Races
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB - Ultra-Trail des Païens
The Païens route. One hundred nine kilometers through Alsace forest and vineyard hills on a tight cutoff.
68 mi+2,053 ft-2,080 ft21 hours1,279 ft to 1,383 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookVosgesUTMB IndexWSER qualifierMay
Distance68 mi
Gain+2,053 ft
Loss-2,080 ft
Altitude1,279 ft to 1,383 ft
Technicality5/10
Air45°F to 80°F
- Start1,332 ft
- High1,383 ft
- Low1,279 ft
- Finish1,306 ft
Geometryderived
Steepest drop82 ft-0.8% over 1.9 mi
Night miles21 misunset near 19:00 local
The cruxVosges forest climbs on a twenty-one-hour clock in May heat (near mile 44)
Course DNA
The Course
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB - Ultra-Trail des Païens runs 109 km through Obernai, France. +2,053 ft gain and -2,080 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% forest trail / 25% dirt road / 5% paved. Vosges forest climbs on a twenty-one-hour clock in May heat. High point near 1,383 ft. Low near 1,279 ft. May temps run 45°F to 80°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 34.
The Work
Train for 2,053 feet of climbing across 109 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 21 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 44.
Kit
May in Obernai, France: plan for 45°F to 80°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 21 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 17. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% forest trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 34.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 17. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 34. Vosges forest climbs on a twenty-one-hour clock in May heat near mile 44 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 22 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB - Ultra-Trail des Païens finish lines.
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