 km; Ultra-Trail des Païens - 100K: 108 km; Trail des Celtes - 50K: 47 km; Trail des Pèlerins - 20K: 29 km; Ronde des Pages - 20K: 18 km.
How do I register for Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB?
Registration runs through the organiser: alsace.utmb.world. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
