Best Trail Running and Ultra Marathon Tour Destinations

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Best Trail Running and Ultra Marathon Tour Destinations

Trail running has been growing fast for two decades. What was once a fringe sport for mountain ultrarunners has become a mainstream travel category, with marquee races attracting 5,000-10,000 runners per event and travel companies running training trips to every famous trail-running region. The best destinations combine genuinely runnable terrain, supportive race or trail-running infrastructure, and access to an active local running culture.

I'm a moderate trail runner - I've completed two marathons, several half-trail races, and one 50-km ultra in the Lake District. The big 100-mile races are not my territory, and what I'll say about them here mostly comes from runners I trust who've completed them, not from my own experience. Where I'm passing on someone else's view, I'll say so.

This guide ranks the world's best trail-running and ultra-marathon destinations both for racing and for non-racing training trips, what each region's terrain is actually like, costs, and how to access the famous races (most of which are lottery-only).

TL;DR - Quick Answer

The five trail-running destinations worth flying for are: Chamonix, France (UTMB Mont-Blanc Week - the de facto world championship of mountain ultras, late August; runnable year-round on the same trails); Western States 100 area, California (the historic American 100-miler, June; American River Canyon trails year-round); the Dolomites of Italy (Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Tor des Géants, plus extensive runnable trails - June through September); Patagonia (Torres del Paine and Ushuaia) (Patagonian International Marathon, Ushuaia Trail Race - November-March Southern Hemisphere season); and the Marathon des Sables in Morocco (the legendary multi-stage Sahara desert race, late March-early April). Below those, GR20 in Corsica, the Lake District in England, Madeira's MIUT, New Zealand's South Island, the Pyrenees, and Japan's UTMF Mount Fuji all support meaningful trail-running tourism.

What Trail Running Tourism Actually Means

Trail running tourism breaks into three categories:

Racing. Travel for a specific event. Most major ultras are lottery-entry; some are first-come; entry timing matters more than fitness for many of them.
Training trips. Multi-day visits to famous trail-running regions to run the trails themselves, with or without a race goal. Lots of operators now run guided trail-running camps in the Alps, Dolomites, and other major destinations.
Trail running as travel mode. Using running as the way to see a destination - a 4-week trip using daily long runs to explore a country or region. Ulrich Berger's Trail Running Atlas and the Run the Wild guidebook series document specific regional trail networks.

For broader background, Wikipedia's trail running article covers the modern sport's emergence; Wikipedia on ultramarathon covers the longer-format races.

Tier 1: top-tier Trail Running Destinations

Chamonix, France - UTMB and the Surrounding Trails

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is the most prestigious mountain ultra in the world. The full 171-km loop around Mont Blanc, with 10,000m of total ascent, takes elite runners 19-22 hours and most finishers 35-46 hours. UTMB Week (late August) hosts about 10,000 runners across 10 distinct races (the original UTMB plus shorter formats CCC, OCC, TDS, MCC, plus several others). For non-racing visitors, the Chamonix Valley offers some of the best runnable mountain terrain in Europe, accessible from village trailheads via cable car.

Specific running. The full TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc) trail can be run as the race route or as a multi-day stage tour without racing - roughly 12-17 days at touring pace, 5-7 days at running pace. Day routes in the valley: the Aiguilles Rouges traverse, the Grands Balcons, the Mer de Glace approach to Refuge du Couvercle.

Logistics for racing. UTMB requires lottery entry plus accumulated qualifying points from other UTMB-network races. The application window typically opens December for the following year's August race; you need 8+ qualifying points (gained over 2 years from approved races) to enter the lottery. Lottery odds in 2024 were roughly 1 in 5 for UTMB itself; significantly better for CCC and OCC. Race entry fees €100-260 depending on race.

Logistics for training trips. Stay in Chamonix or Les Houches. Multiple guided trail-running camps run April-October (Lake Annecy area camps, Alpine Trail Running, Run the Wild). DIY-friendly with public transport along the valley.

Best season. Late June through early October for the high mountain trails. UTMB week in late August is intensely crowded; trail-running tourism in early September is calmer.

Western States 100, California - The Historic American Ultra

The Western States Endurance Run is the original 100-mile mountain race, dating to 1977 when Gordy Ainsleigh ran the Tevis Cup horse trail course solo. The route from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, includes 5,500m of ascent and 7,000m of descent across 161 km. Race held the last weekend of June.

Specific running. The full Western States course can be run as an unsupported tour. The American River Canyon section (the lower portion of the race route from Cool to Auburn) is widely accessible for day runs. Donner Lake, Squaw Valley, and the Tahoe Rim Trail provide additional regional running.

Logistics for racing. Lottery entry. Qualifying race required (a 100K or 100-mile race within the prior 12 months with sub-cutoff finish). Lottery odds in 2024 were roughly 1 in 11 for first-time applicants; better as you accumulate years in the lottery without selection. Entry fee $410.

