Trail du Jambon

The Trail du Jambon has established itself as a legendary fixture on the Belgian trail running calendar, renowned for its extreme technicality and physical demands. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, this year's edition features a complete redesign of the courses, reversing the direction and order of the historical "slices" to provide a fresh perspective for returning athletes. Staying true to its slogan, "a feast for the eyes, a workout for the legs," the event takes place within an exceptional natural reserve along the banks of the Semois River. The routes are famous for offering one of the highest elevation-to-distance ratios in Belgium, attracting runners seeking alpine-style challenges in the heart of the Ardennes.

Membre-sur-Semois, the event's headquarters, is a picturesque village in the municipality of Vresse-sur-Semois, located in the province of Namur. The municipality has a population of approximately 2,500 residents and is characterized by a dense, rugged forest landscape. The demographic profile is primarily Francophone, with a local economy heavily driven by nature tourism and traditional crafts. The median household income in this rural area is roughly €32,000. Geographically, the course traverses the famous "Jambon de la Semois" (the Ham of the Semois), a spectacular river meander where steep, rocky slopes offer a unique vertical playground, alternating between ridge trails and technical descents toward the water.

While registrations for the main Trail du Jambon are now closed, the organization is offering an alternative with the Montagne du Jambon, a specific mountain race scheduled for April 25, 2026. Runners registered for the May 9 event can look forward to a meticulously organized experience featuring iconic sections that have forged the race's tough reputation. For any last-minute logistical information or to view results from previous years, participants are encouraged to visit the official website or follow updates on the event's Facebook and Instagram pages.