Trail du Grand Ballon 

TRAIL DU GRAND BALLON

- 10KM - 23KM - 32KM - 48KM -70KM - 

Official webpage of the Trail du Grand Ballon in Le Markstein (10 - 23 - 32 - 48 - 70). This trail is part of the Scott Xtrails Series.


The Trail du Grand Ballon is at his 5th edition! The start and finish is in Le Markstein (1183m).

Be prepared! The first 9km to Saint-Amarin are downhill, then comes the climb to The Grand Ballon.
If you're looking for a cool weekend in the mountains, register for one of the distances of the  Trail du Grand Ballon and enjoy the trails with us on 27.04 & 28.04.2024.

Is the Trail du Grand Ballon not enough? Register for the Scott Xtrails Vosges Multistage on 27.04 & 28.04.2024 and run the Sprinttrail at midday, the Trail du Markstein in the afternoon and the Trail du Grand Ballon on sunday!


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


RATES 2023

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 10 april 2023 will receive a personal bib number with their first and last name.



Early Bird

Basic price

Last Minute

10km

€11,00

€19,00

€22,00

23km

€20,00

€28,00

€30,00

32km

€26,00

€36,00

€39,00

48km

€41,00

€52,00

€57,00

70km

€60,00

€75,00

€80,00

* 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.

GROUP/COMPANY REGISTRATION

Would you like your company to participate in this event? You can! You can create a group via the online registration module. The group leader is responsible for paying for the entire group. You pay the normal rate per participant.
Once the group is created, you can add or invite people yourself. The group must be closed and paid for no later than 3 weeks before the event. After this date, no cancellation is possible. Request access to the group registration module here. Attention: only for companies with min. 10 participants!

You are LESS THAN 10 participants and/or you are NOT a COMPANY and you want to register together? It is possible, you can register an unlimited number of people at the same time in one order.

 

ORGANISATION

This event is organised by Sport Events, a small Belgian company that organises more than 40 different events each year. The red thread throughout our events is nature.


From €19.00
Organizer: Sportevents

Course, Equipment, Profile & GPX, Itinerary to the aid stations. 2023

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.


  • Equipment

    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
     
      70km48km 32km 22km 8km 
    Survival blanketXXXXX
     WhistleXXXXX
     Water supply, min. 1lXXXX0,5l 
    Waterproof jacket AAAAA
    TelephoneXXXXX
    GPX.AAAA-
     Gels, bars, ...AAAAA
    To be completed.-----
    To be completed  -----
  • Trail du Grand Ballon 10km - 490m+

    • Start and finish: Hotel Wolf in Le Markstein
    • No aid station during te race. Final aid station for every participant.
    • Cut-off: 16h00
    • There are NO plastic cups at the aid stations. Each runner has to carry his/her own cup or drinking system.
    Race profile.

    GPX available for download from 1week to the event.

  • Trail du Grand Ballon 23km - 1090m+

      
    • Start and finish: Hotel Wolf in Le Markstein
    • 1 aid station (after na 12km) + final aid station.
      Itinerary to the aid station - Click here.
    • Cut-off: 16h00
    • There are NO plastic cups at the aid stations. Each runner has to carry his/her own cup or drinking system.
    Race profile.

    GPX available for download from 1week to the event.

  • Trail du Grand Ballon 32km - 1390m+

      
    • Start and finish: Hotel Wolf in Le Markstein
    • 1 aid station (after 12km)
      Itinerary to the aid station - Click here.
    • 1 waterpoint (after 25km)
      Itinerary to the waterpoint - Click here.
    • Cut-off: 16h00
    • There are NO plastic cups at the aid stations. Each runner has to carry his/her own cup or drinking system.
    Race profile.

    GPX available for download from 1week to the event.