Logistics for training trips. Stay in Auburn, Olympic Valley, or Truckee. Spring through autumn (April-October) for trail accessibility.

Best season. Late March through early November. June can already be hot; late September through early October is the prime trail-running window.

The Dolomites of Italy - UNESCO Trail Running

The Dolomites support multiple major trail races - Lavaredo Ultra Trail (June, 120 km loop from Cortina d'Ampezzo around Tre Cime), Tor des Géants (September, 330 km in the Aosta Valley though technically across the border, but logistically connected), and others. The mountain trails themselves are some of the most runnable in Europe - well-marked, supported by mountain refuges every 4-6 hours of running, and on broadly forgiving terrain by Alpine standards.

Specific running. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. The Sella Group ridges. The Alta Via routes 1 and 2 as multi-day fastpacking objectives. The Marmolada traverse.

Logistics for racing. Lavaredo Ultra Trail uses a points-system entry similar to UTMB. Tor des Géants is one of the most extreme entries - selection is partly by qualifying-time and partly by what amounts to a committee decision. Race entry fees €100-260.

Logistics for training trips. Multiple guided trail-running camps run June-September. Base in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, or Alpe di Siusi. Mountain-refuge-to-refuge fastpacking is exceptionally well-supported.

Best season. Late June through September. July-August are crowded; early-September days are calmer.

Patagonia - End-of-the-World Trail Running

Patagonia's trail running scene developed in the 2010s and now hosts several internationally respected races: the Patagonian International Marathon (Torres del Paine, late November), the Ushuaia Trail Race (October), and the Patagonia Run in San Martín de los Andes Argentina (April). The terrain combines spectacular mountain backdrops, exposure to harsh Patagonian wind, and one of the most distinctive running settings on earth.

Specific running. The W trek and O circuit in Torres del Paine can be run as multi-day tours. The Ushuaia-area trails. The Bariloche-Llao Llao circuit.

Logistics. Race entry typically opens 6-9 months before each event. Costs $200-450 entry plus international flights and significant travel costs to Patagonia.

Best season. November-March (Southern Hemisphere summer). Outside this window, snow and short days limit access.

Honest difficulty note. The Patagonian wind is not a metaphor. Sustained 60-100 kph wind in the high passes is normal. Running into it can feel physically impossible at times. Plan for wind to slow your race times by 10-30% versus comparable terrain elsewhere.

Marathon des Sables, Morocco - The Sahara Multi-Stage

Marathon des Sables is the most famous multi-stage trail race in the world. 250 km across the Saharan dunes over 6 days, self-supported (you carry your own food and gear, water provided). Late March-early April annually. About 1,200 runners per year.

Logistics. Official entry €4,500-7,000 per person depending on tier - that's the all-inclusive fee covering flights from Paris or Casablanca, race administration, support staff, water, evacuations, the "bivouac" tent accommodation, and post-race banquet. Plus mandatory equipment: ultra-light pack, sleeping bag, headtorch, electrolyte tablets, salt tablets, anti-snake serum, etc.

Best season. The race is held annually. Other Saharan-style multi-stage races (Atacama Crossing, Gobi March, etc., from Racing the Planet) offer comparable experiences in different deserts.

Honest difficulty note. This is the hardest entry-level multi-stage. Heat (35-45°C in the dunes), self-supported nutrition, and the cumulative fatigue across 6 stages combine to defeat 5-15% of starters most years. Most successful finishers train specifically for 6-12 months ahead with heat-adaptation runs and back-to-back long-run weekends.

Tier 2: Strong Trail Running Destinations

GR20, Corsica

Already covered in our thru-hiking guide - also one of Europe's hardest run-able routes. Race format (the GR20 Race) covers the full 180 km in roughly 38-44 hours for top runners.

Lake District, England

UK trail running's heartland. Lakeland 100 (one of the UK's most respected ultras, late July). Helvellyn races. The Bob Graham Round (a 24-hour 42-peak fell-running classic) and the Joss Naylor variant for older runners.

Madeira (MIUT - Madeira Island Ultra Trail)

April annually, multiple distance options. The 115-km MIUT race traces some of the most spectacular running terrain in Europe - laurel forest, coastal cliffs, volcanic peaks. UNESCO laurissilva forest section is memorable.

New Zealand's South Island

The Tarawera Ultra (February in the North Island, but most associated with NZ ultrarunning) and various Southern Alps races. Run the Wild's New Zealand camps and the locally organised Routeburn-area events.

Pyrenees

GR10 and GR11 trails - France-Spain border traverses. Andorra Ultra Trail (July). UTMB Pyrénées (October). The terrain is more sustained-mountain than the Alps and rewards experienced trail runners.

UTMF Mount Fuji, Japan

The Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji is the major Asian trail ultra, held in late April. 165 km loop around Mount Fuji.

Cost Comparison

For a 7-10 day trail-running trip, all-inclusive of flights from Europe or North America, race entry where applicable, and lodging.

