Marathon du Grand Ballon 

MARATHON DU GRAND BALLON


- 13KM - 22km - 42KM - 80KM -
Official webpage of the Marathon du Grand Ballon in Le Markstein (13 - 22 - 42 - 80km).


The Marathon (Trail) du Grand Ballon is at his 4th edition! The start and finish is in Le Markstein (1183m)!

Thanks to the auberges, there will be more fun at the aid stations and the supporters can follow easily at every aid station!

A medical certificate is required for this event. 
Check all the information + conditions of a valid medical certificate here.


If you're looking for a cool weekend in the mountains, register for one of the distances of the  Marathon (Trail) du Grand Ballon and enjoy the trails with us on 29.07.2023 on the 13km, 22km, 42km or 80km!


RATES

Registration is only possible online via SQM Time and according to the price table below. It is therefore useful to register early! People who register before 12 July will receive a personal bib number with their first and last name.



Early Bird

Basic price

Last Minute

13km

€20,00

€25,00

€28,00

22km

€28,00

€35,00

€39,00

42km

€44,00

€55,00

€66,00

80km

€85,00

€95,00

€105,00

* Registration prices do not include the administration fee of €1.00 + 2.5% VAT.

NO REGISTRATIONS ON SITE 

It's not possible to register the day of the event on site.

From €25.00
Order now your coolmax event T-shirt. Size unisex. You can pick up the shirt together with your bib number at the race office before the start
Because we respect the environment we do not provide disposable plastic cups. So you have to bring a drinking cup or bottle yourself
Make a donation to Think Pink, the national Breast Cancer awareness campagne.
Buy your Etixx starter pack at more than 50% discount + free delivery! Trail Starter Pack: Isotonic Lemon 1kg + Isotonic Drink Energy Gel Apple 12x60ml + Energy Sport Bar Red Fruits 12x40g + 1 bidon 500ml
Organizer: Sportevents
Registration possible until 29-07-2023

Course and time limits

Don't forget to wear the right shoes, you'll need a minimum of grip!

For the exact location of the aid stations, elevation profiles and courses we refer to our event on Trace de Trail.


  • Marathon du Grand Ballon | 13km - 643m+


        

    INFORMATIONS ABOUT THE TRACKS

    No aid station 
    - Only a final aid station

    There are no plastic cups at the refreshment posts, so please bring your own cup or bottle


    DISTANCE AND ALTIMETERS

    The distance and elevation gain are given as a guide. The final mileage may be slightly higher or lower on your connected watch or running app.
    We use different sites for our GPX routes.
    Below are the estimated mileage and elevation gain from three sites we use.
    We always use the Trail Track elevation, which is generally the closest to reality.

    Trace de Trail - 13km | 710m+
    GarminConnect - 13km | 547m+
    Mygpsfiles.com - 13km | 643m+


    PARCOURS & PROFILE ON TRACE DE TRAIL

  • Marathon du Grand Ballon | 22km - 1200m+


        

    INFORMATIONS ABOUT THE TRACKS

    1 aid station 
    - 14km

    There are no plastic cups at the refreshment posts, so please bring your own cup or bottle


    DISTANCE AND ALTIMETERS

    The distance and elevation gain are given as a guide. The final mileage may be slightly higher or lower on your connected watch or running app.
    We use different sites for our GPX routes.
    Below are the estimated mileage and elevation gain from three sites we use.
    We always use the Trail Track elevation, which is generally the closest to reality.

    Trace de Trail - 22km | 1200m+
    GarminConnect - 22km | 930m+
    Mygpsfiles.com - 22km | 1097m+


    PARCOURS & PROFILE ON TRACE DE TRAIL

  • Marathon du Grand Ballon | 42km - 2210m+


        

    INFORMATIONS ABOUT THE TRACKS

    2 aid stations 
    - 14 & 33km
    1 refreshment point (water) - 22km

    There are no plastic cups at the refreshment posts, so please bring your own cup or bottle


    DISTANCE AND ALTIMETERS

    The distance and elevation gain are given as a guide. The final mileage may be slightly higher or lower on your connected watch or running app.
    We use different sites for our GPX routes.
    Below are the estimated mileage and elevation gain from three sites we use.
    We always use the Trail Track elevation, which is generally the closest to reality.

    Trace de Trail - 42km | 2210m+
    GarminConnect - 42km | 1699m+
    Mygpsfiles.com - 42km | 2040m+


    PARCOURS & PROFILE ON TRACE DE TRAIL

  • Marathon du Grand Ballon | 80km - 4133m+


         

    INFORMATIONS ABOUT THE TRACKS

    5 aid stations 
    - 14, 27, 48 & 66km
    1 refreshment point (water) - 35km
    There are no plastic cups at the refreshment posts, so please bring your own cup or bottle


    DISTANCE AND ALTIMETERS

    The distance and elevation gain are given as a guide. The final mileage may be slightly higher or lower on your connected watch or running app.
    We use different sites for our GPX routes.
    Below are the estimated mileage and elevation gain from three sites we use.
    We always use the Trail Track elevation, which is generally the closest to reality.

