TTT
TRAIL BY TRAIN TOUR
The Trail by Train Tour (TTT) brings together events that are concerned with preserving the environment. What makes them special? Their starting points are all close to a train station. No need for a car to get there ! Runners are nature lovers, almost by definition. Unfortunately, they sometimes spoil it when they travel long distances by car. The new TTT circuit has been designed to remedy these pitfalls. More serenity and less carbon dioxide! At this stage, eleven great events have already joined the TTT. Others will follow. In order to offer all year round a range of races that are accessible by train, family-friendly, original and attractive.
The TTT is a project born in Brussels during the year 2021, decreed «Year of the Rail» in the countries of the European Union. This project is the joint emanation of the running magazine «Zatopek» which claims its European anchorage and the company organizing sports events, the ASBL Sport et santé.
Key idea
The strength of this TTT project comes from its position at the meeting of three convergences.
- the benefits of physical activity on health, while respecting the environment.
- the ecological transition and the urgent need to opt for less polluting modes of transport.
- European construction and the need to develop intra-European exchanges and a European mindset.
Train
The use of the train as a means of travel to the different events of the TTT is the real thread of the project. Studies show that, in large popular running events, transport of participants represents the bulk of their carbon footprint.
Register (train info + ranking)
A unique registration form has been designed to develop 2 TTT tools:
1/ An information tool
Taking the train is sometimes expensive compared to other means of transportation. On the other hand, if you plan ahead, the prices are often more affordable. To be kept informed, sign up today on the TTT supporters list to be sure to receive all the information concerning train travel for each TTT event (station, schedule, price, adapted fare, possible shuttle service etc.). Of course, you are free to removed yourself from the mailing list at any time. This form will also be used to count your kilometers by train for the original ranking presented below.
2/ A ranking tool
An original ranking tool has been set up. It is about designating the trailer (he/she), not the faster trailer, but the most virtuous in terms of respect for the environment. This ranking is based on the choice of transportation to get to the different races in the TTT agenda. Each time the train is used, the personal score is improved by one point for each kilometer traveled to or from the event. At the end of 2023, awards will be distributed and an article about the winners will be published in the Zatopek magazine. To participate, it’s easy: just fill in the form to count the kilometers traveled by train (with proof) to get to and/or from one of the TTT races. At the end of the year, it will be added up to establish a ranking.
The use of the form (info “train” of the TTT + the counting of kilometers) is free.
Ambassador
Several well-known trailers support the TTT. Andrew “Andy” Symonds is the first one to become an ambassador of the TTT. We are proud of this association for at least two reasons. The first one is obvious, it’s the track record! Andy, a British champion living in France, has won several prestigious events such as the Lavaredo Ultra Trail in 2016, the Trail du Ventoux in 2012 or Les Templiers in 2011, as well as a top 5 at the UTMB in 2019.
The second reason is more surprising. Andy Symonds is one of the few elite international athletes (all sports included) to take into account the environmental impact of his travels when putting together his schedule. Recently, for example, he made the decision not to travel to the Trail World Championships in Thailand for environmental reasons. According to the calculation of his personal carbon footprint, this one trip would indeed ruin all the efforts made during the year to reduce his greenhouse gas emissions (link to the article). This responsible attitude seems to us to be in line with not only the climate challenges that our modern society have to face but also, of course, with the objectives of the TTT which aims, let’s remember, to encourage travel by train to reduce the carbon footprint of major trail-running events.
So we couldn’t dream of a better ambassador to launch the Trail by Train Tour in 2023.
Link to Andy’s blog : sur son blog.
Stages of the 2023 tour
At least 4 countries and 11 events : Paris – Brussels – Luxembourg – Marseille etc. All concerned cities will be connected with high speed and/or international trains. 4 first European networks/corridors are used or will be used :
-the SNCF/SNCB/Thalys network > North Sea – Mediterranean – Atlantic corridor
-the SNCF/Lyria network > Alps – Rhone – Rhine corridor
-the Nightjet network > North Sea – Eastern Europe corridor
-and the SNCF/Trenitalia network : Northsea – North of Italy corridor.
