Race Information

We take a lot of pride in organizing races that are more than just a race. Usually our races turn into epic achievements, and sometimes they turn into bitter defeat…

The objective of our races is to push people further than they thought they could ever go. We offer some of the toughest races you can find in Belgium and will continue to do so. 

However, we also really love it when our participants push through their limits and earn that hardfought medal. And that’s why every race we try to improve on the quality of our services. 

We offer best of class trails, food, checkpoints, logistics, … together with the best volunteers in the world. 

So basically all you have to worry about is… RUNNING or WALKING. The rest is up to us.

Registration

Distances and Fees (excluding handling fees):

  • 200km Run: €177
  • 100km Run: €102
  • 160km Walk: €137
  • 80km Walk: €82

Registration Dates:

  • Opens: January 30th at 6pm
  • Closes: September 12th 11:59PM

Available Places:

  • 200km Run: 200 places
  • 100km Run: 100 places
  • 160km Walk: 70 places
  • 80km Walk: 70 places

Important Notes:

  • Places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • No waitlist is available.
  • Cancellations are accepted until August 22nd 11:59PM  with a 50% refund.
  • Transfers to another runner are possible until September 12th 11:59PM.
  • No on-site registrations will be accepted during the race weekend.

Maximum Speed Walk Versions:

The Walk versions offer more time to finish, have a maximum speed of 6.5km/h, and do not include rankings (only a “Finisher” label).

What you get

  • Race number
  • Bus ride to the start of your race (mandatory)
  • GPS tracker (to be used during the race)
  • Finisher’s medal
  • Well-stocked checkpoints with food and drinks
  • Pre-race dinner
  • Hot meal during the 200km RUN and 160km WALK
  • Post-race BBQ
  • Medical and safety team support
  • Showers and toilets at the finish line

Start/Finish Location

Race Headquarters:

The race Headquarters is located at the Hall Polyvalent at 22 Route d’Eselborn, 9706 Clervaux, Luxemburg

Registration:

Registration at HQ at the Hall Polyvant in Clervaux is mandatory for all participants. There will no longer be the possibility to register at the starting point of your race. Everyone will have to take the bus to the starting point.

Starting places & times:

  • 200km Run: La Roche-en-Ardennes (BE), Friday at 8pm
  • 160km Walk: Houffalize (BE), Friday at 8pm
  • 100km Run: Weicherdange (LU),  Saturday at 6pm
  • 80km Walk: Dahl (LU), Saturday at 6pm

Finish:

The finish for all distances will be at the Hall Polyvalent in Clervaux.

Program

Friday

  • 12.00: Start registration in Clervaux (at the finish) for GE200Run / GE160 Walk
  • 15.30 – 18.00: Pre-Race dinner for GE200Run / GE160 Walk
  • 17.30: End of registration for GE200Run / GE160 Walk
  • 18.30: Departure bus from Clervaux to La-Roche-En-Ardenne for GE200 Run
  • 18.45: Departure bus from Clervaux to Houffalize for GE160 Walk
  • 20.00: Start GE200Run / GE160 Walk

Saturday

  • 12.00: Start registration in Clervaux (at the finish) for GE100 Run / GE80 Walk
  • 14.00 – 16.30: Pre-race dinner for GE100 Run / GE80 Walk
  • 16.00: End of registration for GE100Run / GE80 Walk
  • 17.00: Departure bus from Clervaux to Dahl for GE80 Walk
  • 17.20: Departure bus from Clervaux to Weicherdange for GE100 Run
  • 18.00: Start GE100 Run / GE80 Walk

Sunday

  • 11.00: Start BBQ
  • 16.00: Last finish for all distances

Parking

Parking is available at the Hall Polyvalent.

Parking spaces are also available at CLERVAUX centre at the train station.

Accomodation

No acccomodation is provided for participants by the organization.

However several accomodation options are available in or near Clervaux.

