My Thoughts: The 10 Best Ultramarathons and Trail Races in the World (2027)

The Hidden Gems: Why Lesser-Known Races Often Deliver the Best Experiences

When Dave asked for my top 10, I could see his eyes glaze over at the usual suspects—UTMB, Western States, Leadville. So I pulled up a different list. "Here," I said, "these are the races that won't make your Instagram feed explode, but they'll change your relationship with running." The thing about ultrarunning's heavy hitters is that they've become spectacles. UTMB has 10,000 runners across its various distances now, with a lottery that accepts maybe 15% of applicants. Western States has a waitlist that stretches years. But there's a whole universe of races that offer equal—sometimes better—challenges without the circus.

Take the Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy's Dolomites. It's a 120 km course with 5,800 m of climbing, set against those iconic jagged peaks. Entry runs about €200–€250, and while it's competitive (about 1,500 finishers), the lottery odds are far better than UTMB's—roughly 30–40% for first-timers. The aid stations serve real Italian espresso and fresh pasta. The finish line is in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a town that's been hosting skiers and climbers for decades, so the local support is genuine, not manufactured. The course is technical—you'll scramble over boulders and traverse narrow ridgelines—but the views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo at sunrise are worth every blister. I told Dave, "If you want to feel like an explorer, not a number, this is your race."

Then there's the TDS (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie), UTMB's less famous cousin. Same week in Chamonix, same organization, but the course is 145 km with 9,100 m of climbing—arguably harder than UTMB's 171 km because it's steeper and more technical. Entry is about €250–€300, and the lottery is less brutal (maybe 40–50% acceptance). The vibe is different: fewer spectators, more silence, more moments where you're alone in the alpine with only your breath and the crunch of gravel. The finish is still in Chamonix, but you don't get the same roar as UTMB's main event. Some runners prefer that. Dave, who hates crowds, nodded when I explained this.

For a truly off-the-grid experience, I pointed him to the Patagonia Run in Argentina. The 100-mile (160 km) option costs around $400–$500, including a bus from Bariloche to the start. The course winds through the Andes, past turquoise lakes and ancient lenga forests, with 4,500 m of climbing. The field is small—maybe 300 starters for the 100-miler—and the atmosphere is intimate. Aid stations are run by local families who've been doing this for decades. You might see condors circling overhead. The weather is unpredictable: you could start in warm sun and finish in a snowstorm. The finish line is a simple arch in a mountain village, where the mayor shakes your hand and a local woman hands you a bowl of stew. No sponsor tents, no merchandise booths. Just pure trail running.

I told Dave, "The best race isn't the one with the most prestige. It's the one that matches your soul." He seemed to get it.

The Gear and Logistics That Make or Break Your Race

Dave had another question: "What do I actually need to bring?" This is where most first-timers blow it. They show up with a hydration vest they bought on Amazon and shoes they've worn for 50 miles. I've seen runners DNF because their headlamp died at 3 a.m. on a ridge. The gear list for a 100-miler isn't just a suggestion—it's a survival kit.

Let's start with shoes. For a race like UTMB with its mix of smooth trails and technical descents, you want something with 4–6 mm of lugs. Hoka Speedgoat 6 or Saucony Peregrine 15 are solid choices, costing about $150–$180 a pair. But here's the trick: you need two pairs. Rotate them at aid stations. A wet shoe at mile 60 is a blister factory. I've seen runners tape their feet with leukotape (about $15 a roll) before the start, then reapply at every major aid station. It's cheap insurance.

Hydration vests are non-negotiable. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 costs about $180–$220 and holds 1.5 liters of water plus all your mandatory gear: headlamp, emergency blanket, whistle, phone, food, and extra layers. For a race like Leadville, where temperatures can swing from 40°F at night to 80°F in the day, you need a lightweight puffy jacket (like the Patagonia Houdini, $150–$200) and a waterproof shell (like the Arc'teryx Norvan, $250–$350). Yes, it's expensive. Yes, you'll curse me when you're packing it. But when a thunderstorm rolls in at mile 80 and you're shivering on a ridge, you'll thank me.

Nutrition is the other landmine. You can't just eat gels for 30 hours. Your stomach will revolt. I told Dave to practice with real food on long training runs: peanut butter sandwiches, boiled potatoes dipped in salt, bacon (yes, bacon), and even small pieces of pizza. Aid stations at races like Western States serve hot broth, ramen, and quesadillas. But you need to know what works for *you*. Test everything before race day. I've seen runners DNF because they tried a new gel at mile 50 and spent the next 10 hours vomiting.

Logistics matter too. For UTMB, you need to book accommodation in Chamonix a year in advance. A basic studio apartment runs €150–€300 per night during race week. For Leadville, book a hotel in town (about $200–$400 per night) or camp at the race start. Flights to Chamonix go through Geneva (about $800–$1,200 from the U.S. in summer), then a 1.5-hour bus or shuttle. For Patagonia Run, fly to Bariloche (about $1,000–$1,500 from the U.S.), then take a bus to the race start. Budget for these costs: gear ($500–$1,000), travel ($1,500–$3,000), entry fees ($200–$500), and accommodation ($500–$1,500). A first 100-miler can easily cost $3,000–$6,000 all-in. Dave's face went pale. I laughed and said, "Welcome to ultrarunning."

