France · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Savoie)
Distance
75 km
Date
Entry fee
€85
€ / km
€1.13
Why the Grand Trail du Lac Gets Harder As It Goes (61% of the Vertical in the Second Half)
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 80% singletrack, blending lakeside paths, forested ridges, and exposed pre-alpine climbs with views of Mont Blanc.
Grand Trail du Lac 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 60 minutes away with direct train connections. Running since 2006 and drawing 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.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
3,580m
D+/KM
47.7m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
ITRA Certified, 20 Years Running: The Grand Trail du Lac's Credentials
Is Grand Trail du Lac an ITRA qualifier?
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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
How much does it cost to enter Grand Trail du Lac 75km?
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€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.
October 17–18, 2026: The Grand Trail du Lac Race 75km Schedule
When does the 2026 Grand Trail du Lac 75km take place?
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October 17–18, 2026. The 75km likely starts before dawn on October 17. The 34km solo option starts separately from Chanaz.
Geneva or Lyon: Airport Options and Transport for Grand Trail du Lac 75 km
Which airport should I use for Grand Trail du Lac?
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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.
How hard is the Grand Trail du Lac 75km?
How hard is the Grand Trail du Lac 75km?▼
Genuinely demanding in the second half. The course covers 75km with 3,580m of gain (~47.7 m/km), starting before dawn with the bulk of the climbing concentrated in the back half — legs 3 and 4 of the relay breakdown carry approximately 2,175m of gain at 53–66 m/km. The first half is accessible; the second half is where the race earns its difficulty rating. Terrain is ~80% singletrack on pre-alpine ridges and lakeside paths.
Getting to Grand Trail du Lac – 75 km
Nearest airport
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)
