Beyond the sporting challenge, this edition unfolded in an atmosphere fueled by constant public support along the courses and throughout the villages crossed by the runners. A true celebration, beautifully concluded with the emotional arrival of the final finisher and a solidarity ceremony that closed the weekend under the banner of sharing and community spirit.

TRAIL DES CELTES (50K): CHRISTIAN ALLEN AND MARTYNA MLYNARCZYK TAKE VICTORY IN THE WEEKEND’S FINAL MAJOR RACE

The Trail des Celtes (50K) brought the Trail Alsace by UTMB® to a close, with runners setting off this morning at 7:00 AM from Barr under bright sunshine that accompanied them all the way to the finish line.

American runner Christian Allen (USA - UTMB Index 918) claimed victory in 03h11’57’’ after an exceptionally close race. Just 11 seconds later, Vosges native Benjamin Polin (FRA - UTMB Index 856) crossed the line in 03h12’08’’. The two men battled, stride for stride, all the way to the final meters in a relentless duel for victory.

“We started conservatively for the first 10 kilometers, then I felt that he [Allen] really got into race mode. I tried to stay with him and pushed the pace on the second climb. I didn’t know if he was bluffing or really suffering. In the end, I cracked a little mentally, but I’m happy with second place,” explained Benjamin Polin at the finish line.

Pierre Livache (FRA - UTMB Index 883) completed the podium in 03h21’03’’.

In the women’s race, the favorites lived up to expectations, crossing the finish line in the predicted order from the start list. Martyna Mlynarczyk (POL - UTMB Index 806) took victory in 03h48’33’’ with a comfortable lead, finishing 10th overall.

“The trails were truly beautiful, with the vineyards and castles. I really loved this race. I tried to catch up on other runners throughout the course, but mostly I focused on myself and my own race. I tried to stay consistent and stick to my plan,” she explained.

The podium was completed by Camilla Magliano (ITA - UTMB Index 773), who finished in 04h02’17’’, and Éléa Kopf (FRA - UTMB Index 702), who secured third place in 04h03’14’’ after a race she described as satisfying but physically demanding on the muscles.

RONDE DES PAGES (20K): THIBAUT SCHWALM AND RENSKE DICKHOUT WIN SATURDAY’S FINAL RACE

Excitement filled the streets last night during the Ronde des Pages (20K), the final race of the day, which started at dusk from the Halles aux Blés, in Obernai. On this short and dynamic format, the town center came alive with the rhythm of the race, fueled by constant crowd support, and runners passing through in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

In the men’s race, Thibaut Schwalm (FRA - UTMB Index 759) successfully defended his title on the format in 01h01’46’’. He finished ahead of Romain Champenois (FRA - UTMB Index 780), second in 01h02’22’’, while Guillaume Oster (FRA - UTMB Index 746) completed the podium in 01h04’01’’.

In the women’s race, Renske Dickhout (NLD - UTMB Index 668) crossed the finish line first on the ramparts of Obernai, smiling and satisfied with her race, in 01h14’35’’. She was closely followed by Vosges-based runner Élodie Chanussot (FRA - UTMB Index 520), who finished less than a minute later in 01h15’31’’. Alizée Minker (FRA - UTMB Index 520) claimed the third step of the podium in 01h18’30’’.

A 2026 EDITION DRIVEN BY ITS REGION

Trail Alsace by UTMB® is built around a unique landscape, combining vineyards, forests, Alsatian villages, and iconic landmarks such as Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Mont Sainte-Odile, and the ramparts of Châtenois. Once again, the different race formats allowed runners to experience landscapes deeply representative of the region’s heritage.

The event relies on strong local involvement, supported by start and finish towns, communities along the course, associations, partners, and everyone contributing to the organization of the event.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOLIDARITY COMMITMENTS AT THE HEART OF THE 2026 EDITION

An environmental approach implemented on the ground

The 2026 edition of Trail Alsace by UTMB® continued the initiatives introduced to limit the event’s impact across the courses, aid stations, and the Ultra-Trail Village® in Obernai.

On the ground, 34 environmental ambassadors were mobilized to raise awareness among participants about best practices and ensure respect for the natural areas crossed by the races. Before and after the event, trail-cleaning operations were organized alongside local stakeholders throughout the entire course network. In total, 1,482 kilometers of trails were involved in these efforts, with the goal of leaving the trails cleaner than before the event.

Waste reduction also remained a central focus, with an enhanced sorting system implemented in partnership with Suez across the village and aid stations, dedicated bio-waste collection points, and the removal of paper envelopes during bib pickup. The BYOU initiative (Bring Your Own Utensils), integrated into the UTMB World Series standards, also helped reduce the use of single-use tableware at aid stations.

Mobility was another key pillar, with a shuttle system designed to limit individual travel. A total of 48 buses were mobilized for runners, with an additional 14 dedicated to companions and spectators.

A strengthened solidarity commitment

Once again this year, Trail Alsace by UTMB continued its solidarity commitment through the charity bib program. More than €18,000 was raised through charity bibs and runner donations in support of three local associations: Les Châteaux Forts d’Alsace, ELA, and Club Vosgien, reinforcing the shared ambition to create a lasting and meaningful local impact.

About UTMB® World Series®

UTMB® World Series is the world's ultimate trail-running circuit that unites the sport's biggest stars and passionate runners through the best, leading international events in the most stunning locations. Built on a passion for the mountains with sustainability at its heart, UTMB® World Series gives all trail runners the chance to experience the UTMB® adventure across the world, with events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is the only place where runners can begin their quest to HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc, where the prestigious UTMB® World Series Finals will be held. Launched in May 2021 through the collaboration between the UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, the UTMB World Series circuit brings together many of the best international trail-running events on the planet.
For more information, visit https://utmb.world.