The Mental Game: How to Survive the Dark Miles

Dave was quiet for a moment, then asked, "What about the mental part?" This is where most training plans fall short. You can run 100 miles a week, nail your nutrition, and have perfect gear, but if your mind breaks at mile 70, you're done. I've seen it happen to elite runners. The mental game isn't about being tough—it's about having a system.

First, break the race into chunks. Don't think about the whole 100 miles. Think about the next aid station, which is usually 5–10 miles away. At mile 60 of Western States, when you're climbing the Devil's Thumb (a 1,500-foot, 1.5-mile climb that feels like a wall), you don't think about the remaining 40 miles. You think about getting to the top. Then you think about the descent. Then the next aid station. I told Dave to write a "race script" in his phone: mile-by-mile reminders of what to eat, when to change shoes, what to think about. At mile 80, when his brain is foggy from sleep deprivation, he can just read the script.

Second, embrace the low points. Every 100-miler has them. Around mile 50–60, your legs will ache, your stomach will churn, and you'll wonder why you're doing this. This is normal. I call it the "mid-race crisis." The trick is to accept it. Don't fight the pain. Say to yourself, "This is part of the experience." Then take a walk break. Eat something salty. Drink water. Usually, within 20 minutes, you'll feel better. The low point passes. It always does.

Third, use the power of the pack. In a race like UTMB, you'll run with hundreds of other runners. Use their energy. When you're struggling, find someone who's moving at your pace and stick with them. You don't have to talk—just share the rhythm. At Leadville, the aid stations are famous for their volunteers. At mile 50, you'll see a line of people handing out cups of broth, cheering your name. Let that lift you. I've seen runners cry at aid stations, not from pain, but from the overwhelming kindness of strangers.

Finally, have a "why" that's bigger than the race. Dave's reason was simple: he wanted to prove to himself that he could do something hard. That's enough. But I've known runners who run for a cause—raising money for cancer research, or running in memory of a loved one. When the miles get dark, that "why" becomes a lifeline. I told Dave to write his reason on his arm in permanent marker. "When you're at mile 90 and every step hurts," I said, "look down at your arm and remember why you started."

He nodded slowly. "I think I get it now."

Related on PULSE

• [Should I open or buy a World Gym franchise in 2027?](/knowledge/ed0123)
• [Should I open or buy a Tint World franchise in 2027?](/knowledge/ed0289)
• [My Thoughts: What are the first steps to take if my dog eats something toxic](/knowledge/ed0041)
• [My Thoughts: How Do I Save on Buildout by Taking a Second-Generation Restaurant Space](/knowledge/ed0040)
• [My Thoughts: Hope Is Not a Strategy by Rick Page: Summary, Key Lessons, and RevOps Takeaways](/knowledge/ed0039)
• [My Thoughts: Top 10 Banking Net Interest Margin Revenue KPIs](/knowledge/ed0038)

Sources

• International Trail Running Association (ITRA) — official rankings, race classifications, and global trail running standards.
• Ultrarunning Magazine — in-depth race reviews, athlete interviews, and annual race rankings.
• World Athletics — governing body for ultramarathon and trail running events, including official race listings.
• Runner’s World — expert-curated lists, gear recommendations, and race guides for ultramarathons.
• Trail Runner Magazine — dedicated coverage of trail races, course profiles, and community rankings.
• American Trail Running Association (ATRA) — comprehensive database of U.S. and international trail races, safety guidelines, and event calendars.

FAQ

Are these races only for elite runners? No, most have cutoffs generous enough for mid-pack runners. UTMB requires qualifying points and a lottery, but events like the Leadville Trail 100 have a lottery too, with a typical acceptance rate around 20–30%. Many 50 km races on the list have no lottery at all.

How much do these races typically cost to enter? Entry fees vary widely, from about $150 for a 50 km event up to over $1,500 for multi-day stage races like the Marathon des Sables. UTMB is around €350, while Leadville is roughly $315–$365. Most single-day 100 milers fall in the $200–$500 range.

Do I need to qualify or win a lottery for every race? No, but several require it. UTMB uses a points-and-lottery system, and Leadville also has a lottery. Others, like the Western States 100, have a competitive lottery with a typical acceptance rate under 10%. Many shorter or less famous races are first-come, first-served.

What’s the hardest part of training for these races? The biggest challenge is consistent vertical gain training. Most of these races have 5,000–10,000 meters of climbing, so you need to build hill endurance over months. Long back-to-back runs on terrain similar to the race course are essential, and many runners take 6–12 months to prepare.

Can I run these races if I live outside the host country? Yes, most are international events with no residency restrictions. UTMB, for example, draws runners from over 100 countries. You may need to plan for travel, visas, and altitude acclimation, especially for high-altitude races like Leadville (starting at 10,000 feet).

What gear do I need for an ultramarathon? Mandatory gear lists vary by race but typically include a headlamp, hydration system, emergency blanket, whistle, and weather-appropriate clothing. Some races require a specific pack or poles. Expect to invest $200–$1,000 in gear, depending on conditions and personal preferences.