Destination	Race entry	Trip total approx. (with flight)	Best for
Chamonix UTMB Week	€100-260	€2,500-4,500	Marquee race or training
Dolomites (Lavaredo)	€100-200	€2,200-3,800	Beautiful runnable terrain
Western States area (no race)	n/a	$1,800-3,200	American trails experience
Patagonia (with race)	$200-450	$4,500-7,500	End-of-world ambience
Marathon des Sables	€4,500-7,000 (all-in)	€4,500-7,000	Multi-stage extreme experience
GR20 Corsica	n/a (touring)	€1,800-2,800	Hard self-supported running
Lake District (UK)	£100-180	£1,200-2,500	UK fell-running heritage

The total trip cost is dominated by international flights for many destinations. Multi-stage races like Marathon des Sables include flights and logistics in a single fee.

How to Choose Between Racing and Training Trips

The right framing depends on you. If you're a competitive runner training for a specific race, the training trip approach is often more valuable than a race trip - you'll learn the trails, get useful elevation training, and avoid the race-day stress of a destination event.

If you want the social experience of a major race, marathons and ultras at marquee destinations are genuinely communal events. Running 100 km with thousands of other people, in shared support and shared suffering, is a different category of experience.

Many regulars do both - a training trip to a destination region one year, then return for the race the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be for these destinations?

For training trips, basically any trail-running fitness works - you can pick distances and pace to match your ability. For competitive races: most marquee races require sub-cutoff finish, which means roughly 17-19-minute-mile pace for 100-milers and roughly 13-15-minute-mile pace for marathons. For shorter races (40-60 km), sub-cutoff is easier and the fitness barrier is lower.

How do I qualify for UTMB?

Through accumulating qualifying points from other UTMB-network races. The system changes periodically; current details at the UTMB World Series site. Plan 2-3 years of qualifying race participation before your first UTMB lottery entry.

How do I qualify for Western States?

A qualifying race within the prior 12 months, then lottery entry. Qualifying races are listed annually on Western States's website; most 100-mile and 100-km mountain ultras with sub-cutoff requirements qualify. Lottery odds improve with consecutive years of unsuccessful entry (the "ticket count" system).

Are these races dangerous?

Yes, but the risks are mostly altitude, exposure, dehydration, and falls - manageable with preparation. Most fatalities at major mountain ultras have been from cardiac events in older runners or extreme weather situations. The accident rate is comparable to or lower than recreational mountain hiking at the same intensity.

What gear do I need?

For training trips: standard trail-running shoes, a lightweight running pack (10-litre running vest), shell jacket, headtorch, water bottles, electrolyte tablets, basic first aid. For specific races, mandatory equipment lists vary widely - UTMB requires waterproof jacket, headtorch, whistle, foil blanket, mobile phone with charged battery, food, water containers totalling 1-litre minimum, and several other items. Read the mandatory equipment list weeks before the race.

Can I run these destinations as a non-elite?

Absolutely. The destinations are open trails outside of race weekends. Anyone with reasonable mountain-trail experience can run them at their own pace. Major training-trip operators welcome runners across the spectrum from competitive to recreational.

What's the right way to train for an Alpine 100-miler?

Most successful runners follow a 6-12 month build with progressive long runs (working up to 80-100% of race distance), back-to-back weekend long runs, and substantial elevation work. The specifics vary by coach. Books like Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning and Krissy Moehl's Running Your First Ultra are useful starting points.

What about heat training for desert races?

Marathon des Sables, Atacama Crossing, and similar require specific heat adaptation. Ten to fourteen days of 60-90-minute sauna sessions or heat-room training before the race produces meaningful adaptation. Some runners do their final taper in genuinely hot environments (Phoenix in March, Marrakech in February).

Putting It All Together - Recommended Trips

For first-time trail-running travellers with one week: Chamonix in early September. Stay in Les Houches. Run the easier sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc (Les Contamines to Refuge des Mottets, then on to Champex) over 4 days. Budget €1,800-2,800 plus flights.

For a serious race goal: Lavaredo Ultra Trail in June (more accessible entry than UTMB) plus a 4-day Dolomites training extension. Budget €2,500-3,800 plus flights.

For the Western States American trail experience without racing: 7 days in Auburn-Tahoe area, May or September. Budget $2,000-3,200 plus flights. Run sections of the Western States trail at your own pace.

For the multi-stage extreme: Marathon des Sables. 6-9 days. Budget €5,500-8,000 all-inclusive plus airport transfers. Train for 9-12 months in advance.

Related guides on this site

For background and current race information: Wikipedia's trail running article covers the sport's development; Wikipedia on ultramarathon covers the long-format category; Wikipedia on Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc covers the marquee European race; the International Trail Running Association maintains race calendars and ranking systems. Magazines like Trail Runner (US) and Trail Running (UK) publish current race coverage and training advice.

Run your own pace. Train your descents harder than you think you need to. Trust the trail to teach you what's left.

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