BelforTrail

BelforTrail: At the Summit of the Southern Vosges

Every third Sunday of October, the town of Giromagny (90200) comes alive to the rhythm of the BelforTrail, the annual gathering for trail running enthusiasts in the Territoire de Belfort. Organized by the Territoire Sport Nature association, this sporting and festive event brings together nearly 2,000 runners from all over France and neighboring countries.

Five Distances for All Levels

The BelforTrail offers a complete range of distances to suit all profiles:

• BelforTrail 57 km / 3,300 D+: the royal, technical, and demanding route, which takes trail runners to the summits of Ballon d'Alsace (1,247 m), Mont Jean, and Ballon de Servance, through deep forests, panoramic ridges, and steep trails.
• GiroTrail 38 km / 1,950 D+: a challenging route through the Vosges massifs before reaching the Ballon d'Alsace.
• La Gentiane 21 km / 1,000 D+: an intermediate format to discover the most beautiful trails of the massif.
• La Savoureuse 13 km / 650 D+: an accessible distance for trail runners looking for a beautiful discovery of the Vosges massif.
• La Collégienne 3 km / 80 D+: reserved for the youngest, to introduce them to trail running in a safe and supervised environment.

An Exceptional Natural Setting

The Ballon d'Alsace, the highest point of the Southern Vosges at 1,247 meters, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Vosges, the Jura, and on clear days, the Alps. The routes cross the characteristic beech and fir forests of the massif, run alongside peat bogs, climb moorlands, and offer splendid views of the Territoire de Belfort and the plains of Alsace.

A Festive and Popular Event

Beyond the competition, the BelforTrail is a celebration. The starting base at the Base Nautique des Forges in Belfort is lively from the morning with an exhibitors' village, catering, recovery area, and entertainment. More than 200 volunteers mobilized along the entire route ensure the safety and welcome of participants. Families and supporters are invited to cheer on the runners at various points along the course, especially at the summit of the Ballon d'Alsace.

Rigorous and Responsible Organization

Territoire Sport Nature attaches great importance to environmental respect and participant safety. The routes are defined in consultation with local foresters and hunters to ensure harmonious coexistence between trail running and outdoor activities.