About This Race
Part of the UTMB World Series, this 18-kilometer route through the Alsace region offers runners a compact exploration of the area's vineyard-draped hillsides and medieval architecture. Starting from Obernai, a well-preserved town known for its half-timbered houses and proximity to the Vosges foothills, the course delivers a genuine trail experience without the full-day commitment of longer mountain races. The distance strikes a practical balance for runners seeking quality trail terrain in a manageable window. The route provides enough variety to showcase what makes Alsatian trail running distinctive—switchbacks through vine rows, passages near historic châteaux, and views across the Rhine plain—while remaining accessible to those building their trail credentials or managing weekend race schedules alongside other commitments.
The route navigates the distinctive landscape where the Alsace plain meets the Vosges foothills. Runners traverse vineyard paths that have defined this wine-growing region for centuries, with sections passing within view of medieval fortifications that dot the ridgelines. The mixed terrain includes established trail sections and vineyard access paths, requiring attention to footing but remaining runnable throughout for prepared participants.
Location
Practical Info
Mid-May typically brings mild spring conditions with temperatures ranging 10-20°C (50-68°F). Morning starts may be cool; afternoon sun can warm vineyard-exposed sections. Spring rain remains possible.
Obernai offers hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of race logistics. Strasbourg, 30 kilometers north, provides broader lodging options and international rail connections. Book early as May is active tourist season in Alsace wine country.