Calendar of the first 11 events in 2023
| Dates | Denominations & Descriptions | Stations | LEVELS & DISTANCES | Infos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/03 | Diablerets Trail Blanc at Diablerets (CH) A white trail surrounded by snowy peaks | Diablerets 300m from the start | Beginner 20 / 10 km | Info |
| 09/04 | The Full Moon Trail at Marseille (FR) By night between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille | Marseille Saint-Charles 1,5km from the shuttle start | Intermediate to experienced 70 / 39 km | Info |
| 16/04 | The Trail Liège Métropole at Liège (BEL) In the Belgian Ardennes, along the Ourthe river | Liège-Guillemins the shuttle start | Beginner to intermediate 42 / 21 km | Info |
| 23/04 | The DKV Urban Trail at Luxembourg (LUX) From the historic heart of the capital | Luxembourg - CFL 1,2km from the start | Beginner to intermediate 34 / 27 / 18 / 13 km | Info |
| From 18/05 | The VVX at Volvic (FR) An experience of at least two days in the land of volcanoes | Volvic 5km from the shuttle start | Beginner to intermediate 224/ 110 / 80 / 43 / 25 / 15 km | Info |
| From 02/06 | The SwissCanyonTrail (CH) A festival of canyons, cliffs, gorges and waterfalls | Couvet 900m from the start | Intermediate to experienced 111 / 81 / 51 / 31 km | Info |
| 25/06 | Oxy'Trail at Marne-la-Vallée (FR) A nature race that crosses one of the sites of the Paris Olympics | Marne-la-Vallée Chessy 7km by RER (stop Noisiel) + 1km on foot from the start | Beginner 23 / 13 / 5 km | Info |
| From 20/07 | The Ut4M (FR) The trail of the Alps. Grenoble, 4 massifs : Magic ! | Grenoble 1km from the start | Beginner to experienced 12 distances from 20 to 175 km | Info |
| From 25/08 | The Echappée Belle at Aiguebelle (FR) Through the Belledonne massif, as beautiful as it is demanding | Aiguebelle 200m from the shuttle start | Experienced 149 / 84 / 62 / 21 km | Info |
| 03/09 | The Mega Meyboom Trail at Brussels (BEL) In the forests of the European capital | Bruxelles-Midi 7km from the start by bus/tram | Beginner to intermediate 65 / 42 / 21 / 10 km | Info |
| 22/10 | The Grand Trail du Lac at Bourget du Lac (FR) The arduous tour of the largest natural lake in France | Chambéry - Challes-Les-Eaux 10km from the start | Intermediate to experienced 75 / 34 km / relais | Info |
In order to prepare your train journeys as well as possible, the Train by Train Tour team summarizes a selection of tips and good plans.
Discover our various tips to help you to plan your train journeys.
For a pleasant journey by train, it is important to anticipate. It is important to pay attention to the different companies and connections. To do this, we advise you to visit the different websites of the companies in order to know what is offered. To buy a ticket, it is advisable to first check the national companies. Indeed, it is on the official websites of the companies concerned by your journey that the prices will be the most advantageous. If you are crossing borders, compare the fares of all the national companies of the countries you are crossing before buying. For example, if you are traveling from Luxembourg to Italy, you will most likely travel through France. It is therefore advisable to compare fares between Luxembourg, French and Italian companies. When a connection implies a change of company, it is sometimes more advantageous to buy the tickets separately. There are also private companies, such as thetrainline, which centralize different companies in order to propose you trans-European offers.
In order to find the best deal for your train ticket, the time of purchase is important. For high-speed trains, such as the EUROSTAR or ICE, prices are often more attractive two to three months before your trip. Anticipation is important, as is monitoring the promotional actions offered throughout the year for cross-border travel. For regional or national trains, prices generally do not vary. This can allow some flexibility when planning your trip.
