A real fan of long-distance races, Christophe Libin had the original idea of organizing the Grand Trail des Lacs et Châteaux in 2009, thanks to his extensive experience of this magnificent region.
For him, this sporting and human adventure is first and foremost the realization of a long-held dream, and the culmination of several years' work organizing and scouting the route. But without the support of a formidable and solid team of station managers and volunteers around him, nothing would have been possible.
10 editions
After ten years of exciting and passionate organization of the Grand Trail des Lacs et Châteaux, Christophe Libin has decided to take a step aside at the end of 2019. He would like to thank his friends, runners and volunteers, who have been loyal, passionate and dedicated year after year, and who have all contributed to making these ten years a daydream, even more beautiful than the one he had dared to imagine. He owes it to this race to have introduced him to beautiful people, and memories rich in emotion, imperishable. The GTLC nourished him, helped him grow and blossom.
He has written this beautiful story with you, and we will continue to do so. The adventure continues, and it will be beautiful, infinitely beautiful. The chapters that lie ahead are already shining brightly, with colors never seen before.
With a deep and honest sense of having reached the end of what he could offer, and of having given the best that a single person, at the head of a growing event, can give.
Ambitious and determined, wishing the best for the event he imagined and saw come to life, he has decided to pass the torch to a new, experienced and dynamic organizing team, keen to continue this wonderful adventure while preserving the soul of the GTLC. He thus leaves his baby to grow and flourish in the hands of people who already have his full confidence, respect and support in the project: the ASBL Enjoy Sport.
He is not leaving the ship for good, and will continue to support them in their task of building the future of the GTLC together, in keeping with the spirit of the event and the Enjoy Sport values of respect, honesty and fun.
They are determined to breathe new life into the race, with all their motivation and enthusiasm, but also with greater resources than those of Christophe, and to erase the few imperfections that may have arisen last year, during the 10th edition, which some may have found somewhat disappointing due to the nature of the course or the unfortunate cancellation of the 100 km race.
If Christophe had to pick just one memory, it would be this one. More than ten years ago, a handful of friends and supporters of the GTLC were testing the formula and the routes during an unofficial edition on a rainy September day. Suddenly, as they passed through the small village of Polleur, an old lady, bent by the weight of years, her face lit up by a mischievous, facetious smile, addressed them with these few words: "You're running after the sun! In the greyness, in the distance, the lightning appeared, offered itself to them, embraced them...Keep running after your sun, tirelessly.
We look forward to seeing you again, at the GTLC of course, and on the little trails that are enough to keep us happy.
2009–2019→ Founding of the GTLC by Christophe Libin
2020 → Takeover of the organization by Enjoy Sport Infinity
2026→ Creation of GTLC Events
Tomorrow → Development of new projects and experiences centered around the GTLC
2026 – A new chapter in the history of the GTLC
Since its inception in 2009, the Grand Trail des Lacs & Châteaux has continued to evolve while staying true to its core mission: to offer an authentic, friendly, and personal sporting experience in the heart of an exceptional region.
Over the years, the event has continued to grow. New courses have been added, the runner experience has been enhanced, partnerships have expanded, and the GTLC community has grown well beyond the region.
This natural evolution led to the creation of GTLC Events, an organization dedicated to developing the GTLC brand and its events.
Today, GTLC Events continues on this journey with the same philosophy that has guided the project since its inception: placing participants, volunteers, partners, and the local community at the heart of every decision.
More than just a race—it’s a community
The Grand Trail des Lacs & Châteaux is not just a sporting event.
This is a collective endeavor made possible by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, sports clubs, local governments, and private and public partners, as well as the thousands of participants who place their trust in us year after year.
Each edition adds a new chapter to this shared history.
What about tomorrow?
The story of the GTLC continues to unfold.
Our goal is simple: to preserve the essence that has made the event famous while continuing to innovate in order to offer an ever-better experience to trail runners in Belgium and beyond.
Challenges evolve, expectations change, but the spirit of the GTLC remains the same:
Share a passion for trail running, promote our region, and create unforgettable memories.