Photo: KimonBerlin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Kintzheim
Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Saturday, 4 September 2027
Ultra Trail Haut-Koenigsbourg
103km D+ 4610m
Grand Trail du HK
56km D+ 2040m
Trail du Hahnenberg
26km D+ 880m
Mini Trail
13km D+ 350m
Your checklist for Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 965
Bright, sharp 1.4" AMOLED display
Downside: Shorter battery life than MIP-display watches (Enduro/Instinct)
Gear
Headlamp with spare battery
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Eat hot food at every base
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
4 modalities
Ultra Trail Haut-Koenigsbourg
- Distance
- 103 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 4610m
- Max Time
- -
Grand Trail du HK
- Distance
- 56 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2040m
- Max Time
- -
Trail du Hahnenberg
- Distance
- 26 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 880m
- Max Time
- -
Mini Trail
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 350m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Trail Haut-Koenigsbourg | 103 km | D+ 4610m | - |
| Grand Trail du HK | 56 km | D+ 2040m | - |
| Trail du Hahnenberg | 26 km | D+ 880m | - |
| Mini Trail | 13 km | D+ 350m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~24 h of Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg?Worked out for the longest course (103 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
14°C – 24°C
Average 19°C
Rain
23%
1.2 mm avg
Wind
11 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 24°C)
Forecast for 4 September
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Castles, vineyards and 4,610 m of climbing
The Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg is the benchmark race in Alsace. It starts in Kintzheim at the foot of the castle and links wine villages with the three castles of the Liepvrette valley: Kintzberg, Saint-Ulrich and Girsberg. The long route adds up to 103 km and 4,610 m of ascent, spread over short, repeated climbs.
The ultra starts on Saturday afternoon, runs through the night on Vosges mountain trails and finishes on Sunday morning. The 56 km packs the best of the route: passing Haut-Koenigsbourg at sunrise with views over the Alsace plain.
A race with atmosphere
The highlight is the atmosphere: villages open their wineries at each aid station and the organisers serve hot soup in the small hours. The 13 km mini trail and 26 km trail let families race the same weekend.
Preparation
With 4,610 m over 103 km, training needs hill reps and night runs. Mandatory kit includes headlamp, windproof, thermal blanket and reusable cup; poles are allowed on the 56 km and the ultra.
Sleeping in Sélestat or Strasbourg is the easiest option. More races at /en/races/francia/grand-est/ and kit at /en/planner/.
360Complete Pack
UTHK entry
RegistrationThe 56 km and 103 km sell out before summer; the mini trail is the way in.
Tips
- •Book the 103 km in spring
- •Check your UTMB Index
Where to stay for UTHK
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Night kit
GearAlsace nights in September are damp: headlamp, windproof and thermal blanket are mandatory.
Tips
- •Headlamp with spare battery
- •Long sleeves and thin gloves
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Ultra Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Fuel for 103 km
NutritionAid stations are generous: soup, cheese and local sausage alongside gels.
Tips
- •Eat hot food at every base
- •Take salt for the humidity
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
Getting to Kintzheim
TransportKintzheim is 10 minutes from Sélestat, with TGV links to Paris and Strasbourg.
Tips
- •Train to Sélestat then shuttle
- •Village parking is provided
Car rental for UTHK
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for UTHK
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for UTHK
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for UTHK
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the UTHK 2027?
- 4-5 September 2027, with the 103 km ultra starting on Saturday evening.
- How much climbing?
- 4,610 m of ascent over 103 km, with short climbs around the valley castles and a final pass by Haut-Koenigsbourg.
- Is there night running?
- The ultra starts at dusk and requires a headlamp and spare batteries; the 56 km is run in daylight.
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