Camping Woltzdal is located 5km from the HQ at 
1, Om Camping / Maison 12
L-9974 Maulusmühle
(Wincrange)

Hotels can be found in Clervaux.

Food & drinks

We know that conquering epic trails requires epic fuel! That’s why we’ve got you covered with delicious food and drinks throughout your Great Escape experience.

Pre-Race Feast:

Kick off your adventure with a hearty pre-race dinner! We offer both mouthwatering meat and vegan options to satisfy every runner. Supporters are welcome to join the feast for €12.50.

Mid-Race Refueling (200km RUN & 160km WALK):

For those tackling our longest distances, a warm and revitalizing meal awaits you around the halfway point. Recharge and refocus to conquer the remaining kilometers!

Victory BBQ:

After your incredible achievement, celebrate with a delicious BBQ feast! Once again, we’ll have tempting meat and vegan options to satisfy your post-race cravings. Supporters can join the celebration for €15.

Drinks & Refreshments:

Our bar at the finish line will be open all weekend, offering a wide selection of beverages for both participants and supporters to enjoy. Please note that drinks at the pre-race dinner and post-race BBQ are not included in the entry fee.

Checkpoints

We don’t just call our volunteers “Legendary Friends” for no reason! At the Legends Trails events, our checkpoints are more than just refueling stations – they’re havens of support and encouragement, strategically placed approximately 20km apart.

What to Expect:

  • Expert Care: Our volunteers are often seasoned trail runners themselves, so they understand exactly what you need to keep going. They’re ready with a smile, encouragement, and any assistance you might need.
  • Fueling Your Fire: Each checkpoint is a feast for the senses, offering:
    • Essentials: Water, coke, fruit, sweet and savory snacks to keep you energized. Coffee and tea will available wherever possible.
    • Comfort Food: sometimes you’ll find treats like soup, hotdogs, croque monsieurs, wraps, and more (we always provide delicious meat and vegan choices)
  • Festival Vibes: Some checkpoints go above and beyond with festive decorations, creating an escape from the trail where you can catch your breath and gather your strength in a fun atmosphere.

Our checkpoints are designed to help you recharge both physically and mentally, so you can push on towards the finish line with renewed determination. Come experience the legendary support that sets the Legends Trails events apart!

Drop bags

Need to refresh your gear or grab some extra supplies mid-race? Take advantage of our convenient drop bag service!

How it Works:

  1. Pack Your Bags: Prepare a separate drop bag for each designated aid station. Make sure each bag weighs no more than 10kg and is clearly labeled with your name, race number, and the corresponding aid station.

  2. Drop Off: Hand in your drop bags at the race start during registration.

  3. Access & Collect: Your drop bags will be waiting for you at the following locations:

    • 200km RUN: Approximately 60km, 120km, and 160km.
    • 160km WALK: Approximately 40km, 80km, and 120km.
    • 100km RUN: Approximately 60km.
    • 80km WALK: Approximately 40km.
  4. Retrieve at the Finish: After you cross the finish line, collect all your drop bags. Please pick them up within 2 hours of finishing the race. Any bags left unclaimed after this time will be disposed of.

Important Reminders:

  • Use a different drop bag for each aid station.
  • We will transport your bags to the designated aid stations and then to the finish line.
  • Please avoid packing perishable items in your drop bags.

With our drop bag service, you can focus on the trail knowing your essential gear and supplies are readily available when you need them!

Showers

After the race, showers will be available at the Gîte d’étape

Abbaye Saint-Maurice
L-9737 CLERVAUX (Luxembourg)

This is approximately 600 meters by foot from the race HQ.

Course markings

Finding Your Way:

The Great Escape Trail Race follows the stunning Escapardenne Trail, primarily marked by permanent national trail marker posts. However, in our updated “Great Escape 2.0” route, some sections venture off the main trail. These sections will be clearly marked with our own reflective yellow arrows, ensuring visibility both day and night.

