A Pick of the Hardest Ultra Running Races in the World

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next ultra race, look no further than this list of some of the hardest ultra marathons in the world. From 100-mile races through some of the most stunning and mountainous scenery on Earth to multi-day endurance events that will absolutely test your mettle… these races have it all.

They will push the limits of even the most experienced ultra runners, and they offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Here’s a look at some of the best ultra running races around the globe.

Eiger Ultra Trail Marathon – Switzerland
The Eiger Ultra Trail Marathon is one of Europe’s toughest ultra runs. This race takes runners along 105K of mountainous terrain with over 6,500 meters of elevation gain. Along the way, ultra runners will enjoy stunning alpine views and traverse through fields of wildflowers. This race is not for beginners; it requires a high level of experience and endurance to complete it successfully. 

Read more: ‘Into the Route’ with Dan Patitucci

The Jungle Ultra – Peru
A stunning six-day endurance event that takes place in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. The course runs through some of the wildest and most remote areas of the jungle, with runners covering distances of up to 150 km each day. It is divided into seven sections, with each day presenting its own challenges and obstacles along the way. There are plenty of rivers to cross, mud pits to slog through and dense jungle vegetation to navigate, making this an incredibly tough yet rewarding race for any ultra-runner.

Read more: ‘The Jungle Ultra’ by Jon Shield

Marathon des Sables – Morocco
The Marathon des Sables is considered one of the toughest footraces in the world, and there’s good reason why! This race takes place over six days and covers a total distance of 250K across Morocco’s searing Sahara Desert landscape. Temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during this gruelling event, making it an extreme test for even the most experienced ultra runners. 

Read more: ‘Taking on the Marathon des Sables’ by Susie Chan
‘Endurance and the Desert’ by Elisabet Barnes

The Barkley Marathons – Tennessee, USA
Held in March every year, the Barkley Marathons is widely considered to be one of the toughest ultra races in the world. The race starts at midnight and runners have 60 hours to complete five 20-mile loops through Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. With a course that includes over 17,000 feet of elevation gain and only three aid stations along the way, this is a true test of endurance. And with a success rate of less than 1%, it’s not for the faint of heart. 

Read more: ‘The Barkley Marathon wins again’
‘The Barkley Marathon 2022’ by Alex McMunn

UTMB – Chamonix, France
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is a 101-mile race that takes place every August in Chamonix. Runners start in one of four different villages and must reach the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe before descending back down to finish in Chamonix. With over 10,000 runners from all over the world and nearly 30,000 feet of elevation gain, this is one of the largest and most popular ultra races in existence. 

Read more: ‘Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc Race report: Tom Evans’

Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run – Silverton, Colorado, USA
As its name suggests, the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run is a 100-mile ultramarathon that takes place every July in Silverton, Colorado. Runners have 48 hours to complete the course, which reaches an elevation of 14,048 feet at its highest point. With an average elevation gain of over 7,000 feet per loop, this is one tough race. In fact, only 50% of runners who start Hardrock are able to finish it within the time limit. 

Read more: ‘World class athlete Courtney Dauwalter on winning the Hardrock 100’
‘Hardrock 100: Race Director Interview’ with Dale Garland

Spartathlon – Athens to Sparta, Greece
The Spartathlon is a 153-mile ultramarathon that takes place every September from Athens to Sparta in Greece. Inspired by Pheidippides, the ancient Greek messenger who ran from Athens to Sparta in two days, the Spartathlon follows roughly the same route and gives runners 36 hours to complete it. With nearly 8 miles of climbing and a history dating back over 2,500 years, this is one race that truly has it all. 

Read more: ‘Spartanion – World record for women broken in the 12-hour event’

With so many fantastic and challenging ultra races across the world we’re truly spoilt for choice! And these are just a start to your ultra racing Bucket List.