Environment

Protected areas

Crossing a Protected Area

Our routes pass through a crucial protected area. In this area, as everywhere else, we ask you to be particularly mindful of the surrounding environment.

Natura 2000 Area - Thannenkirch: Recognized for the presence of a bat site in the Upper Rhine Vosges.

We’ve worked closely with local authorities (DDT, Club Vosgiens, etc.) to ensure a low-impact passage through these areas.

Deviation from Protected Areas

Our routes are diverted to minimize our impact on these protected zones:

Tranquility Zone protected by TAENNCHEL
APPB - Biological site of Massif de l'Ortenbourg in the commune of Scherwiller (protected by a Biotope Protection Order - APPB)

In 2024, the routes of the 100M and 100K are diverted at the foot of the Ramstein and Ortenbourg castles. This modification follows the confirmation of the presence of a pair of Peregrine Falcons, a species classified as "Vulnerable" on the Red List of breeding birds in Alsace, by the members of the Ortenbourg Biotope Protection Order management committee.

We have been informed by the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) that the weekend of the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB could coincide with the nesting period of these raptors. In order to preserve the local ecosystem, we have made the responsible decision to avoid this area.

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.

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.

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!