Practical information
TGB 48
- Saturday 25 april 2026
- 2 startwaves
- Start : 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.
- Hôtel Wolf (Le Markstein)
- Number of participants : 600 (300/wave) max
- Distance : 50,5 km
- + Elevation gain : 2162 m D+ (trace de trail)
- Time limit : 9h
- UTMB-index: 50K
- Trekking poles allowed
- Dogs not allowed
The Enduring One
This course starts strong, with the first part following the iconic ridgelines of the Vosges. The altitude, sweeping views, and technical sections quickly set the tone for a demanding route. After that, the trail skirts around the Grand Ballon before diving down towards the Markstein via wilder—and far more punishing—paths.
The elevation profile speaks for itself: two-thirds of the total climb are packed into the second half of the race. A gradual increase in difficulty will test both your pacing strategy and mental toughness. You’ll need to keep something in reserve to reach the finish line strong.
A true test of endurance and race management, perfect for those who love long efforts… and tricky trails.
Required equipment
TGB 48
- Backpack with mandatory gear
- Personal cup
- At least 1 liter of water
- Food supply
- Survival blanket
- Mobile phone in working condition, fully charged (100%)
- ID card
- Waterproof jacket with hood (type gore-tex)
- Warm second layer (long sleeves)
- GPS watch with the course (GPX file)*
The list of mandatory gear (in green) and recommended gear (in orange) may be updated at any time depending on the weather conditions. Missing even a single mandatory item during a gear check will result in a 1-hour time penalty. In case of a repeat offense, the participant will be disqualified (DSQ).
*NO DISPOSABLE PLASTIC CUPS!
Out of respect for the environment, we do not provide disposable plastic cups. You must therefore bring your own cup or bottle. This applies to aid stations along the route as well as at the finish line. We offer practical eco-cups reusable, foldable cups available for purchase during online registration and/or at race headquarters.
**Like many other organizers, we regularly face acts of vandalism, such as deliberate removal or tampering of course markings. Despite careful marking and checks up to 2 hours before your arrival, some markers may unfortunately be taken down or turned at the last minute. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, we strongly recommend that you download the GPX file onto your watch or GPS device. This is your most reliable reference in case of any issues on the course.
THE ROUTE
PROFILE
THE RACE
CUT-OFF TIMES & AID STATIONS
11,7 KM
NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC
RIEDISHEIM
CUT-OFF : 11: 20
- Water
- Energy drink and/or Coke
- Hot drinks (coffee and/or soup)
- Solid food (fruit, cake, biscuits, chips)
- First aid kit
- Drop bags
18,5 KM
NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC
RIMBACH
CUT-OFF : 12:25
- Water
- Energy drink and/or Coke
- Solid food (fruit, cake, biscuits, chips)
- First aid kit
- Drop bags
31 KM
SALLE BRAMALY
GEISHOUSE
CUT-OFF 14:35
- Water
- Energy drink and/or Coke
- Hot drinks (coffee and/or soup)
- Solid food (fruit, cake, biscuits, chips)
- First aid kit
- Drop bags
44,7 KM
Le chalet des amis des vosges
WITTELSHEIM
CUT-OFF 17:10
- Water
- Energy drink and/or Coke
- Hot drinks (coffee and/or soup)
- Solid food (fruit, cake, biscuits, chips)
- First aid kit
- Drop bags
AIDSTATIONS
The Trail du Grand Ballon is run under semi-autonomy conditions. Semi-autonomy means being able to manage on your own between two aid stations — in terms of food, clothing, and safety equipment — allowing you to deal with both expected and unexpected situations (weather changes, physical issues, injuries, etc.).
It is therefore the runners’ responsibility to assess their needs for water and nutrition between two aid stations. The required amount of water listed in the mandatory gear checklist is the minimum you should carry.
CUT-OFF TIME
The cut-off times indicated above are provided for guidance only. In case of adverse weather conditions and for safety reasons, the organization reserves the right to stop the race in progress or to modify the cut-off times. Any decision will be made by the race jury.
Maximum race time – Arrival at Markstein (km 48): Start time + 9 hours.
Any runner who arrives at a cut-off point after the allowed time will be disqualified from the race and asked to return to the Markstein. If the runner wishes to continue the course, their race bib will be collected by the checkpoint manager, and the runner will no longer be considered a participant. They will therefore no longer be under the responsibility of the organizer. Any person showing disrespect towards the volunteers enforcing these cut-off times will be permanently banned from all Trailrun.be events.
Runners crossing the finish line beyond the maximum race time will not be classified and thus will not be considered finishers.
The organization would like to remind runners that, depending on the systems and settings used, GPX tracks may provide different results regarding the distances and elevation gains of the races.
THE OTHER DISTANCES
