Trail races offer a wide range of ways to explore beyond paved roads: from short, welcoming courses to demanding ultramarathons across mountains, deserts and national parks. Some events focus on elite competition, while others make outdoor running a shared, community-minded experience.
Iconic distances and landscapes
The annual Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) brings runners through the Alps across France, Italy and Switzerland. Its headline race covers 174 kilometres, with shorter options and a team challenge of around 300 kilometres also on the program.
In Colorado, the Leadville Trail 100 Run tests endurance at high altitude, crossing the Rocky Mountains and reaching elevations of about 12,500 feet. California's Western States Endurance Run, held between Olympic Valley and Auburn since 1974, is another storied 100-mile event, with entry determined through a competitive lottery.
The Speed Project takes a different approach: invited runners or teams race point to point without a formally marked course. Its original route links Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and events have also been staged in the French Alps and Chile's Atacama Desert.
Running with a community
Not every trail adventure is an ultra. New Zealand's Middle-earth Halfling Marathon offers 11.1-kilometre and half-marathon distances around the Hobbiton Movie Set. In Seattle, We Out Here Trail Festival provides courses from 1.9 miles to a two-hour format, with an emphasis on making trail running accessible to more people.
Other options include Wisconsin's Badger Trail Races, which offers six distances from a half-marathon to 100 miles, and the UK's Black to the Trails, with routes from 1K to 10K and free participation for runners under 16. Colorado's Run Rabbit Run pairs 50- and 100-mile races with charitable giving, while Southwest Trailfest combines several days of running near Zion, Bryce Canyon and Antelope Canyon with camping and group activities.
With routes, distances and atmospheres to suit different goals, trail racing can bring more people outdoors and connect sport with nature, travel and community.
