Ultra Trail Calendar

Ultrarunning 🏞️, also known by various names such as Ultra-distance, Ultra-marathon, or Ultra-trail (yeah, it can be a bit confusing with all the names 🤷‍♀️), offers a unique experience for nature lovers ❤️. You can choose from courses of 80 km, 100 km, 160 km, or even more! 😵‍💫 Preparation for these races is essential, requiring good self-awareness, flexible ankles, and the right shoes 👟. Unlike fast running, ultra trail running mainly demands resilience 💪, endurance, and strength 🏋️. The courses often feature steep climbs (with a lot of elevation gain ⬆️), allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscapes 🍃, especially in the mountains 🌄. Numerous ultra-trails take place in the mountainous regions of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, such as the Highlands in Scotland, the Lake District in England, Snowdonia in Wales, and the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. These races typically occur between March 🌸 and October 🍂, offering participants a variety of landscapes and unique challenges.

Let's take a trip down memory lane... This format of racing emerged in 1974 in the United States 🇺🇲, with Gordy Ainsleigh blazing the trail. He started the equestrian race 🐎 of the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run with the goal of finishing within the 24-hour limit ✅, but on foot (rather than horseback). He crossed the finish line 23 hours and 42 minutes later 👏, achieving his goal and simultaneously giving birth to the ultra trail discipline! The sport made its way to Europe 🇪🇺 in the 80s and 90s. But it was really in the 2000s that competitions began proliferating worldwide 🌍. Famous events like the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) ❄️, the Marathon des Sables 🏜️, the Grand Trail des Templiers ⚔️, and the Grand Raid de la Réunion 🏝️ (familiarly known as the "Diagonal of the Fools") attract thousands of ultra runners each year, all in search of thrills and breathtaking landscapes 😍. Iconic races like the Hard Rock 100 or the "Barkley", considered among the toughest ultra-marathons in the world 🤯, are also worth mentioning.

Regarding ultra-trails in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, we can mention some renowned races: the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB® ⛰️ (Snowdonia), the Lakeland Trails Ultra 🌲 (Lake District), the Centurion - South Downs Way 100 🌄 (South Downs National Park), the Arc of Attrition by UTMB 🌊 (Cornwall), the Montane Spine Summer Races 🌟 (Pennine Way), and the Ultra Great Britain 🏅 (crossing various iconic locations). These events offer exceptional challenges through the United Kingdom's magnificent and varied landscapes. It is hard to find a better discipline to combine travel 🧳, diverse scenery, and running 🏃. Don't hesitate to browse the Finishers calendar 🔥; you will surely find a course that suits you.

So, are you ready to join the legends of this racing format 🏃‍♂️? Who knows, you might run into ultra trail icons like Pau Capell, Anton Krupicka, Courtney Dauwalter, Jim Walmsley, and many more... Kilian Jornet from Spain is one of the most iconic faces of this discipline 🤩. On the British side 🇬🇧, you have surely heard of Damian Hall, Jasmin Paris, Nicky Spinks, and John Kelly. So, are you ready to join the great names in this race format 🏃‍♂️?

A true adventure in the great outdoors 🌿! Ready to push your limits and revel in the stunning landscapes? Who knows what incredible stories await you at every turn of the race!