Booking a non-flexible ticket well in advance can be very advantageous. This option is best if you are certain of your itinerary, such as going to a fixed date event. Another tip for saving money on train tickets is to find out about the many discounts that are available for different age groups or statuses (large families, students, military, journalists, railroad employees, etc.). Some high-speed train companies such as ICE even offer tickets without seat reservations. Be careful with this last point, you may be traveling standing up if all seats have been reserved. Some running or trail-running events regularly reserve entire carriages for their participants, but these are regional trains. This formula is not yet possible for cross-border trains but we are not far from it.
There are also various rail "passes" that can be a nice perk. For example, there is the Interrail Pass (interrail.eu or the app) which offers European commuters unlimited travel for a given period in 33 European countries at a fixed fare, but some fast or night trains still require seat reservations in advance, and thus an additional cost.
Seat reservations are not included in the Interrail Pass, but they guarantee comfort on busy European routes. In general, trains that require reservations save you time and offer many advantages, such as Wi-Fi connection, electrical outlets and sleeping places. You can also secure a seat next to your friends. Regional and national companies also offer similar passes for exclusive use in their territory (excluding high-speed trains).
A white trail surrounded by snowy peaks
Aigle station
Trains from Geneva or Lausanne stop at Aigle station in the valley. From there, with a train, you can reach the (ski) resort of Les Diablerets. Just buy a ticket before boarding. From Aigle station to Les Diablerets station, there is one train per hour, from 5:25 a.m. to 10:25 p.m. The journey takes 50 minutes.
Station address : 1, Place de la Gare at 1860 Aigle (Switzerland)
Les Diablerets station
At Les Diablerets station, the trail runners are directly near the bib pick-up point, the race departures and arrivals (300m from the station).
Station address : 39, Rue de la Gare at 1865 Ormont-Dessus (CH)
Races starts : Maison des Congrès - 7, Chemin des Grandes Isles at 1865 Ormont-Dessus (CH)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: www.diablerets3d.ch
bphn@bluewin.ch
By night between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille
Saint-Charles de Marseille station
The event lends itself perfectly to transport by train. Marseille Saint-Charles international station is located 2km from the departure of Shuttles to Aix or Phocéa. The arrival of the 2 distances is planned on the terrace of the Terrasses du Port de Marseille. It is advisable to book accommodation in Marseille Centre, between the train station and the Old Port.
Station address : Gare Saint-Charles - Marseille-Square at 13001 Marseille (FR)
Shuttles departures address : In front of the harbor terraces - 9, Quai Du Lazaret at 13002 Marseille (FR)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://fullmoontrail.fr/
Eric : +33 48 96 37 62 - welcome@fullmoontrail.fr
In the Belgian Ardennes, along the Ourthe river
Liège-Guillemins station
From Liège Guillemins international station, it will be possible to take a shuttle* (by train) to the two departure locations (42 and 21km) according to the following schedule:
8:07 a.m : departure of the train to Esneux, starting point of the 21 km trail.
8:14 a.m : departure of the train towards Comblain-La-Tour (Hamoir), place of departure of the 42km.
Station address : 2, Place des Guillemins at 4000 Liège (BE)
Departure address of the 21 km : Parc du Mary at 4130 Esneux (BE)
Departure address of the 42 km : Terrain C of RRC de Hamoir - 34, Rue de Fairon at 4180 Hamoir (BE)
*Registration includes train shuttle
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: www.zatopekmagazine.com
Malik : +32 470 22 62 88 - malik@zatopekmagazine.com
From the historic heart of the capital
Luxembourg City station
From Luxembourg station, you can reach the start of the races on foot or by public transport. Since 2020, all public transport (bus, train, tram) has been free throughout Luxembourg.
