With so many trail running races currently operational in the world, there are only a handful of them that are really not worthy. Additionally, there are over a thousand trail running races spread all over the four continents. However, there are a number of them that can be classified as mythical. These trails are mostly on top of every trail runners’ dream to take part in, at least once in their life time.
If you have that yearning and still have a sufficient budget allocation to invest, then time is ripe to participate in one of the most recognized trail races in the entire planet. But first, do you have a clear understanding of the most favorite trail paths and races in the globe? You can thank us for we have compiled a list for you to figure out which one is better suited for you.
The following is a list of some of the most captivating trail running challenges that you’re likely to have a good time in in each continent.
On top of that, each race comes with the most favorable training program or otherwise known as trail running camp that’s designed to work hand in hand with your goal.
The most attractive trail running competitions found in the European Continent
Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc®, 171km 10.300m D+, 24-30
It’s always better to begin with the most popular Ultra Trail in the planet. This race involves competitors from Italy, France, and Switzerland. Famously labeled as UTMB, this particular ultra-trail doesn’t necessarily need a big group of participants. This is not what you’d call a normal trail run. It can be rightly termed as an adventure on the Alps. Thousands of trail runners have the additional privilege of witnessing the breath taking flora and fauna that graces Mount Blanc. The landscapes found in the UTMB are mostly high mountains, including meadows, trails, rivers, massifs, lakes, and jaw dropping glaciers.
Participants will also come across significantly large and also relatively smaller mountain villages alternated by mountain huts. Athletes on this trail can take on the challenge worry free since they can conveniently get assistance anytime of the day or night. The main operating location is at Chamonix, which is lively and offers unparalleled international atmosphere.
Tor Des Geants®, 330km 24.000m D+
Held at a geographical location that’s just as fascinating, the TOR races and trail running course will undeniably leave you breathless. The trail offers numerous and exceptional landscapes that generally revolve around rocky peaks covered with a colorful forest that’s unlike any other. With its beauty and popularity, the Tor Des Geants has turned to be the most sort after race in all of Italy, and not to mention, one of the most physically challenging races that one can take part in globally. Given its total elevation, athletes have to undergo intense physical preparation to stand a chance of completing the race and the training can potentially last up seven days.
The TOR incorporates numerous distances to be covered: TOR De Geans 330 km, TOR Dret 130 km, TOR des Glaciers 450 km, and Passage Au Malatra 30 km. Running through the scenarios will ultimately be exciting, unique, as well as unforgettable. The challenges involved will definitely have you performing at your best. If you are tough enough to go up to the finish line, you will be labeled as one of the “Giants” of trail running.
Race website: Tor Des Giants
Útilív Adventure Festival, Faroe Islands
Located between Norway and Iceland and 300km north-west of British Isles, The Faroe Islands archipelago is a self-governing Danish dependency that comprises of an approximate 50,000 residents that shelters colonies of puffins.
The Utilív Adventure Festival promises to bring in more people than ever before. Athletes are welcome to select their favorable distances that include; 13km, 21km, 42km or 65km and get going. If you think you’ve got what it takes, you are welcome to explore these remote, wildlife-packed and waterfall-laden islands. It’s very possible that this will be one of your unforgettable experiences.
Transgrancanaria HG, 128Km 7.500m D+
When was the last time you took part in a race covering more than 100km on a volcanic background? Or how many times have you participated on running experience on a landscape that’s marked as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO? This particular trial, popularly known as TransCanaria, provides an opportunity to experience both as well as discovering some unimaginable areas that are halfway between the volcanic and the desert areas. The marvelous adventure will have you going through the Spanish canyons (pueblos) and terrains that are comprised of sand and rocks. You will take in the majestic view of the islands at the top most peaks of the island.
Are you interested in running the shorter or the extra-long race? Participants are free to select any one of the various races taking place at a go.
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Race, 167km 5.360m D+
Jumping from one continent to the other, let’s continue through some of the most epic trails in the world for trail runners into United States. To start with, the Western States is the #1 trail running race. Almost every great champion in the planet has either one or two encounters with this particular race in his/her career in sports. According to spectators, the race has a lot in common with the New York Marathon. The race happens in California, commencing from the Squaw Valley and ending in Auburn. For those who are not familiar with Auburn, it’s a standard town constructed in the famous Golden Region during the Far West conquest.
The Western States involves a significantly long downhill run, with a high number of slopes created by canyons and creeks. The track also takes you through some challenging rocky sections, uncontaminated woods, and rivers with potential to make the entire race an adventure worth having. If you really feel like you need to take part in the adventure, you have to understand that almost all of these territories are inaccessible by motor vehicle and they can only be accessed by foot, horse or by using a helicopter. And to be able to take-on this challenge, you have to be both mentally and physically prepared.
Iditarod Trail Invitational, 1.609km (1.000 miles)
If by any case you feel that all the races mentioned above aren’t at par with your challenge expectations, then this one is for you. This is one of the longest and most challenging trial runner races in the entire planet. Taking place in Alaska, the Idatarod Ultra Trail is exceptionally difficult for all. It’s made even harder by the excessive weather conditions (very chilly), which according to rules, are supposed to be overcome by an individual athlete. Another thing is that one can either transport the necessary equipment needed for the race on a sled, using a mountain bike or on a skis. It goes without saying that you must carry with you everything that is necessary to eat and sleep because you have to sleep along the way. However, you should never mind the bears and the wolves hungering around.
The maximum time you are required to take is 30 days. Hence, adequate preparation beforehand is highly recommended. You will be successful with appropriate equipment, and most of all, strong physical plus mental acuity that is needed to go through this epic undertaking. Also don’t forget that this is an individual participation.
Patagonia Run, 167km 9.000m D+
The Patagonia Run is the most popular run in South America featuring the famous 100 miles run in Chile. Protected by the Lanin National Park, the race happens in a magnificent natural environment. The run presents an opportunity to cover different distances in each level of trail running arrangement. This ranges from 21km up to 167km plus other three distances falling in between, including 42km, 70km, and 110km. Lake Lacar marks the beginning of the race, going through meadows and plateaus characterized by the humid weather of the Patagonia Andes, with very clear streams and deep biodiversity. While running, you have to be ready for the changing weather circumstances with resilient sun, strong winds, and an indicated snowfall on the highest mountains.
To conclude, this is an all-inclusive race where you won’t miss any aspect. It’s also important to keep in mind that the race is a UTMB and Western States qualifier.
Ultra Trail of Mount Fuji, 165km 7.942 D+
Moving away from the American continent, the next famous trial run in the Asian continent is found in Japan at the foot of Mount Fuji. Closely related to the UTMB, the Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji competition involves covering a whooping 168km around the now extinct volcano while wearing the legendary snow hat.
The path features changing scenery ranging from alternating forests with remarkably tall plants, incredible plains, together traversing through some ups and downs through slippery terrains. Thanks to its exceptional terrain, the race is recognized as one of the most challenging races in Asia. According to statistic, less than 50% of all participants go through to the finish line. If you are up for it, the race also presents an opportunity to see some unforgettable nature and not to forget the deep cultural heritage of Japan to complete your run with profound memories.
For the not so energetic individuals, there are reduced races, from 95km to 140km.
