Following our selection of the most beautiful trails in France, we now set off to explore trails and ultra trails across the globe. 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.
A selection of the world's most beautiful trails
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 330km and 24,000m of positive elevation gain across 25 cols above 2,000m, it's a true feast! At the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Mont Avic Regional Park, the Aosta Valley offers its many lakes, unrivalled viewpoints and an exceptional setting for an effort that is equally exceptional!
Hardrock Endurance Run 100
With 160km and 10,000m of elevation gain, the Hardrock Endurance Run ranks among the toughest ultra trails in the world. The average altitude of 3,500m plays no small part. The terrain is demanding and technical, and the frequently stormy weather keeps participants on their toes. The organisers place strong emphasis on survival skills and navigation — both essential to performing well. Enough to make you shiver in anticipation!
The Ultra-trail du Mont Fuji
Japan's mythical summit, Mount Fuji, hosts a demanding ultra trail where you'll need to tackle
169km and 9,478m of positive elevation gain in a maximum of 46 hours. This impressive programme will give you the chance to admire breathtaking views and the setting sun over the iconic mountain. An ultra trail in the Land of the Rising Sun — tempting, isn't it?
The Kilimanjaro Stage Run
This rather special trail unfolds over 8 days, with a programme of 260km around Kilimanjaro. The routes are tough and weather conditions change frequently, from the cold of altitude to the humid heat of the valleys. On top of that, the terrain has its own peculiarities — racing near Kilimanjaro is not something you improvise.
The Ultra-Trail du Mont White, or UTMB
Naturally, France's flagship trail race couldn't be left off the list. The UTMB covers 168km and 9,600m of positive elevation gain to be completed in under 46 hours. The Mont-White circuit runs at high altitude with numerous passages above 2,500m, and the finish is set 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. Places are hard to come by (in terms of selection, not price) but it's worth it for a performance that will stay engraved in your memory.
Le Grand Raid de la Réunion, or La Diagonale des Fous
La Diagonale des Fous covers 9,996m of positive elevation gain and 172km through rainforest, cirques and the summits of Réunion Island — a formidable programme 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 to do at least once in your lifetime!
The Grand to Grand Ultra
Like the Tor des Géants, this ultra trail takes place in several stages (6). With 273km and 5,499m of positive elevation gain through desert, dunes, canyon crossings and river crossings, it's a highly demanding race with sometimes punishing dry heat. At the heart of the American West, this event will deliver athletic highs alongside a guaranteed change of scenery!
Jungle Marathon
Brazil hosts an extraordinary race: the Jungle Marathon. Deep in virgin rainforest, you must carve your way through 254km of inhospitable jungle, crossing swamps and rivers. A hostile environment where you'll be shadowed by jaguars, woken by howler monkeys, and stung by ants, spiders, mosquitoes and scorpions. In short, a pretty extreme programme — but one that has its devoted following!
There's still plenty out there to explore, and this selection is just an appetiser of what awaits the passionate trail runner, ready to rack up thousands of kilometres in the air just to run even more through varied but enchanting destinations. Of course, this selection of the world's most beautiful trails is subjective — everyone has their favourites. In any case, if you're a dedicated trail enthusiast, don't hesitate to tackle at least one of these.