Road Crossings:

Be aware that the course includes a number of road crossings, some of which can be quite busy. While these crossings will be signed, they may not always be marshalled. Please exercise extreme caution when crossing any road.

Runner Responsibility:

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to navigate the course successfully, whether markings are present or not. We strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with the route beforehand, especially if you have any doubts. Pre-race reconnaissance can significantly enhance your race day experience!

Key Points:

  • Follow the white-blue Escapardenne markers and our reflective yellow arrows.
  • Exercise extreme caution at road crossings.
  • Take responsibility for your navigation.
  • Consider pre-race reconnaissance for optimal preparedness.

Medical

Your well-being is our priority. We have a dedicated team of race medics available throughout the entire event to provide immediate medical attention should you need it.

In Case of Emergency:

  • Contact Information: You’ll receive detailed emergency instructions and contact numbers in your pre-race information pack and again at registration.
  • Immediate Assistance: If you experience a serious injury or witness someone in severe difficulty, call both 112 (emergency services) and the race medics.
  • Accessibility Considerations: Due to the off-road nature of the course, it might take some time for medics to reach you. They might also be temporarily out of contact while assisting other runners. In such cases:
    • Serious Injury: Call 112 immediately.
    • Manageable Injury: If you can walk, head to the nearest aid station where you’ll find a medic or an aid station captain who can contact medical support and arrange transport if needed.

Remember:

  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures provided.
  • Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
  • Your safety is our utmost concern.

Run with confidence knowing that medical support is available throughout your adventure!

Kit list

Be prepared for all types of terrain and weather!

Highly recommended:

While these items are not on the mandatory kit list, we do strongly recommend them for your own comfort and safety.

  • Trail shoes
  • Clothes appropriate for the weather conditions
  • Gloves or waterproof gloves
  • Anti-chafing ointment (e.g. Vaseline, flamigel, sudocream)
  • Trekking poles
  • Change of clothes
  • GPS device with the route downloaded.
    Please ensure that your GPS is able to provide you with an UTM coordinate in case of emergency

Mandatory Kit:

To ensure your safety and preparedness on the course, we conduct kit checks before, during, and after the race. You must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times:

 

