Trail du grand ballon - Oderen 2027

Trail du Grand Ballon is a mountain trail race held in late April at Hotel Wolf in Le Markstein, above Oderen in the Vosges. The courses circle Grand Ballon, the Vosges' highest peak, offering multiple distances instead of a single format. The primary ultra is 75 km, with a 62 km option also available, catering to runners seeking a long mountain day or shorter challenges. The organization provides GPX files just before race week, detailing each distance's profile and mandatory gear. A previous edition saw over 3,500 participants across seven courses, with 3,314 finishers; women comprised approximately one-third of the field. Course markers are reflective arrows on orange backgrounds. Bag drop service is offered for select distances. Participants must bring their own cup or an eco-cup, as disposable plastic cups are not provided. Access by public transport is inconvenient, with parking located about 500 meters away. The race also benefits Les Amis de Luisa, an association that assists with logistics at various aid stations.