Our history
The Vosges ultra-trail since 2009.
A unique, unmissable experience!
Among the first, L'Infernal Trail des Vosges is an ultra-trail created in 2009 the brainchild of Stéphane Hairaye, creator and director until 2019.
He quickly surrounded himself with friends, and produced a first edition that set the tone for future events. Ultramodern formats have made the Infernal the institution it is today. But its formats, adapted to a wide public, amateur or professional, make this event an inescapable Trail event.
Above all, the Infernal Trail des Vosges is a story of family, friends and buddies. The founding group of the Infernal Trail des Vosges worked for ten years to unite 650 volunteers, 5,000 runners and over 60 partners. Today, the event is celebrating its 15th year, with the addition of 2 new formats. In the years to come, a multitude of projects have already been programmed to ensure a unique event in France.
The adventure begins! The Infernal Trail des Vosges is born, with a 4-event program. A first in the Vosges: 72 KM, 30KM, RUN & BIKE and a short-distance race for children. For the first time, 400 participants will take part in the Infernal Trail des Vosges.
The Infernal Trail des Vosges hangs on! The organizing team decides to renew the adventure and maintains all the races. The 72 KM event takes shape and offers a team version. For its second edition, 450 participants will take the start.
A new event has been added to the Infernal Trail des Vosges. In addition to the other races already present, a 160 KM format makes its appearance. This new race will establish the Infernal Trail des Vosges as the benchmark for trail running in France. The 2011 edition will attract 600 participants.
The Infernal Trail des Vosges is diversifying once again, with a new event that will establish the event's reputation among the general public. The RUN: made up of obstacles, it is popular and accessible to the greatest number. At the time, few events offered this kind of highly original event. In 2012, children will once again be able to run the Infernal Trail des Vosges in the short pants format.
The Infernal Trail des Vosges passes a new milestone in terms of the number of participants (1450). The organization is renowned for its professionalism and warm atmosphere. The volunteers make the INFERNAL an event not to be missed. The children's race, renamed the "MINI RUN" (corresponding to the short version of the "RUN"), is a real success. The organization decides to promote the event at trail fairs in Chamonix and Millau.
There's no stopping the ascent of the INFERNAL, whose numbers double those of 2013, with 2900 runners on the counter. A new race is created: the 100%.
A short-distance trail (12 km), accessible to many, whose originality lies in the fact that all entry fees are donated to charity. The event is growing in stature and every year brings a new level of comfort. The number of volunteer teams is also doubled (L'INFERNAL federates). Safety is reinforced with an impressive team of doctors and first-aiders. Team events are developed: the 30 KM and 72 KM races are open to teams of 3 or 4, adding to the conviviality of the event.
The number of participants rose by a further 14%. If we take into account the overall attendance, the number of people exceeds the 10,000 mark. Overall, the organization took on a new dimension by building an entertainment village worthy of the biggest French and even European trails. The reputation of the Infernal Trail des Vosges has grown considerably thanks to the communication resources put in place: the Infernal is now known to all French trailers.
The Infernal Trail des Vosges offers 3 new "Grands formats" races, including a 200 KM race. This is fast becoming a benchmark in the world of European trail running (race registered with the UMNT). Added to this is a demanding and magnificent 120 KM. And last but not least, a 60 KM, allowing those accustomed to short trails to try their hand at long ones. A total of 3,600 people took part. The event now offers something for everyone and every taste.
The Infernal Trail des Vosges now attracts 5,000 participants. All the races have been repeated, and the experience acquired over the last eight years has enabled us to offer a perfectly organized event. Every volunteer is naturally involved and responsible. The INFERNAL "belongs to the volunteers". A space has been created at the heart of the entertainment village to thank and highlight all the partners present. The boutique is also expanding, offering a wider range of products.
The milestone of 10 years has just been passed, 10 years of memories and emotion. For 10 years, the INFERNAL has been bringing together riders, volunteers, partners, service providers and spectators in the same place, every year, for the same reasons. You can't read about the adventure of the Infernal, you have to live it.
Stéphane Hairaye's management team makes way for Stéphane Tramzal's management team. The handover complete, the organization prepares the 2019 edition in the continuity of the 2018 edition. The organization is expanding its communications resources, and is now offering more than 10 hours of LIVE coverage during the event. The 120 KM, 60 KM and 30 KM events are fully booked.
A team of volunteers decides to take over the running of the Infernal Trail des Vosges. Supported by the former management team (Stéphane Hairaye and his office), the team of volunteers formalizes the organization by creating the organizing association: the Infernal Trail Organization.
The 2020 edition has been compromised by the health crisis in France and around the world. The new organization has obtained authorization from the prefecture and will offer a "light" edition of the Infernal on September 12 & 13, 2020: 72 KM, 30 KM, 100% and CULOTTE COURTE.
The Infernal Trail des Vosges has been modernized: a new graphic charter has been published and the names of the races have been changed: LINFERNAL200 is now replaced by IT200, for all formats.Â
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To underline its commitment to development, the new organization of the Infernal Trail des Vosges will offer two new formats for 2021: IT300 and IT15 (300 KM & 15 KM).Â