Station address de la gare : 1, Place de la Gare at 1616 Luxembourg (LU)
Races starts address : Cité judiciaire - 18, Plateau du Saint-Esprit at 1475 Luxembourg (LU)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://urbantrail.lu
contact@urbantrail.lu
An experience of at least two days in the land of volcanoes
Clermont-Ferrand station
From Clermont-Ferrand station, it will be easy to get to Volvic. Regular regional train lines are in fact organized once an hour, from 6:20 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. The journey takes only 25 minutes on average.
Station address : 40, Avenue de l'Union Soviétique at 63000 Clermont-Ferrand (FR)
Volvic (Luzet) station
Volvic station is located in Luzet and is therefore a little off-centre from Volvic. It is 3.5 km from the starting point and 5 km from the town center of Volvic. The organization nevertheless provides shuttles between Volvic station and the place of departure.More information about the organized shuttles will follow, stay informed on the VVX website.
Station address : 15, Rue des Besses at 63530 Volvic (FR)
Races departure address : Site of Goulet - 5, Rue des Sources at 63530 Volvic (FR)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://www.volvic-vvx.com/
A festival of canyons, cliffs, gorges and waterfalls
Neuchâtel station
Neuchâtel station is located on the heights of the city center of Neuchâtel, which can be reached by tram or funicular.
With 2 train lines per hour, it is easy to reach Couvet station. The journey takes 30 minutes. The first departure is at 5:40 am.
Staion address : 1, Place de la Gare at 2000 Neuchâtel (CH)
Couvet station
Couvet station is 800m from the start and finish of the races. It will therefore be easy to get there on foot, in just 10 minutes.
Station address : 5, Rue Pierre-Dubied at 2108 Couvet (CH)
Races departure address : EspaceVal - 15, Clos-Pury at 2108 Couvet (CH)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://swisscanyontrail.com/
info@swisscanyontrail.com
A nature race that crosses one of the sites of the Paris Olympics
Paris-Gare-de-Lyon station
The Paris-Gare-de-Lyon international station is a terminus station which is the place of passage for trailers coming from Switzerland, Italy, Spain and the south-east of France. From this station, it will be easy to take various forms of transport to visit the City of Paris or take the RER to Disneyland Paris to get to Noisiel in 25 minutes (1 departure every 8 minutes), the starting point for the Oxy'Trail races.
Then, you will have to walk 10 minutes to get to the Oxy'Trail village (departures/arrivals site), the path is signposted.
Statio address : Place Louis-Armand at 75012 Paris (FR)
Races departure address : Castle courtyard - Parc de Noisiel at 77186 Noisiel (FR)
Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station
The Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy international station, located at Disneyland Paris, is 15 km from Noisiel, the starting point for the Oxy'Trail races. From this international station, it is possible to get to Noisiel by RER in just 15 minutes. There is an RER departure every 12 minutes.
Then, you will have to walk 10 minutes to get to the Oxy'Trail village (departures/arrivals site), the path is signposted.
Station address : Place des Passagers du Vent at 77700 Chessy (FR)
Races departure address : Courtyard of the castle - Parc de Noisiel at 77186 Noisiel (FR)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: www.oxytrail.fr
Louis : +33 1 60/37.23.32 - oxytrail@agglo-pvm.fr
The trail of the Alps. Grenoble, 4 massifs : Magic !
Grenoble station
All destinations lead to Grenoble! Whether you come from the region, from all over France or from abroad, Grenoble station is served by both TER and TGV trains.
As soon as you arrive at Grenoble station, you will be close to the city center. To reach the base camp located on Place Victor Hugo, tram A or B, or the C1 bus will take you there directly in less than 10 minutes.
Station address : 1, Place de la Gare at 38000 Grenoble (FR)
Base camp address :
Place Victor Hugo at 38000 Grenoble (FR)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://ut4m.fr/fr
Laura : info@ut4m.fr
Through the Belledonne massif, as beautiful as it is demanding
Grenoble station
The organization has provided bus shuttles from the place of arrival, that is to say Aiguebelle.
