Events and Trail Runs Around the World

Trail run events

Events and Trail Runs Around the World

Trail running is one of the most exciting and accessible ways to explore nature while testing your endurance. Around the world, thousands of events offer runners the chance to compete on beautiful trails, climb epic peaks, and cross stunning landscapes.

Whether you are a seasoned ultrarunner or just starting out, there is a trail run for everyone — from short local races to famous 100-mile challenges. In this section, we highlight some of the most iconic and inspiring trail running events worldwide.

Trail Running Events in the USA

Trail running has a rich history in the USA, home to some of the most legendary ultramarathons and trail races on the planet. From high-altitude mountain courses to forest singletrack, these races attract top international athletes and passionate amateurs alike.

  • Western States 100 (California)
  • Hardrock 100 (Colorado)
  • Leadville Trail 100 (Colorado)
  • Lake Sonoma 50 (California)
  • Broken Arrow Skyrace (California)
  • Wasatch Front 100 (Utah)
  • Cascade Crest 100 (Washington)

International Trail Running Events

Europe

  • UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (France)
  • Transvulcania (Spain)
  • Eiger Ultra Trail (Switzerland)
  • L’Echappée Belle (France)
  • Lavaredo Ultra Trail (Italy)

Asia

  • Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji (Japan)
  • Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail (Hong Kong)
  • Malaysia Eco 100 (Malaysia)

Africa

  • Addo Elephant Trail Run (South Africa)
  • Ultra-Trail Cape Town (South Africa)

Oceania

  • Tarawera Ultramarathon (New Zealand)
  • Ultra-Trail Australia (Australia)

South America

  • Patagonia Run (Argentina)
  • Ultra Fiord (Chile)

Historical Trail Running Events

Not all great trail races continue to this day — but their legacy lives on. Below are a few historic or inactive trail runs that have left their mark on the trail running community.

Trail de Montanejos

Trail de Montanejos was one of the most beloved mountain races in Spain’s Comunidad Valenciana. Hosted in the scenic town of Montanejos, the event featured several distances, including 15 km, 30 km, and a challenging 55 km ultra.

Runners were treated to steep trails, forest paths, and breathtaking views of the local landscape. Trail de Montanejos was known for its community spirit and beautiful setting.

While the race is no longer active, it remains a classic in Spanish trail running history — and a source of inspiration for new events in the region.

Mount Kinabalu Climbathon (Malaysia)

The Mount Kinabalu Climbathon was once considered the world’s toughest mountain race. Starting in the town of Kinabalu Park, the event challenged runners to summit Southeast Asia’s highest peak (4,095 meters) and return in record time.

The Climbathon attracted elite mountain runners from around the globe. Though the original race format has been discontinued, it remains an iconic part of Malaysia’s trail running history.

Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon – Original Ultra Format (USA)

Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon is still held today, but the race has gone through various format changes since its founding in 1956. The original versions of the event — particularly early ultramarathon editions — helped pioneer mountain running in the U.S.

The legacy of the early Pikes Peak races continues to inspire the mountain and trail running community in Colorado and beyond.

K42 Adventure Marathon (Argentina) — Original Series

The K42 Adventure Marathon in Villa La Angostura, Patagonia, became a world-famous mountain marathon. Though newer events in the K42 series continue, the original “classic” editions in the early 2000s helped establish South America as a destination for mountain and trail running.

The North Face Endurance Challenge Series (Global)

The TNF Endurance Challenge Series, once a staple in trail running calendars across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, has been discontinued. These races brought trail running to new audiences and venues — from New York’s Bear Mountain to Hong Kong’s mountainous trails.

Though the official series is gone, many former venues continue to host independent trail events.

Explore More Trail Running Adventures

Trail running connects athletes with nature and community. We hope this guide helps you discover inspiring races around the world.

Stay tuned — we will continue to update this page with new and historical events. If you have suggestions for races to feature, feel free to contact us!

This section preserves historical information about Trail de Montanejos, previously hosted at trailmontanejos.org. GT-Active.org is not affiliated with the original organizers.