Protected areas
Protected areas
Our routes pass through key protected areas:
- Thannenkirch – a Natura 2000 area: a protected bat site in the Upper Rhine Vosges.
- The Massif de l’Ortenbourg which has a prefectural biotope protection order (APPB): a biological site in the Scherwiller commune.
Passage through these areas is managed in close collaboration with local authorities (DDT, Club Vosgiens, etc.) to ensure that no trace is left behind.
ENVIRONMENTAL AMBASSADORS
During your stay, you will meet ambassadors for the environment both in the village of Obernai and along the trails. Their mission is to help and support you to protect the environment and to raise public awareness.
In 2023, 25 ambassadors collected 12kg of rubbish before runners passed through. After the event, they collected another 2.5kg. Beyond their mission to keep the trails clean, they also have the power to impose penalties on runners that do not abide by the rules!
Reminder: Deliberate littering by a competitor or a member of a runner’s entourage will incur a 1-hour time penalty.
SIGNAGE
To help you better understand the environment that you will be running through, we have designed specific signage.
| Categories | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Poles | Poles are forbidden in certain areas to prevent damage to sensitive terrain. |
| Sensitive Areas | You are kindly requested to stay on the main trail in order to preserve the natural environment that you are running through, to avoid increased erosion and disturbing flora and fauna. |
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REFRESHMENTS
Responsible purchasing
We prioritize local products to avoid unnecessary transport and to support local businesses. Refreshments are regionally sourced and organic farming is favored.
In 2024, we are prioritizing our water resources and will be producing our own cola and sparkling water, thereby saving:
- 3,360 bottles of still water
- 2,280 bottles of cola
- 2,418 bottles of sparkling water
Plus the transport.
The Cola recipe: our Cola will be made from a concentrated soda base to which we will add carbonated water via a machine.
Individual cups and cutlery
Since 2006, UTMB Group has implemented a Bring Your Own Utensils (BYOU) system, including a reusable cup as part of the mandatory equipment. Since 2018, runners must also have their own cutlery and bowl for eating. These rules apply to runners competing in the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB. No crockery, disposable or otherwise, will be provided.
Transporting your waste
Small trash bags are distributed when you collect your race-bib to store your waste between refreshment stations. Waste that must carried includes used loo paper, fruit skins, open gel packets, and cling film.
Prioritize rechargeable batteries, and if you can’t, do not leave your batteries behind! Special containers will be available at the food stations.
You must leave no trace. Penalties will be applied in the event of damage to the environment.
TRANSPORT FOR RUNNERS AND CREWS
Did you know that most of our carbon footprint results from transporting runners and race followers? In 2023, from the very first edition of Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB, we set up a shuttle system to take runners from Obernai to the start line and for race followers.
In 2023, transport during the event was as follows:
- 28,000 Euros invested
- 35 shuttles provided
- 2/3rd of runners transported to the start line
- 200 race followers transported.
We are determined to further reduce our carbon footprint in 2024, a goal that can only be achieved with your support!
