France · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Savoie)
Why the Grand Trail du Lac Gets Harder As It Goes (61% of the Vertical in the Second Half)
Distance
75 km
Date
Droit d’inscription
85 EUR
€ / km
€1.13
Lake Bourget beauty: runnable lakeside sections mixed with tough climbs and a crisp alpine feel.
Grand Trail du Lac 75 km is a trail race held on October 17–18, 2026, circumnavigating Lac du Bourget — France's largest natural lake — starting before dawn from Le Bourget-du-Lac in Savoie. The course covers 75 km with 3,580 m of gain (~47.7 m/km) across approximately 80% singletrack, blending lakeside paths, forested ridges, and exposed pre-alpine climbs with views of Mont Blanc. The race is deliberately back-loaded: the second half carries nearly 2,175 m of total gain — legs 3 and 4 of the relay breakdown average 53–66 m/km. Entry costs €85 (~€1.13/km) — strong value for a pre-alpine French race. Geneva (GVA) and Lyon (LYS) airports are both approximately 60 minutes away with direct train connections. Running since 2006 and drawing approximately 425–459 finishers in recent editions, it suits runners targeting their first serious 75km in France — technically accessible but genuinely demanding in the second half, with a nocturnal opening and lakeside beauty throughout.
Élévation et Terrain
Mètres totaux
3,580m
D+/KM
47.7m/km
Pour référence, le Tor des Géants 330 km a 73 D+/km.
Why the Grand Trail du Lac Gets Harder As It Goes (61% of the Vertical in the Second Half)
Course Profile — Nocturnal Start, Lakeside Singletrack, Ridge Climbs, and Mont Blanc Views▼
Q: Is Grand Trail du Lac an ITRA qualifier? A: Yes — the 75km is ITRA certified (74.39km as measured by ITRA). Check the current ITRA listing for point values and UTMB qualifying status.
€85 for a 20-Year-Old Pre-Alpine French Race: The Grand Trail du Lac Value Case▼
Q: How much does it cost to enter Grand Trail du Lac 75km? A: €85 — €1.13 per kilometre. Registration confirmed open as of May 2026. Note: the race uses the njuko platform; check for any service fees at checkout.
Getting There: Geneva, Lyon, and the Train to Lac du Bourget▼
Q: When does the 2026 Grand Trail du Lac 75km take place? A: October 17–18, 2026. The 75km likely starts before dawn on October 17. The 34km solo option starts separately from Chanaz.
Who Should Run Grand Trail du Lac 75km?▼
Q: Which airport should I use for Grand Trail du Lac? A: Geneva (GVA) and Lyon (LYS) are both approximately 60 minutes from the race start — excellent dual-airport access with direct train connections to Aix-les-Bains and Le Bourget-du-Lac. Accommodation is strong around the lake; book early for October.
Logistique
Aéroport le plus proche
Geneva (GVA) / Lyon (LYS)
Notes
Start: ~1–1.5 hrs (GVA) or ~1–1.5 hrs (LYS) to Aix-les-Bains / Public transport: excellent (train) / Accommodation: strong around lake; book early (summer)
