Trail Runs Calendar

Ever heard the legend? It says that trail running originated in 11th-century Great Britain with a race organized by King Malcolm III of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, who was in search of a royal messenger! 👑 Fast forward to 1921, the Comrades Marathon became the first officially recorded trail event: an 89-kilometer run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in South Africa 🇿🇦. Fast forward 86 years to 2007, when the first World Trail Championships 🏆 were held. Since 2013, the International Trail Running Association (the renowned ITRA points) has represented the discipline globally. The Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) also strives to develop and promote trail running! The GTWS organizes an annual championship, with the current titleholder being Swiss athlete Rémi Bonnet. Since 2021, the organizers of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) have created their own competitive circuit, the UTMB World Series, featuring events around the globe and culminating in a final in Chamonix at the end of August and beginning of September. That's the historical scoop! 👩‍🏫

In this adventure 🎒, perseverance is key 😉, fueled by a balanced diet 🍌 to keep your energy levels high 💪. Trail running is trending, much like the Ironman, and demands solid resilience and determination. Trail running comes in various categories: discovery trails, short distances 💫, mid-distance (about 20 kilometers) 🚩, long trails, and ultra trails ⛰️. You'll experience a range of landscapes. From grassy paths to coastal trails 🌊, high-altitude routes ⬆ where skyrunning kicks in at 2,000 meters. Depending on your route, you might run through vineyards 🍇, shaded forests, lakes, sandy beaches ⛱️, cliffs, or even snow ❄️ in winter trails. With its growing popularity, trail running is moving closer to urban areas. Urban trails, also known as City Trails or Urban Trails 🏙️, offer unique experiences with surprises like stairs, bridges 🌉, and tunnels, providing a unique adventure for every runner.

Trail running offers a rich variety for its enthusiasts 🥳, and they respond enthusiastically. It's a comprehensive sport that engages all the body’s muscles. No need to worry; even beginners have accessible trails to start with. With 8 million participants in Europe 🇪🇺, it's a passion that brings together all generations 👪. In the '70s, women ♀️ often heard bizarre theories about the effects of sports, but we've come a long way since! For more insights, documentary 📺 lovers can dive into "Free to Run" by Pierre Morath, exploring the origins of this sport 🏃.

In the United Kingdom, the trail running calendar 🗓️ is packed all year round! From the Scottish Highlands 🏔️ to the Lake District 🌳, through Snowdonia ⛰️ and the South Coast of England 🌊, or along the Peak District, the Cotswolds, and Cornwall 🦀, there is something for everyone. Big names like the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge 🏞️, the West Highland Way Challenge Race 🥾, the Snowdonia Trail Challenge ⛰️, the North Downs Way 50 ⚡, and the Lakeland Trails Ultra 🌇 are among the must-dos. Trail running offers a variety of landscapes and terrains suitable for everyone, from short races to more intense challenges 😍. For adventurers, the international calendar 🌍 also has gems. From the Zegama-Aizkorri to the Transvulcania and the Hardrock 100 in the United States 🇺🇲, trail running lets you explore new cultures and landscapes 🏞️.

Once you've chosen your challenge, meticulous preparation is crucial: a hydration pack 🍶 and energy bars 🍫 will be indispensable allies for tackling the kilometers ahead. With regular training, you might one day compete with the best 🔥. Among them is Kilian Jornet, whose name you probably recognize: the Spaniard is the most famous trail athlete in the world, known for his numerous achievements. He's won the legendary UTMB three times 🥇 (171 kilometers...), which first took place in 2003. Hailing from Sabadell in Catalonia, he forms a renowned ultra-trail couple with Emelie Forsberg, also a top-tier athlete. Another standout in the field is Marie Goncalves 🌆, known for her success on various courses and resilience. On the men's side, Mathieu Blanchard has captivated podiums with his remarkable performances across different distances and terrains. Courtney Dauwalter, renowned for her extraordinary endurance, breaks records on extreme distances and terrains. Not to mention Anton Krupicka, Pau Capell, Jim Walmsley, and Xavier Thévenard 👑, who have shone on the most demanding courses 🥵 thanks to their exceptional talents 🌟.

With such role models to follow, you have all the elements you need to stay motivated and approach your own trail running journey with confidence! 😁

Ready, set, trail!