  • Trail du Grand Ballon 48km - 2260m+

     
    • Start and finish: Hotel Wolf in Le Markstein
    • 3 aid stations (after 17km, 30km and 39km)
      Itinerary to the 1st aid station (Ferme du Haag) - Click here.
      Itinerary to the 2nd aid station (Ferme auberge du Steinlebach) - Click here.
      Itinerary to the 3th aid station (Kruth) - Click here.
    • Cut-off: 19h00
    • There are NO plastic cups at the aid stations. Each runner has to carry his/her own cup or drinking system.
    Race profile.

    GPX available for download from 1week to the event.

  • Trail du Grand Ballon 70km - 3360m+

     
    • Start and finish: Hotel Wolf in Le Markstein
    • 4 aid stations (after 17km, 22km, 40km, 51km and 60km)
      Itinerary to the 1st aid station (Ferme du Haag) - Click here.
      Itinerary to the 2nd aid station (Firstacker) - Click here.
      Itinerary to the 3th aid station (Route des Crêtes) - Click here.
      Itinerary to the 4th aid station (Ferme auberge du Steinlebach) - Click here.
      Itinerary to the 5th aid station (Kruth) - Click here.
    • Cut-off: 19h30
    • There are NO plastic cups at the aid stations. Each runner has to carry his/her own cup or drinking system.

  • Time Limits

    • Trail du Grand Ballon | 10km (Sunday)
      Time limit at the finish: 16h00. (2km/h)

    • Trail du Grand Ballon | 22km (Sunday)
      Aid station 1 closes 3h00 after the start (5,67km/h)
      Time limit at the finish: 16h00 (4,40km/h)

    • Trail du Grand Ballon | 32km (Sunday)
      Aid station 1 closes 3h00 after the start (5,67km/h)
      Time limit at the finish: 16h00. (5,33km/h)

    • Trail du Grand Ballon | 48km (Saturday)
      Aid station 1 closes 2h50 after the start (6,00km/h)
      Aid station 2 closes 6h30 after the start (4,29km/h) | This is a time limit.
      Aid station 3 closes 9h00 after the start (4,28km/h)
      Time limit at the finish: 19h00. (4,00km/h)

    • Trail du Grand Ballon | 70km (Saturday)
      Aid station 1 closes 2h45 after the start (6,18km/h)
      Aid station 2 closes 3h45 after the start (5,92km/h)
      Aid station 3 closes 6h45 after the start (5,89km/h)
      Aid station 4 closes 9h00 after the start (5,68km/h) | This is a time limit.
      Aid station 5 closes 10h30 after the start (5,71km/h)
      Time limit at the finish: 19h30. (5,19km/h)

    • Trail du Markstein | 18km (Saturday)
      Aid station 1 closes 1h45 after the start (5,71km/h)
      Time limit at the finish: 19h30. (5,14km/h)


     
  • Courses on Google Maps + locations of the aid stations

    70km on Google Maps

    Click here for the 70km and the aid stations on Google Maps.

    48km on Google Maps

    Click here for the 48km and the aid stations on Google Maps.

    32km on Google Maps

    Click here for the 32km and the aid stations on Google Maps.

    23km on Google Maps

    Click here for the 23km and the aid stations on Google Maps.

    10km on Google Maps

    Click here for the 10km on Google Maps.

  •  


Practical information 2023


  • Address - How to get there - Parking

    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

    18.00 – 20.00Race office open, pick-up bib numbers at Hotel Wolf.

    Saturday

    05.15 – 07.00Race office open, pick-up bib numbers at Hotel Wolf.
    06.00: Start Trail du Grand Ballon 70km
    07.00: Start Trail du Grand Ballon 48km
    11u30 - 12u55: Race office open, pick-up bib numbers at Hotel Wolf.
    13u00: Start Sprinttrail
    14u00 - 16u00: Race office open, pick-up bib numbers at Hotel Wolf.
    16u00: Start Trail du Markstein 18km
    19u30: End day 1.

