Trail running has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more people discover the joy of running through nature’s most breath-taking landscapes. From the rocky ridges of the Alps to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, there’s no shortage of incredible trails to explore. And what better way to do it than by participating in one of the world’s most scenic trail races? Here are ten of the most beautiful trail races in the world that every runner should add to their bucket list.
What trail races will you add to your bucket list?
1. Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc – France, Italy, and Switzerland
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is one of the most challenging and sought-after trail races in the world, and for good reason. The course takes runners through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland, as they run around the Mont-Blanc massif. The UTMB is a 171km race with 10,000 meters of elevation gain and takes place in August each year. The entry fee is around $300, and the difficulty level is extremely high due to the distance and elevation gain.
2. Patagonian International Marathon – Chile
The Patagonian International Marathon takes place in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most beautiful and remote places on Earth. The race offers runners a chance to experience the stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks of the Andes mountains. The race has three distances to choose from – 42km, 63km, and 100km, with prices ranging from $150 to $350. The race takes place in September, and the difficulty level varies depending on the distance chosen.
3. Tarawera Ultramarathon – New Zealand
The Tarawera Ultramarathon is a 102km race that takes place in New Zealand’s North Island, around the stunning Lake Tarawera. The course takes runners through lush rainforests, along crystal-clear rivers, and past impressive waterfalls. The race takes place in February each year, and the entry fee ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the distance chosen. The difficulty level is high due to the distance and challenging terrain.
4. The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail – Italy
The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail takes place in the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rugged mountain scenery. The 120km course takes runners through alpine meadows, over mountain passes, and past picturesque mountain villages. The race takes place in June, and the entry fee ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the distance chosen. The difficulty level is high due to the distance and elevation gain.
5. Marathon des Sables – Morocco
The Marathon des Sables, also known as the “toughest footrace on Earth,” takes place in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. The 250km race is run over six days, with runners carrying all their food, water, and equipment on their backs. The race takes place in April, and the entry fee is around $4,000, making it one of the most expensive races on this list. The difficulty level is extremely high due to the distance, heat, and challenging terrain.
6. Inca Trail Marathon – Peru
The Inca Trail Marathon takes runners along the ancient Inca trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The 42km course is run at high altitude, with runners ascending over 4,200 meters throughout the race. The race takes place in July, and the entry fee is around $1,400. The difficulty level is high due to the altitude and technical terrain.
7. Ultra-Trail Cape Town – South Africa
The Ultra-Trail Cape Town takes runners on a journey through South Africa’s stunning Western Cape, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The race offers four distances to choose from, ranging from 35km to 100km, with prices ranging from $40 to $150. The race takes place in December, and the difficulty level varies depending on the distance chosen.
8. Western States 100 – USA
The Western States 100 is one of the oldest and most prestigious trail races in the world, taking runners through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The 100-mile course starts in Squaw Valley and finishes in Auburn, with runners ascending over 5,500 meters throughout the race. The race takes place in June, and the entry fee is around $400. The difficulty level is extremely high due to the distance and challenging terrain.
9. Ultra-Trail Australia – Australia
The Ultra-Trail Australia takes runners through the stunning Blue Mountains of New South Wales, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, canyons, and eucalyptus forests. The race has four distances to choose from, ranging from 11km to 100km, with prices ranging from $50 to $300. The race takes place in May, and the difficulty level varies depending on the distance chosen.
10. Zugspitz Ultratrail – Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
The Zugspitz Ultratrail is a 100km race that takes runners through the stunning Alpine landscapes of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The race starts in Germany’s Grainau and finishes in Austria’s Ehrwald, with runners ascending over 5,400 meters throughout the race. The race takes place in June, and the entry fee is around $200. The difficulty level is high due to the distance and elevation gain.
Wow, these ten trail races offer runners the chance to experience some of the most breath-taking landscapes in the world while challenging themselves physically and mentally. From the remote wilderness of Patagonia to the rugged mountains of California, there’s a trail race for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just starting, participating in one of these races is sure to be an unforgettable experience.