    Trace de Trail - 80km | 4490m+
    GarminConnect - 80km | 3434m+
    Mygpsfiles.com - 80km | 4133m+


    PARCOURS & PROFILE ON TRACE DE TRAIL

  • Time limit per aid station

    Marathon du Grand Ballon | 80km (cutoff 16h00 | @21h00 | ≃ 5,00km/h) 

    • Aid station 1 (14km) closes 2h00 after the start, at 07h00. ≃ 7,00km/h
    • Aid station 2 (27km) closes 4h10 after the start, at 09h10. ≃ 6,48km/u
    • Aid station 3 (48km) closes 8h00 after the start, at 13h00. ≃ 6,00km/u
    • Aid station 4 (61km) closes 11h00 after the start, at 16h00. ≃ 5,54km/u
    • Aid station 5 (69km) closes 12h45 after the start, at 17h45. ≃ 5,41km/u

    • Time limit @ final aid station is @ 21h00 ≃ 5,00km/h

    Marathon du Grand Ballon | 42km (cutoff 13h00 | @21h00 | ≃ 3,23km/h) 

    • Aid station 1 (14km) closes 2h30 after the start, at 10h30. ≃ 5,60km/u
    • Aid station 2 (33km) closes 8h15 after the start, at 16h15. ≃ 4,00km/u

    • Time limit @ final aid station is @ 21h00 ≃ 3,23km/h

    Marathon du Grand Ballon | 22km (cutoff 6u00 | @15u00 | ≃ 3,66km/u)

    • Aid station 1 (14km) closes 2h30 after the start, at 11h30. ≃ 5,60km/u

    • Time limit @ final aid station is @ 15h00 ≃ 3,66km/h

    Marathon du Grand Ballon | 13km (cutoff 4u00 | @14u00 | ≃ 3,25km/u)

    • Time limit @ final aid station is @ 14h00 ≃ 3,25km/h
  • Courses On Google Maps + Locations Of The Aid Stations

    Check out the race routes via Google Maps.

    A useful tool if supporters want to get to the aid stations or cheer along the route.
  • Gear

    The following equipment can be checked during the race or when picking up your starting number.
    The absence of the required equipment results in a time penalty or disqualification.
    X = Compulsory equipment
    A = recommended material


      80km42km 22km 13km
    Survival blankerXXX
    Whistle XXXX
     Water supply, min. 1lXAAA
    Waterproof (running) jacket
    AAAA
    TelephoneXXXX
    GPX
    AAAA
    Gels, bars, ..AAAA
    Head lampA---
    Protection maskXXXX
    ...


Practical information


  • Address - How To Get There

    Start and finish at hotel Wolf (Route des Crêtes, Le Markstein.)


    There is a large parking lot close to the start.
    Don't park your car next to the finish please, this place needs to stay free
    for the start of the races.
  • Program

    Friday 28.07.2023

    18.30 – 20.30: Race office is open + pick up bib number all distances.

    Saturday 29.07.2023

    04.15 – 05.00: Race office is open + pick up bib number all distances.

    05.00 : Start Marathon du Grand Ballon 80km

    07.00 – 10.00: Race office is open + pick up bib number all distances.

    08.00 : Start Marathon du Grand Ballon 42km

    09.00 : Start Marathon du Grand Ballon 22km

    10.00 : Start Marathon du Grand Ballon 13km

    14.00 : Time limit 13km (≃ 3,25km/u)

    15.00 : Time limit 13km (≃ 3,66km/u)

    21.00 : End | Time limit 80km (≃ 5,00km/u) and 42km (≃ 3,23km/u)

  • Pick up bib number and T-shirt

    Bib numbers are not sent in advance and can only be collected from the race secretary on the day of the race. You will receive your bib number by email a few days before the event and you can also view it on the list of participants that comes online at the same time as the mailing.

    You will receive all extras you ordered (such as a T-shirt or eco-cup) together with your bib number. It is possible to pick up the numbers of your family and/or friends. You must report all last minute changes in distance to the secretariat.

  • Change name, distance and / or cancel

    Changing your distance, buying a T-shirt, adapting your data and even canceling it can ONLY be done through your SQM Time account. So you do this all by yourself!

    After you have logged in, search for the relevant order and change the details. If your new data results in a lower cost price, your account will be credited and you can use that amount for another registration. If your new information leads to a higher registration price, you still have to pay that amount to complete the change.

    If you wish to cancel, your account will be credited in accordance with our cancellation conditions. You can then spend this amount on another registration later.

    Attention: Please check the conditions of the organizer to find out until when  you can cancel and how much your account will be credited !

  • Showers - Dressing rooms - Bags drop-off

    There are no changing rooms.

    There are showers at Auberge du Steinlebach at 1km of the startzone. Click here for the location on Google Maps.

    There is storage of sports bags.

  • Insurance physical accidents

    By default you are NOT insured through the organization for physical injuries during the race. You can choose to take an insurance through the organizer when you register. This is an additional paying option.

  • Photoservice

    A selection of photos can be found a few days after the event on our Facebook page. This can be viewed by anyone, including those who do NOT have a Facebook account.

