Following our selection of the most beautiful trails in France, we set off to explore trails and ultra trails around the world. If you want to combine your passion for sport with the thrill of discovering new environments and stunning landscapes, here is our selection of the world's most beautiful trails.
The world's most beautiful trails — our selection
The Tor des Géants
The Tor des Géants is probably one of the most beautiful and most challenging ultra-trails in the world. With a course of 330 km and 24,000 m of positive elevation gain across 25 passes above 2,000 m, it's a serious feast. At the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Mont Avic Regional Nature Park, the Aosta Valley offers its many lakes, unbeatable viewpoints and exceptional scenery — as extraordinary as the effort required to complete it.
Hardrock Endurance Run 100
At 160 km and 10,000 m of positive elevation gain, the Hardrock Endurance Run ranks among the toughest ultra trails in the world. The average altitude of 3,500 m plays no small part in that. The terrain is demanding and technical, and the frequently stormy weather throws real curveballs at participants. The organisers place strong emphasis on survival skills and navigation — both essential to performing well. Enough to give you goosebumps in advance!
The Ultra-trail du Mont Fuji
Japan's mythical summit, Mount Fuji, hosts a demanding ultra trail where you'll need to complete
169 km and 9,478 m of positive elevation gain within a 46-hour limit. This stunning challenge gives you the chance to admire breathtaking views and the sunset over the famous mountain. An ultra trail in the land of the rising sun — tempting, isn't it?
The Kilimanjaro Stage Run
This rather unique trail unfolds over 8 days, taking you on a 260 km route around Kilimanjaro. The courses are tough and the weather changes constantly, shifting between the cold of altitude and the humid heat of the valleys. The terrain has its own quirks, and racing near Kilimanjaro is not something you can wing.
The Ultra-trail du Mont White, or UTMB
Of course, France's flagship trail event couldn't be left off the list. The UTMB covers 168 km and 9,600 m of positive elevation gain to be completed in under 46 hours. The Mont White circuit runs at high altitude with numerous sections above 2,500 m, finishing in the beautiful town of Chamonix. Not only is it an extremely demanding race, but its magical setting also contributes greatly to its reputation and the passion it inspires. Entry spots are hard to come by (in terms of selection, not price), but it's worth every effort for a performance that will stay with you forever.
Le Grand Raid de la Réunion, or La Diagonale des Fous
La Diagonale des Fous covers 9,996 m of positive elevation gain and 172 km through rainforest, cirques and the peaks of Réunion Island — quite the undertaking, and one that can seem a little daunting! But it also offers breathtaking views and an extraordinary atmosphere, carried by the entire local population. A truly unmissable experience, at least once in a lifetime.
The Grand to Grand Ultra
Like the Tor des Géants, this ultra trail takes place over several stages (6). With 273 km and 5,499 m of positive elevation gain through desert, dunes, canyon crossings and river crossings, it's a gruelling race that can bring punishing dry heat. Deep in the American West, this event delivers sporting thrills and a guaranteed change of scenery!
Jungle Marathon
Brazil hosts a wild race with the Jungle Marathon: deep in the Amazon rainforest, you must carve your way through 254 km of inhospitable jungle, crossing swamps and rivers. A hostile environment where you'll be tracked by jaguars, woken by howler monkeys and stung by ants, spiders, mosquitoes and scorpions. An extreme programme — but it certainly has its devotees!
There's still so much out there, and this selection is just an appetiser of what awaits the passionate trail runner, ready to clock up thousands of air miles to then run through varied but enchanting landscapes. Of course, this selection of the world's most beautiful trails is subjective — everyone has their favourites. Either way, if you're a dedicated trail enthusiast, don't hesitate to tick off at least one of these.
