The 38th Gérardmer Triathlon takes place on 5 and 6 September 2026 by the lake. The organiser describes an event with more than 5,500 participants and 35,000 spectators. Three adult formats and three children’s events fill the weekend, with the expo and number collection beginning on Thursday.
Every format is currently shown as full with a waiting list. The times below follow the organiser’s general programme, which is the most consistent source where individual event pages conflict.
Official programme from 3 to 6 September
The first two days prepare the races:
- Thursday 3 September, 2–7 pm: Triathlon Expo on Quai du Locle and XL number collection at Espace L.A.C.;
- Friday 4 September: expo from 10 am to 7 pm, number collection and pasta party from 6 to 9 pm.
Weekend starts are listed as follows:
| Day | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 5 September | 8:45 am | Triathlon XL |
| Saturday 5 September | 5:30 pm | SuperKids |
| Sunday 6 September | 8 am | Triathlon Découverte |
| Sunday 6 September | 10:30 am | TriKids |
| Sunday 6 September | 11:15 and 11:35 am | Mini-TriKids, two waves |
| Sunday 6 September | 1:30 pm | Triathlon Distance Olympique |
Check the official programme before the weekend. Athletes should follow any later instructions sent by the organiser.
Adult race distances
The organiser publishes these official format names and distances:
| Format | Swim | Bike | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triathlon XL | 1.9 km | 90 km | 21 km |
| Triathlon Distance Olympique | 1.5 km | 40 km | 10 km |
| Triathlon Découverte | 500 m | 20 km | 5 km |
Swimming starts at the Union Nautique. Equipment, certificates and cut-off times differ by race; use the page for your own format rather than applying XL rules to the Découverte.
The La Bresse cycling guide covers road, MTB, gravel and greenway riding. Closed triathlon courses are race routes, not public leisure routes during the event.
Entries: full and waiting lists
On 15 July 2026, the entry page lists every format as full, including the children’s races. Each entry button leads to a waiting list. The FAQ says released places are allocated by draw until the end of August.
Use only the official platform. The organiser treats number resale outside its transfer process as fraud and may refuse a start when the number does not match the athlete.
Number collection is at Espace L.A.C., 17 Faubourg de Ramberchamp and requires ID. Collection is personal; another person cannot collect it for the athlete.
Travel from La Bresse and road closures
The direct road from La Bresse to Gérardmer is the D486. Travel time will depend on crowds and course closures; the D417 previously mentioned on the page was incorrect. The main event site is on Quai du Locle by the lake.
On 15 July, the detailed 2026 traffic and parking plan had not yet been published. The FAQ only confirms that the bike sections use roads closed to traffic, with further information to follow. Do not reuse the 2025 plan; check the organiser and municipality before travelling.
Our Gérardmer guide from La Bresse covers the town and lake. The La Bresse or Gérardmer comparison helps choose a base while accounting for race-day travel.
Saturday spectator shuttle to Le Poli
The FAQ announces three 60-seat coaches to the top of Le Poli for XL spectators. The first departures are at 8:30, 8:40 and 8:50 am, followed by outward rotations until 10 am. Returns begin at 10 am, using three coaches until 11 am and two until 2 pm.
The stated pick-up point is the junction of Avenue du 19 Novembre and Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny. Capacity, timing and traffic arrangements may still change, so check the FAQ the day before and follow staff directions.
Planning the weekend
La Bresse is a nearby base, not accommodation on the shore of Lake Gérardmer. Athletes with an early start should include road restrictions and number collection in their timing. Spectators should decide which races to follow and avoid trying to reach a closed sector by car.
Water conditions and weather updates will be communicated closer to the event. Check the La Bresse and Gérardmer weather guide and organiser messages rather than using a measurement from an earlier year.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Gérardmer Triathlon?
The races take place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026. Number collection and the expo begin on Thursday 3 September.
What are the three adult formats?
Triathlon XL: 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21 km run. Distance Olympique: 1.5 km, 40 km and 10 km. Triathlon Découverte: 500 m, 20 km and 5 km.
Can athletes still enter?
On 15 July, the organiser listed every format as full with a waiting list. Released places are allocated by draw until the end of August.
What is the 2026 traffic plan?
The detailed plan had not been published on 15 July. The organiser confirms that the bike courses will use roads closed to traffic and says more information will follow.