    During the event, the Sportograf team will be present to take the most beautiful photos of you in action. You can find your personal photos via the link below or by clicking on the icon behind your name in the results list.

  • Organisation

    Sportevents, bvba

    This event is part of the Runners' Lab Trailrun Series.

  • Where to stay?

    Looking for a nice place to stay?


    1. Hotel Wolf, Le Markstein.

    At 50m of the start.

    For booking, contact them by

    2. Auberge du Steinlebach

    1km from the start and this place is one of the aid stations! 

    For booking, contact them by

    • telephone: +33 3 89 82 61 87 




Race information


  • Start

    There will be a mass start at the startline (arch) for each distance.
    The rankings will be made up based on the start time.

    To avoid congestion on the course, you will start drop by drop via a narrow starting lane ("rolling start").

    If you decide on the day to run a different distance, you must inform the secretariat beforehand.

  • Cut-off times

    All aid stations have official opening hours / opening times


    Consult the tab Course --> Time Limit Per Aid Station

  • Time registration / Live coverage


    There are 1 or 2 timing chip(s) on the back of your bib number. Do not fold the chip(s) and make sure you wear your bib number above your clothes on your stomach or chest. The chips ensure that your (split) times are registered when you pass a checkpoint.

    Control points are scattered throughout the course, usually at the supply point. Some checkpoints beep as you pass through them, but not all. Don't panic so if you don't hear anything, you will be registered anyway.

    All intermediate times and end times of all participants can be followed live online on the SQM Time website. On the day of the event, the result can be followed live via www.sqmtime.com/live . Via this live coverage, supporters can follow the progress of their favorite runners on the spot via their smartphone. The fans at home can of course also follow everything closely.


    There are even participants who like to see during the race how much position they are in and how much time their buddy is ahead or behind!

  • Podium / Prize allocation

    The prizes will be awarded during an award ceremony near the finish area.

    The exact hour will be decided on the day itself and communicated by the speaker or the race director. The ceremonies are held approximately 15 minutes after the arrival of the 3rd finisher.

    There are no age group podia, only overall for men and women.

  • Aid stations / No plastic cups / Personal drop bag

    AID STATIONS

    There are multiple aid stations during the race. The exact locations are indicated on the course map (see the "course" tab). The supplies have standard water, salty snacks, cake, candy, ... Attention! There are no plastic cups at the aid stations, so you have to bring your own drinking cup or bottle.


    PERSONAL DROP BAG (Participants of the 80km)

    There will be a personal drop bag. You can get your bag at the race office.
    Please depose your bag before the start in "La Bulle" next to the start.
    Your bag will be ready at km48 during the race. The organization will bring your bag to the finish, at the final aid station at the Grand Ballon.
    Attention: you'll need to show your bibnumber to get your bag back.
    No bibnumber = no personal dropbag.

    NO PLASTIC CUPS!

    Because we respect the environment we do not provide disposable plastic cups. So you have to bring a drinking cup or bottle yourself. This applies to the aid stations along the way as well as at the finish. We have handy eco-cups, which are reusable drinking cups that you can fold, to be purchased with your online registration and/or to be purchased at the race office for 4 euros.

Media


  • Marathon (Trail) du Grand Ballon 2021

    To view the photos in a larger format, we refer to the album on Facebook (also available for those who do not have a Facebook account) and / or the Sportograf event page. You can also view / purchase your personal photos on the event page of Sportograf.

    • Marathon (Trail) du Grand Ballon 2019

      To view the photos in a larger format, we refer to the album on Facebook (also available for those who do not have a Facebook account) and / or the Sportograf event page. You can also view / purchase your personal photos on the event page of Sportograf.

      Results Marathon du Grand Ballon


      • 2022

        Click here for the results of 2022.

      • 2021

        Click here for the results of 2021.

      • 2020

        The 2020 edition has been cancelled due to Covid-19.

      • 2019

        Click here for the results of 2019.


      Marathon (Trail) Du Grand Ballon F.A.Q. 's


      • Are dogs and/or poles allowed?

        Dogs are not allowed.

        Poles are  allowed.

      • Is a (PETZL) head lamp mandatory?

        If you're participating at a nighttrail or a semi-nighttrail, the head torche is mandatory.

      • Due to circumstances I cannot participate. What should I do?

        Changing your distance, buying a T-shirt, adapting your data and even canceling it can ONLY be done through your SQM Time account. So you do this all by yourself!

        After you have logged in, search for the relevant order and change the details. If your new data results in a lower cost price, your account will be credited and you can use that amount for another registration. If your new information leads to a higher registration price, you still have to pay that amount to complete the change.

        If you wish to cancel, your account will be credited in accordance with our cancellation conditions. You can then spend this amount on another registration later.

        Attention: Please check the conditions of the organizer to find out until when  you can cancel and how much your account will be credited !

      LAST MINUTE TICKETS: THE LONGEST DAY SPA (10-11 june) - WALK 100-50-24-10km REGISTER NOW WALK /// TRAIL 100-50-24-10km REGISTER NOW TRAIL