Train travelers arriving in Grenoble have two possible choices. Either go to the start of their trail via Aiguebelle (arrival + collection of bibs) and take advantage of the organization's paid shuttles, or go directly to the start of the races by taking the option of sending the bib by postage. This last option seems more favorable to runners of the 149km Integrale which starts 20km from Grenoble. Be careful, if you go from Grenoble to the start of the races, you will have to find a transport solution (carpooling or public transport). In both cases, you will have to return from Aiguebelle (arrival) to Grenoble (possible accommodation) via the train for example.
Station address : Place de la Gare 1 at 38000 Grenoble
- Departure of the 149 km: 20km from the station
- Departure of the 84 km: 57km from the station
- Departure of the 64 km: 41km from the station
- Start of the Skyrace (21 km): 57km from the station
- Arrival of all races (except the Skyrace) in Aiguebelle: 72 km from Grenoble station
The journey from Grenoble to Aiguebelle only lasts an average of 1h40. To get from Grenoble to Aiguebelle, you can take one of the 12 trains that make this route daily.
Departure of the first train at 5:39 am, arrival in Aiguebelle at 7:00 am.
Aiguebelle station
In Aiguebelle, the trail runners are directly near the bib collection point, the arrivals of all distances (except the 21km skyrace) and the departure of the organization's paid shuttles (200m from the station).
Station address : Pré de Foire at 73220 Val-d'Arc (FR)
Schuttles departure : gymnasium - Collège de la Lauzière : 15, Rue des Écoles at 73220 Val-d'Arc (FR)
Information about the shuttles can be found via this link.
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://www.lechappeebelledonne.com/
Fabien : contact.belledonne@gmail.com
In the forests of the European capital
Brussels-Midi station
The Brussels-Midi International station is served by trains from all over Europe. This main station is also a departure point for regional public transport (train, tram, bus, metro). This will be useful for you to easily reach Boitsfort station, located 850m from the departures and arrivals village.
Brussels-Midi station will also allow you to reach the main attractions of the European capital as well as its city center.
In order to get to Boitfort, the train (departs every 40 minutes), the journey will take you 30 minutes.
Station addrese : 47B, Avenue Fonsny at 1060 Bruxelles (BE)
Boitsfort station
Located 850m from the village of the departures and arrivals of the trails, Boitsfort station will allow you to get there on foot (10 min) or by tram (6 min).
Station address : 195, Chaussée de la Hulpe at 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort (BE)
Races departure address : 114, chaussée de la Hulpe at 1180 Uccle (BE)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://www.zatopekmagazine.com/
Malik : +32 470 22 62 88 - malik@zatopekmagazine.com
The arduous tour of the largest natural lake in France
Chambéry - Challes-Les-Eaux station
Chambéry train station is less than 1 km from the city centre. Chambéry station will also allow you to reach Viviers-du-Lac station in just about 10 minutes. You will be able to take this line on average 11 times a day.
Station address : 1, Place de la Gare at 73010 Chambéry (FR)
Viviers-du-Lac station
From the Vivier du lac station, it is easy to reach the departure point (+ shuttle for the 34km trail) by bus. The journey takes an average of 20 minutes with departures every 20 minutes (bus 01).
A shuttle (at the price of 5€) is provided by the organization for the start of the 34km which is done in Chanaz. Booking is mandatory and can be done online, when you register or afterwards, in your customer area until October 12.
- Departure: 8 a.m. – "La Traverse" cultural space in Bourget-du-La
- Arrival: 9 a.m. – Chanaz (no bib pick-up).
Station address : 232, Route du Lac at 73420 Viviers-du-Lac (FR)
Address of the 75 km race departures + departure of the shuttles for the 34 km race: "La Traverse" cultural space - 15 Avenue Lac de Constance at 73370 Le Bourget-du-Lac (FR)
34km race departure address : Maison de Chanaz - Place Antoine/ Place Gianetto at 73310 Chanaz (FR)
We invite participants to visit the official website of the event to stay informed of the latest information: https://www.grandtraildulac.com/
contact.grandtraildulac@gmail.com
