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Toughest trail races 2026

If you want a serious challenge, these are the 45 elite difficulty races of 2026 on our calendar. Each race page includes its Pack 360 with the technical gear and nutrition a race like this demands.

45 races in 20 regions

Other years:20272025

By season and goal

Spring trail races(57)Summer trail races(34)Autumn trail races(142)Winter trail races(19)Trail races with UTMB Index points(7)Trail races for beginners(9)

October2026

14
Backyard MGI Ronda
3 Oct· Registration closed

Backyard MGI Ronda

Ronda, Málaga · Andalusia

6.7 kmElite

Amer Mallorca 5000 Skyrunning
3 Oct

Amer Mallorca 5000 Skyrunning

Sóller, Mallorca · Balearic Islands

72 · 24 kmElite

Peña Prieta SkyRace
3 Oct

Peña Prieta SkyRace

Vega de Liébana · Cantabria

36 · 8 · 8 kmElite

Backyard Ultra Curillas
3 Oct

Backyard Ultra Curillas

Curillas, Valderrey (León) · Castile and Leon

6.706 kmElite

Recommended gear · Best Overall

Salomon ADV Skin 12 SetSalomon ADV Skin 12 SetView on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Compare with other options →
Ultra Pirineu
3 Oct★ Featured· Registration closed

Ultra Pirineu

Bagà · Catalonia

100 · 54 · 30 kmElite

Gran Trail de Peñalara
9 Oct

Gran Trail de Peñalara

Navacerrada · Community of Madrid

104 · 61 · 11 kmElite

Siyasa Gran Trail
10 Oct

Siyasa Gran Trail

Cieza · Region of Murcia

65 · 42 · 25 kmElite

Trail Ribeira Sacra
11 Oct

Trail Ribeira Sacra

Nogueira de Ramuín · Galicia

48 kmElite

Grand Raid de La Réunion
15 Oct★ Featured

Grand Raid de La Réunion

Saint-Pierre · Réunion

180 kmElite

Sierra Cazorla Trails
17 Oct

Sierra Cazorla Trails

Quesada · Andalusia

65 · 42 · 26 kmElite

Quebrapates Peñamea
17 OctRegistration closes in 4 days

Quebrapates Peñamea

Pola de Laviana · Asturias

33 · 13 kmElite

Grand Raid des Cathares
22 Oct

Grand Raid des Cathares

Carcassonne · Occitania

161 · 101 · 85 kmElite

Recommended gear · Best Overall

Coros Pace 3Coros Pace 3View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Compare with other options →
Sobrescobio Redes Trail
24 OctRegistration closes in 6 days

Sobrescobio Redes Trail

Rioseco · Asturias

31 · 17.5 kmElite

Mallorca by UTMB
30 Oct

Mallorca by UTMB

Sóller, Mallorca · Balearic Islands

138 · 104 · 56 kmElite

Essential trail running gear

Must-have gear to prepare for your mountain races

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Black Diamond

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.

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Hoka Speedgoat 7

Hoka

Hoka Speedgoat 7

The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.

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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

Icebreaker

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.

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Altra Lone Peak 9

Altra

Altra Lone Peak 9

Trail running shoe with zero drop and wide FootShape toe box that allows natural toe splay. 25 mm stack with EGO foam for balanced cushioning without losing ground contact. MaxTrac outsole with 3.5 mm lugs, ideal for non-technical trails, forest tracks and long-distance paths.

View on Amazon →
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