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 an “OFF” edition held among friends in 2008, its first official edition took place in 2009 in Spa (Domaine Sol Cress), before finding its home base for eight editions in Surister (Gîte le Petit Fagnard), then moving to the Gileppe Dam for one additional edition, and finally settling permanently in Ovifat with the new organizing team. 
After ten years of exciting and passionate work organizing the Grand Trail des Lacs et Châteaux, Christophe Libin decided to step aside at the end of 2019. He thanks his fellow runners, volunteers, and loyal, passionate, and dedicated supporters year after year, all of whom helped make these ten years a dream come true—even more beautiful than he had ever dared to imagine. He is grateful to this race for introducing him to wonderful people and for creating deeply emotional, unforgettable memories.
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, and wanting the best for the event he conceived and helped bring to life, he has therefore decided to pass the torch to a new, experienced, and dynamic organizing team committed to continuing this wonderful adventure while preserving the spirit of the GTLC. He is thus letting his “baby” grow and flourish in the hands of people who already have his full trust, respect, and support for the project: the nonprofit Enjoy Sport Infinity, and then, starting in 2026, GTLC Events, with the same organizers.
He is not leaving the organization for good, and will continue to support them in their work so that, together, they can build the future of the GTLC, in keeping with the spirit of this event and the values of GTLC Events: respect, honesty, and enjoyment.
They are committed to breathing new life into the race, drawing on all their motivation and enthusiasm, as well as greater resources than Christophe had, and to iron out the few imperfections that unfortunately arose during the 10th edition—which some may have found somewhat disappointing due to the nature of the course or the very 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.