calendar_today 16 May, 2026 – 17 May, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell €22.00 – €165.00
The Grand Trail des Lacs & Châteaux (GTLC) is widely considered one of the most iconic trail running events in Belgium. For the 2026 edition, it will take place on May 15, 16, and 17 in the Ovifat region (High Fens). The event is renowned for its technical routes in the heart of wild nature, including passages near the Reinhardstein Castle and spectacular waterfalls.
| Race | Distance / Elevation Gain | Start |
|---|---|---|
| GT160 (100M UTMB) | 166 km / 6,343 m | Fri 00:00 (Vielsalm) |
| GT85 (100K UTMB) | 87.4 km / 3,369 m | Sat 05:00 (Ovifat) |
| GT42 (50K UTMB) | 47 km / 1,888 m | Sun 09:00 (Ovifat) |
| GT21 (20K UTMB) | 22.6 km / 752 m | Sat 09:00 (Ovifat) |
| GT13 & Others | 13.5 km / 527 m | Sat 13:00 (Ovifat) |
The GTLC stands out for its integration into the global circuit, with several UTMB Index certified races attracting runners from over 22 nationalities. The flagship event, the GT160, connects Vielsalm to Ovifat, while the other formats center around the Signal de Botrange, the highest point in Belgium. The 47 km (GT42) and 22 km (GT21) formats are already sold out for this 2026 edition, highlighting the growing popularity of an event that mobilizes more than 1,300 volunteers.
On an environmental level, the Ovifat and High Fens region constitute an integral protection zone under the status of a Nature Park. The flora is particularly rich, featuring heathlands and active peat bogs. Due to this ecological fragility, the Enjoy Sport organization applies strict conduct rules: a total ban on littering, respect for silence in sensitive areas, and a prohibition on straying from marked trails. The weather in May in this region can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 18°C, often making the terrain wet and muddy.
Logistically, bib collection primarily takes place at the chalet in Ovifat. Shuttles are arranged on Friday evening to transport 160 km participants to the starting point in Vielsalm. The first finishers for the 160 km are expected on Saturday around 9:00 PM, while the final competitors have until Sunday at 4:00 PM to cross the finish line. For any assistance or registration modifications, runners can contact the team via the official Enjoy SPORT portal.
May 15, 2026
Distance — 160K
Type — Running
23:59
€165.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 87.4K
Type — Running
05:00
€100.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 22.6K
Type — Running
09:00
€39.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 13.6K
Type — Running
13:00
€22.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 47K
Type — Running
09:00
€60.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Ovifat.
Learn more about the host city, Ovifat.
Ovifat is a village of Wallonia in the municipality of Waimes, district of Robertville, located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Grand Trail des Lacs et des Châteaux - Summer Edition.
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
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