Infos Coureurs
The Ultra Trail des Sources (UTDS) is an immersive trail adventure in the heart of the Belgian Ardenne.
Through deep forests, wild valleys, villages of character and technical trails, the UTDS offers much more than just a race: a human and sporting experience anchored in an authentic territory, shaped by nature and history.
Each route created by the non-profit organisation Extratrail invites participants to discover the Ardennes in a unique way. Here, trail running becomes a journey. A return to basics. A meeting between effort, nature and surpassing oneself.
The UTDS is aimed to both experienced runners and enthusiasts wishing to live their first major trail adventure. Whatever the challenge chosen, each participant shares the same spirit: to move forward with humility, respect and solidarity.
The event is based on core values that guide its entire organization:
• respect for people, volunteers and the territories crossed;
• the safety of participants and teams;
• mutual aid and solidarity between runners;
• preservation of the natural environment;
• the authenticity of the trail experience;
• surpassing oneself in a responsible and caring spirit.
Deeply attached to its territory, the UTDS wishes to highlight the natural, cultural and human wealth of the Belgian Ardennes while developing a sustainable and eco-responsible event.
The UTDS is organized with the desire to offer a demanding, accessible and memorable sporting experience, driven by the commitment of volunteers, partner municipalities, residents and the entire trail running community.
From the source, legends rise.
Races & Formats
The UTDS offers several formats allowing each participant to live the experience at their own pace, from discovery trail to ultra-endurance.
Each course has its own identity, level of commitment and atmosphere, while sharing the same objective: to offer an immersive adventure in the heart of nature.
All the UTDS events arrive in Stavelot, in the official village of the event. Only the departure locations vary.
Saturday 22/08/2026
| Race | Departure | Start | Cut-off | Estimation last finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTDS-160 | Stavelot | 00:01 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 14h00 |
| UTDS-100 Solo | Sart-lez-Spa | 05:00 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 4h00 |
| UTDS-100 Relais (4 coureurs) | Sart-lez-Spa | 05:00 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 4h00 |
| UTDS-73 | Franchimont | 06:30 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 2h15 |
| UTDS-42 | Lorcé | 08:30 | Sa. 20h30 | Sa. 16h15 |
Sunday 23/08/2026
| Race | Departure | Start | Cut-off | Estimation last finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTDS-27 | Stoumont | 09:00 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 14h00 |
| UTDS-19 | Coo | 10:00 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 14h00 |
| UTDS-10 | Trois-Ponts | 10:00 | Di. 14h00 | Di. 11h45 |
The UTDS is aimed at a wide audience of passionate trail runners; From runners wishing to discover the world of long-distance trail running to experienced ultra trailers looking for a more committed challenge.
General recommendations
UTDS10 - Accessible to all regular runners
UTDS19 - First Trail Experience Recommended
UTDS27 - Intermediate trail with necessary effort management
UTDS42 - Recommended trail experience
UTDS73 - Long-distance trail for prepared runners
UTDS100 - Demanding Ultra trail running requiring solid experience
UTDS160 - Ultra endurance reserved for experienced runners
Relay Race (100 km)
The UTDS100 Relais allows you to live the UTDS adventure in teams of 4 participants.
The relay modalities, transition zones and specific rules are detailed in the dedicated section.
Online Races
With the exception of the UTDS160, all the UTDS formats are offered in the form of online tours through different Ardennes villages.
Each departure has been designed to offer participants a gradual immersion in different emblematic landscapes of the region before a common arrival in Stavelot.
The distances, elevation differences and routes communicated are likely to be adapted by the organization for safety, terrain or organizational reasons.
Shuttles
The organization plans the joint transfer of the runners from Stavelot to the different starting points for ALL races, whatever the distance. Although we strongly recommend this means of transport, you can make your own way to the starting point of your journey.
You will need to bring your confirmation email for the shuttle registration.
Practical details (schedule and cost) will be communicated to you as soon as they are available. The starts will be arranged so that the runner arrives at the starting place of his race 1 hour before race start.
Registration requirements
Registration for the Ultra Trail des Sources implies full acceptance of the rules and respect for the values and spirit of the event.
Each participant undertakes to adopt a responsible, respectful and supportive attitude towards the other runners, the volunteers, the inhabitants, the natural spaces crossed as well as all the teams of the organization.
The minimum age required for all races is 18 years old on the day of the event with the exception of the 10km and 19km distances which are accessible from the age of 16.
The information provided during your registration must be accurate, complete and up-to-date.
Participant's Responsibility
Each runner participates in the UTDS with knowledge of the risks associated with the practice of trail running and ultra-endurance
The participant acknowledges in particular:
• be sufficiently trained for the chosen event ;
• have an appropriate physical preparation; ;
• be able to manage your effort independently;
• be aware of the specificities of a long-distance nature course
The organization strongly recommends that each participant have individual accident insurance as well as assistance coverage adapted to the practice of trail running.
