BelforTrail

BelforTrail: At the Summit of the Southern Vosges

Every third Sunday in October, the town of Giromagny (90200) comes alive to the rhythm of the BelforTrail, the annual meeting for trail running enthusiasts in the Territoire de Belfort. Organized by the association Territoire Sport Nature, this sporting and festive event brings together nearly 2,000 runners in 2025 — a record participation — from all over France and neighboring countries.

Four Distances for All Levels

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

• BelforTrail 56 km / 3,300m D+: The royal route, technical and demanding, which takes runners to the peaks of Ballon d'Alsace (1,247m) and Ballon de Servance, through deep forests, panoramic ridges, and steep trails.
• GiroTrail 28 km / 1,400m D+: A challenging route passing by the Trou de la Chaudière and Boedelen before reaching the Ballon d'Alsace.
• Savoureuse 13 km / 650m D+: An accessible distance for runners looking for a beautiful discovery of the Vosges massif.
• Collégienne 3 km / 80m D+: Reserved for middle schoolers aged 11 to 16, to introduce young people 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 along peat bogs, climb mountain pastures, and offer splendid views of the Territoire de Belfort and the Alsace plains.

A Festive and Popular Event

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

Rigorous and Responsible Organization

Territoire Sport Nature places great importance on 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. In 2025, course adjustments were made to take into account the hunting calendar.