Mandatory Kit OK Fail Recommendation Clarification
Race number (worn visibly and easy to read at all times)
GPS Tracker provided by the organization Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 210459 Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 210517 Will be attached by the organisation and has to stay in that position
Mobile phone with a charged battery and operable for the duration of the race (roaming service recommended), with the safety contact number, given at registration, saved
Survival Bag. A simple survival blanket is NOT acceptable. Schermafbeelding 2025-01-24 225811 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211851 Must cover the entire body (including head) A blanket does not provide sufficient protection in winter conditions.
Whistle, can be the one on your backpack if present. Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211903 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211916 Must work and will be tested at kit check
Running pack or belt able to store obligatory equipment Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 213239 Any type of Backpack that is NOT capable of carrying all the compulsory equipment as well as any additional items you wish to carry during the race. We recommend using a drybag for your kit inside.
Bottle(s) or hydration pack(s) with at least 1,5 litre capacity and at least 1,5 litre of water or liquid (checked on leaving aid stations) When leaving the checkpoint, you must carry at least 1.5 litres of water or liquid. This can be checked, as can all other items of course
Enough food to last to the next checkpoint
Waterproof and windproof jacket (regardless of expected weather conditions) the waterproof jacket must be with hood and all seams fully taped Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211927 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211934 We recommend a hard shell jacket instead of a soft shell. Soft shell will not provide sufficient protection if exposed to heavy rain for a long time Systems with fully taped seams perform well in an emergency, where you are sitting still in poor weather or moving slowly during high winds with lots of rain
Waterproof trousers with all seams fully taped. Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211943 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 211956 We recommend heavier duty waterproofs rather than very thin lightweight waterproofs as lighter kit tends to get damaged easily in high winds and fails more often in extreme conditions. Systems with fully taped seams perform well in an emergency, where you are sitting still in poor weather or moving slowly during high winds with lots of rain
Shoes appropriate for the surface
ID or passport
Headlamp with spare batteries Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 212008 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 212016 Phone Torch or small Head Torch less than 100 Lumens – Hand Torches are Not Allowed as they don’t allow hands free tasks A battery bank does not count as spare batteries as most headtorches cannot be used or worn whilst charging
First aid kit including any regular medication that you take in enough quantities to last 4 days Personal Medical kit to include a minimum of:
  • Plasters/Dressings sufficient to self-treat minor cuts and scrapes.
  • Antiseptic Spray or wipes for cleaning of minor cuts and scrapes
  • A roll of K-tape(or equivalent brand)
  • • Personal blister care kit ( whichever foot care treatment you usually use for your feet)
  • Any regular personal medications – in original packaging or labelled clearly and please ensure you have added these medications to your medical form so medics are aware. (You must always carry 48 hours’ worth of any personal medication and inform medics via your medical form of any ongoing treatments or regular medications )
  • minimum 4 Personal painkillers - Paracetamol is preferred (within advised dosages). Ibuprofen and other Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories are advised not to be carried due to the risks associated with endurance activities.
All material must be packed in a separate little bag. All items will be checked. The medical kit must therefore be complete at check "Whilst medics are available at checkpoints for medical provision, please do not rely on them for basic foot care or minor cuts and scrapes as they may be busy or unavailable due to an emergency"
Some money (you can use shops, bars or restaurants along the course, but please pay your bills) Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 212036 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 212050
Red light from dusk till dawn attached to your backpack/pack Schermafbeelding 2025-01-22 212058 FailSchermafbeelding 2025-01-22 212108 The red LED on the back of many head torches will not be suitable When you put your hood up on a jacket or lay down in your bivvy these will no longer be seen, but your pack will remain uncovered and likely also outside your bivvy allowing it to remain visible. If you choose to use a poncho/jacket over your pack please consider how you will attach a rear light to it.
Cup Screenshot 2025-01-30 131228 We only offer "cupless" events. This includes warm drinks. So don't forget to bring your own cup!

Trackers

Real-Time Tracking:

For your safety and peace of mind, each participant will be equipped with a GPS tracking device provided by Legends Tracking. This allows us to monitor your progress throughout the race. Please note that due to limited mobile phone reception in some areas, the track log may not always update in real-time.

SOS Emergency Button:

Your tracker has an SOS button for emergencies only. Activating it sends a one-way signal to Race Control, prompting the following actions:

  • Immediate Response: We will attempt to contact you via phone or text and dispatch a Legendary Safety Team to your location.
  • Potential Emergency Services: Depending on the situation, we may also contact the police, ambulance, or other emergency services.
  • Race Withdrawal: Activating the SOS button signifies a level of distress requiring extraction from the course. You will not be allowed to re-join the race after being assisted. If possible, contact Race HQ directly by phone so we can assess the situation and provide the most appropriate assistance.

Assisting Fellow Runners:

If you encounter a fellow runner in distress:

  • Activate their SOS button: If they are unable to do so themselves.
  • Stay with them: Provide support and assistance.
  • If their tracker is lost: Activate your own SOS button, stay with the individual, make your location visible, and use your bivy/emergency bag to keep warm until help arrives.
  • No Penalty: You will not be penalized for “good Samaritan” actions.

Tracker Handling:

  • Secure Attachment: A race official will attach the tracker to your pack. Do not remove it.
  • External Placement: The tracker must remain outside your rucksack for optimal performance.
  • Return After the Race: Please return the tracker to a race official after finishing or retiring from the race. There will be a €150 charge for any non-returned tracker.

Run with confidence knowing that help is just a button press away!

Insurance

Organization and volunteers:

Rest assured that Legends Trails and all our volunteers are fully insured throughout the entire duration of the race.

Participants:

Our participants are insured through Wandelsport Vlaanderen.