About This Event
The Grand Trail des Lacs & Châteaux (GTLC) stands as one of Belgium's premier trail running events, showcasing the country's exceptional natural beauty through the Hautes Fagnes Natural Park. Starting from the Ovifat ski resort, this international event has evolved significantly since its 2009 inception, offering both summer and winter editions that reveal the region's diverse character across seasons. The GTLC presents a carefully curated selection of distances, each earning UTMB Index points and designed to challenge runners with technical terrain through lakes, castles, and ancient forests. The summer edition in mid-May features the marquee GT160, which serves as a qualifier for the Western States 100, while the winter edition in early November offers a completely different experience across the same stunning landscapes. What distinguishes the GTLC is its commitment to creating an authentic trail community experience. The organization maintains high standards while preserving the convivial spirit that has defined the event since its early days, creating what many describe as a family gathering where performance and camaraderie exist in perfect balance.