9 European Ultra Running Events You Don't Want to Miss
For those seeking to push their limits across Europe's most spectacular landscapes, we've curated ten extraordinary challenges for you to conquer next year.
Whether you're already an elite ultra athlete or ready to step up to your first major challenge, these races promise experiences that go far beyond the finish line. Time to start dreaming big—and training bigger.
1. TransAlpine Run
Location: Germany to Italy (via Austria)
Type: Multi-day mountain stage race
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪💪
Distance: 268 km (167.8 miles) over 7 stages
Dates: Typically in September
The TransAlpine Run is the ultimate mountain running adventure, taking you from Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany to Brixen in Italy over seven unforgettable days. Each stage brings 30-45 km of running with significant elevation gains, totaling an impressive 15,330 meters across the entire route.
What makes this race truly special is that you tackle it as a team of two – sharing both the challenge and the triumph as you cross three countries together. You'll traverse high Alpine passes, run through flower-filled meadows, and conquer rocky summits while experiencing authentic mountain culture in each overnight village. The race combines serious athletic challenges with a unique camaraderie among participants who become a tight-knit community during their week-long Alpine journey.
How to register
Registration opens in December and typically stays open until all 300 team slots are filled. Teams must register together, and both runners should have solid trail-running experience, with multiple marathons or ultras under their belts. The entry fee includes accommodation, meals, luggage transport between stages, and comprehensive medical support. Make sure to register early because this bucket-list race tends to sell out months in advance.
2. La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Type: Mountain ultra-trail
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪
Distance: 120 km (74.5 miles)
Dates: Typically in June
La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail challenges runners with a daunting 5,800 meters of elevation gain through the breathtaking Italian Dolomites, including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, renowned for its three distinct peaks. As dawn breaks, the mountains glow a soft pink, a highlight for many participants. Runners traverse rocky trails, tackle steep ascents, and navigate exposed ridgelines while experiencing rapid weather changes typical of alpine environments. Aid stations feel like mini-festivals, with enthusiastic volunteers serving up the usual ultra fare, local specialities, and that famous Italian espresso.
The finish in Cortina d'Ampezzo brings you back to civilization with cheering crowds and the satisfying smell of wood-fired pizza.
How to register
Registration typically opens in November on the event’s official website, and spots often sell out quickly.You must be 18 or older on race day and have a valid UTMB Index for your chosen race category to be eligible. The event offers multiple distances (120K, 80K, 50K, 20K, and 10K),
3. Spartathlon Ultra Race
Location: Athens to Sparta, Greece
Type: Road/trail ultra
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪💪
Distance: 245 km (152.9 miles)
Dates: Typically in September
Following the footsteps of the legendary messenger Pheidippides, the Spartathlon is a historic journey from Athens to Sparta that pushes human endurance to its limits. The race combines relentless road running with challenging trail sections and 75 checkpoints, each with strict time cutoffs.
You'll battle the scorching Mediterranean sun, tackle the brutal ascent of Mount Parthenio in the dead of night, and navigate ancient paths that have challenged runners for millennia. The course takes over 36 hours to complete, with elevation ranges from sea level to 1200 m. Only the strongest make it to the finish at the feet of King Leonidas's statue in Sparta, where athletes are received as heroes by local supporters.
How to register
Applications typically open in January and stay open until late February. The entry fee includes six days of accommodation in Athens and Sparta, all transportation needs, and entry to the Gala Awards after the race. Documentation is straightforward: a club declaration, a doctor's certificate, two passport photos, and your entry form. You’ll also need to demonstrate your capability with qualifying achievements such as completing 100 km in under 10 hours, running 120 miles in 24 hours, or finishing a 180 km race in the same timeframe. Only about 400 runners make the cut, so make sure those qualifying times are solid!
4. Legends Trail
Location: Ardennes, Belgium
Type: Self-supported winter ultra
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪💪
Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
Dates: Typically in February
Step into the raw wilderness of the Belgian Ardennes in the heart of winter for one of Europe's most demanding self-supported ultras. Starting and finishing in Bernardfagne, the Legends Trail demands endurance and expert navigation skills as you traverse through dense forests, technical trails, and historic WWII sites.
The race features four mandatory checkpoints where you must check in and out with race officials—miss one and risk disqualification. Cut-off times are calculated based on a 4km/h average speed and are strictly enforced. With unpredictable weather ranging from deep snow to freezing rain and temperatures often dropping well below zero, Legends Trail lives up to its name. There are no aid stations—just you, your mandatory gear, and a GPS track through the rugged terrain. Night navigation is crucial, as most runners spend two to three nights in the wilderness. The trail's motto, "Where history meets suffering," isn't just clever marketing—it's a promise.
How to register
Mark your calendar: registration opens in March, with only 120 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll need to be quick. There's no waitlist, so once it's full, it's full. The entry fee covers GPS tracking, safety monitoring, and a finish line meal—but remember, this is self-supported, so you'll need to handle everything else. Before applying, ensure you have significant ultra-running experience, including night navigation skills and winter mountain experience. A detailed gear list must be strictly adhered to, and a GPS device is mandatory.
Planning your own adventure?