Bibs
Please refer to the rules for information on the resale/transfer of bibs as well as the cancellation or change of distance
Bib collection
Bibs can be collected EXCLUSIVELY at the official UTDS village located in Stavelot or at the start site of the race in which the runner is registered. Eventhough the the village name is already communicated, the exact location will be shared at a later stage. Please bring your identity card and the confirmation email of your registration. It is carried out according to the following schedule:
| UTDS160 – UTDS100 – UTDS73 – UTDS42 |
|---|
|
Friday 21 August 2026 from 4:00 PM for all races Saterday 22 August 2026 at the various start sites from 1 hour before departure |
| UTDS27 – UTDS19 – UTDS10 |
|
Friday 21 August 2026 from 4:00 PM for all races Saturday 22 August 2026 from 1:00 PM in the UTDS village in Stavelot Sunday 23 août 2026 at the various start sites from 1 hour before the start |
Detailed and final schedules will be confirmed on the official channels of the event.
Personalized bibs
Participants registered before July 21, 2026 will be able to benefit, subject to technical feasibility, from a personalized bib with First and Last Name
Beyond this date, the organization cannot guarantee the personalization of the bib.
Mandatory equipment
Semi-autonomy principle
The UTDS races take place in semi-autonomy.
Each runner must be able to manage:
• his diet ;
• its hydratation ;
• its equipment ;
• • as well as his personal needs between two aid stations.
The refreshments offered by the organization do not exempt participants from having a personal reserve adapted to their pace of progress.
Mandatory and recommended equipment
Each participant is responsible for their equipment for the duration of the event.
The organization reserves the right to adapt the list of mandatory equipment according to weather conditions or safety constraints.
| Equipement | UTDS160 / 100 | UTDS73 | UTDS42 / 27 / 19 / 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable water reserve | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Charged mobile phone | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Survival blanket | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Waterproof jacket | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Principal Headlight | ✅ | ⚠️ | — |
| Secondary headlight | ✅ | — | — |
| Adapted food reserve | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Personal reusable cup | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Whistle | ✅ | ✅ | — |
| External battery / powerbank | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | — |
| Long pants or warm layer* | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | — |
| Trail bag or carrying system | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
✅ = Mandatory ⚠️ = highly recommended — = not required
* Additional equipment related to weather conditions may be made mandatory by the organization before departure.
Personnel cup
In an eco-responsible approach, no disposable or reusable cups will be provided at the refreshment stations. Each participant must have their own personal container.
Use of poles
Poles are allowed on all formats. However, their use is prohibited during the first kilometer after the start in order to guarantee the safety and fluidity of the peloton.
Equipment checks
Checks of the mandatory equipment may be carried out before and during the race as well as at the finish.
Respect for the environment
Each participant undertakes to limit their impact on the environment during the event.
The UTDS encourages a responsible practice of trail running based on:
• autonomy ;
• waste reduction ;
• respect of trails ;
• • and the preservation of the natural areas crossed.
Official markings and GPS tracks
All UTDS routes are permanently marked by the non-profit organisation Extratrail, reinforced by the Organisation on the occasion of the events with directional signs, pennants, specific markings, as well as reflective elements for the night sections.
The official UTDS markup uses a dominant magenta.
Participants must follow only the markings set up by the UTDS organization.
GPX tracks
Official GPX tracks are made available to participants before the event.
The use of a GPS watch or a navigation system is strongly recommended, especially for long distances.
However, only the official markings of the organization are authentic on the ground.
Refreshments, assistance and support
| Refreshments, assistance and support & accompagnement | 160 km | 100 S&R | 73 km | 42 km | 27 km | 19 km | 10 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stavelot | 0 km | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Malmedy | 17.8 km | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Signal de Botrange | 19.9 km | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sart-Lez-Spa | 20 km | 0 km | — | — | — | — | — |
| Polleur | 21,6 km | 21,6 km | — | — | — | — | — |
| Charmille | 21,5 km | 21,5 km | 16,1 km | — | — | — | — |
| Lorcé | 17,7 km | 17,7 km | 17,7 km | 0 km | — | — | — |
| Stoumont | 14 km | 14 km | 14 km | 14 km | 0 km | — | — |
| Trois-Ponts | 16,2 km | 16,2 km | 16,2 km | 16,2 km | 16,2 km | 9,8 km | 0 km |
| Stavelot | 10 km | 10 km | 10 km | 10 km | 10 km | 10 km | 10 km |
Personal assistance is only allowed in the areas provided by the organization, mainly at the aid stations and official assistance areas.
Pacing & accompagnement sur le parcours sont interdits
Cut Off
Timing system
All UTDS timed events use a chip-based electronic timing system.
Each participant must wear his/her timing device in accordance with the instructions given by the organization. Failure to score may result in a penalty or disqualification.
Image rights
During the UTDS, the organization can take photos and videos. This content is used to promote the event, its participants, the territories crossed and its spirit.
By registering, each participant authorizes the organization to use their image and voice in the content produced during the event. This authorisation concerns in particular: photographs, videos, interviews, livestreams, as well as any other audiovisual or digital media related to the event.
This content can be broadcast on different media, including the official website; social networks, promotional videos, communication campaigns, posters;
This authorisation is valid for an unlimited period of time, worldwide.
GDPR & personal data
As part of the organisation of the UTDS, certain personal data of participants is collected and processed by the organisation in accordance with the applicable regulations on the protection of personal data, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). UTDS attaches particular importance to privacy; data security and transparency regarding its use.
The detailed terms and conditions relating to the processing of personal data are specified in the Privacy Policy and the official GDPR document available on the UTDS website.