    Sunday

    09.00 - 12.00Race office open, pick-up bib numbers at Hotel Wolf.
    10.00: Start Trail du Grand Ballon 32km
    11.00: Start Trail du Grand Ballon 23km
    12.00: Start Trail du Grand Ballon 10km
    16.00: End of the event.

    Award ceremony (per distance) is provided 15min after arrival of the 3rd athlete.


  • 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 !

  • GPS Tracker - Trail du Grand Ballon 70km

    Participants in the 70 km race will be provided with a free GPS tracker

    A deposit of 50,00€ is required when collecting the plotter.
    This deposit will be returned when you return your plotter in the timing tent, to the right of the finish arch, when you cross the line.

    With our GPS trackers your exact position can be tracked live during the race. This is not only exciting for the supporters, but is also important for your safety. We know where you are at all times and in case of an emergency, you can use the SOS button to initiate a rescue operation. The GPS trackers weigh 65gram and record your position every 15 seconds to 10 minutes (depending on the event). On the day of the race a link will appear on our website where you can follow the tracking.

    How does it work?

    • Usually the organization will have already turned the trackers on. If you have to turn your tracker on for some reason, press the button on top of the tracker for 2-3 seconds (not the big SOS button on the front) when the light starts to blink you can release the button. The tracker is active when a green light blinks slowly.
    • Put your tracker in a plastic bag (provided by the organization) and stick it with tape (provided by the organization) on the outside of your trail backpack, best on your shoulder. Do not put the tracker in your backpack or under your clothes.
    • After the event, don't forget to return your tracker.
    • Use the SOS button (button on the front of the tracker) only in case of emergency. Always try to contact us by phone via the emergency number on your bib number before using the SOS button. Use SOS button = evacuation = end of race.  

    Powered by Legends Tracking.


  • Showers - Dressing rooms - Bags drop-off

    There are no changing rooms. There are showers at Auberge du Steinlebach, at 1km of the finish.

    Attention: If your shoes aren't clean, you can't enter the changing rooms. Think about the other participants who also wants to change clothes in a clean room. Wash your shoes before you enter!

    You can hand in your sports bag at the 'storage of sports bags' stand.
    Make sure you bring a well-closing bag because loose pieces or open bags are not accepted.
    Your bag will receive a number, which will also be noted on your chest number. You will not get your bag back without a bib number!

  • 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.

  • Charity - Think Pink


    The organization supports the charity THINK PINK, the national breast cancer campaign. With your registration you can make a donation.


  • 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 Scott Xtrails 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 


  • Address - How to get there - Parking

    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.




Race information


  • Cut-off times

    All aid stations have official opening hours / opening times


    Check it out in "Race Courses".

  • 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

    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 km55 during the race. The organization will bring your bag to the finish.
    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 3 euros.

Media


  • Trail du Grand Ballon 2022

    Check out the photos of the Trail du Grand Ballon 2022 on our Facebook page or look at all the photos taken (and also your personal photos) on the Sportograf website!


    • Trail du Grand Ballon 2021

      In 2021, the Trail du Grand Ballon could not take place.
      Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the nice photos of the 2019 edition via the link below.

      • Trail du Grand Ballon 20120

        In 2020, the Trail du Grand Ballon could not take place.
        Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the nice photos of the 2019 edition via the link below.

        • 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 Trail du Grand Ballon


          • 2023

            Click here for the results of 2023.

          • 2022

            Click here for the results of 2022.

          • 2021

            The edition 2021 has not been organized.

          • 2020

            The edition 2020 has not been organized.

          • 2019

            Click here for the results of 2019.

          • 2018

            Click here for the results of 2018.

          • 2017

            Click here for the results of the Trail du Grand Ballon 11km - 2017.
            Click here for the results of the Trail du Grand Ballon 21km - 2017. 
            Click here for the results of the Trail du Grand Ballon 34km - 2017. 
            Click here for the results of the Trail du Grand Ballon 54km - 2017. 


          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?

            A head torche is not allowed for this event.
          • 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