5. Montane Dragon's Back Race
Location: Wales, UK
Type: Multi-day mountain race
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪💪
Distance: 380 km (236 miles)
Dates: Typically in September
Known as the world's toughest mountain race, the Dragon's Back Race follows the mountainous spine of Wales from north to south. Over six punishing days, runners traverse the most rugged and spectacular landscapes of Wales, including the peaks of Snowdonia, the Cambrian Mountains, and the Brecon Beacons. Each day demands endurance as well as expert navigation skills as you plot your own route between checkpoints through wild, unmarked terrain.
With approximately 17,400 meters of elevation gain, you're climbing almost twice the height of Everest. Weather can be brutal, visibility is often poor, and the terrain varies from rocky mountaintops to boggy valleys. While overnight camps provide some comfort, days are spent in complete mountain wilderness.
How to register
Registration for the 2025 edition opened in September. The entry fee includes overnight camps, hot meals, drop bags, medical support, and GPS tracking. You'll need to demonstrate significant mountain running experience and navigation skills during the application process. Previous experience in mountain marathons or multi-day races is essential.
6. Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
Location: Chamonix, France
Type: Mountain ultra-trail
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪💪
Distance: 171 km (106.2 miles)
Dates: Typically in August
The crown jewel of ultra-trail running, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc takes you on an unforgettable journey through France, Italy, and Switzerland. With 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain, runners circumnavigate Western Europe's highest peak while passing through technical alpine trails, sweeping glacial valleys, and demanding climbs that test every limit. Chamonix's electric atmosphere, with thousands of supporters lining the streets at all hours, creates an energy unlike any other ultra event.
Weather in the Alps can change dramatically—you might experience summer heat, thunderstorms, and snow all in one race. The combination of altitude, technical terrain, and unpredictable mountain weather makes this one of the most demanding races in the world.
How to register
Registration opens in December. The process is completed directly on the website via a secure credit card payment. To join, you'll need a valid UTMB Index and qualifying points from UTMB World Series races completed during the required time periods. Your application must include a medical certificate and proof of mountain running experience. For complete details and regulations, visit utmb.world—and start collecting those qualifying points early.
7. Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT)
Location: Madeira, Portugal
Type: Mountain ultra-trail
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪
Distance: 115 km (71.5 miles)
Dates: Typically in April
The MIUT crosses Madeira from Porto Moniz to Machico. This technical mountain race takes you through the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site, where laurel forests meet dramatic coastal cliffs. Starting at midnight, runners climb from sea level to Pico Ruivo at 1,862m, traveling along ancient water channels called “levadas” and through some of Europe's most pristine forests.
The route showcases Madeira's diverse microclimates—you might experience four seasons in one day. Technical rocky trails, steep mountain stairs, and narrow ridgelines demand full attention, while the views of the Atlantic Ocean from high mountain passes make every climb worthwhile. The event also offers shorter distances, including 85km, 60km, 42km, and 16km for less experienced runners. Added bonus: That famous Madeiran hospitality shines through at every aid station.
How to register
The fee includes race support, a finisher's medal, and a post-race meal. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Elite runners with ITRA scores over 770 (men) and 670 (women). You'll need a medical certificate valid for race day and proof of previous ultra-trail experience.
8. Transgrancanaria Classic
Location: Gran Canaria, Spain
Type: Mountain trail ultra
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪
Distance: 126 km (78 miles)
Dates: Typically in February
Transgrancanaria lets you experience a continent's worth of ecosystems in one remarkable race across Gran Canaria. Starting in Las Palmas at sea level, runners traverse the entire island to finish in Maspalomas, experiencing dramatic changes in terrain and climate along the way.
The route takes you through deep ravines, past volcanic landscapes, coastal paths, and aromatic pine forests. With 6866 meters of elevation gain, the course is as challenging as it is diverse. Perfect weather conditions in February make this an ideal early-season ultra, though the technical terrain and relentless climbs demand respect. The island's unique topography means you're never far from civilization, yet the route delivers a true sense of wilderness adventure. Night running across the island's spine reveals a star-filled sky that rivals the twinkling lights of distant villages below.
How to register
The entry fee includes race support, finish line services, and transportation to the start line. While no qualification points are needed, previous ultra experience is strongly recommended, given the technical nature of the course. A medical certificate issued within one year of race day is required.
9. Swiss Alps 100
Location: Kandersteg, Switzerland
Type: Mountain ultra
Difficulty: 💪💪💪💪
Distance: 160 km (100 miles)
Dates: Typically in July
Pure Alpine majesty awaits in this challenging mountain ultra through the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Starting in Kandersteg, runners traverse some of Switzerland's most stunning landscapes, passing turquoise mountain lakes, massive glaciers, and flower-filled Alpine meadows. The route delivers 6250 meters of elevation gain while offering close-up views of iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Technical trails demand careful footing, especially during night sections, but the reward comes at dawn when the first light hits the snow-capped peaks. The infamous Swiss precision extends to the race organization, with well-stocked aid stations and clear course marking, making logistics one less thing to worry about.
How to register
Previous mountain ultra experience is required, and you'll need to submit a medical certificate valid for race day. Book your accommodation early in Kandersteg—the race's growing popularity means local hotels fill up quickly. A mandatory gear check takes place during bib pickup, so arrive prepared with all the required safety equipment.
