The main question athletes start asking us from September onward is always the same: how can I build my race calendar for next year?

Which distances and elevation gains should I choose, and in what sequence, to perform at my best?

The trail running race calendar is a strategic tool for every trail runner, from advanced amateurs to competitive athletes.

A trail calendar is not just a list of dates.

It is a decision‑making map that helps you structure your season in a way that aligns with your:

• goals

• level of preparation

• available time (personal and professional)

• physiological characteristics

In recent years, trail running in the world has experienced steady growth.

According to data collected by Federations, Race Organizers, and specialized platforms such as Trail Running Movement, the number of trail, sky, and ultra‑trail races has increased by more than 30% between 2018 and 2025.

At the same time, the organizational quality of events, safety standards, and the variety of distances offered have all improved.

In this context, navigating hundreds of events, spread throughout the year, requires a clear method.

This article has one clear goal: to provide a complete and updated guide to the trail running race calendar and related disciplines, focusing on:

• which races are held in each season

• where to find the main race sources for the year

• how to choose races that create a coherent training load and help prevent injuries (overload)

Enjoy the read, and have a great trail running year!

TRM Team

P.S.: If you prefer reading an ebook with all the quantitative explanations, you can find it here.

How to plan your Trail Running Race Calendar in 2026

For over 20 years we have repeated the same rule:

Build a race calendar

that respects your body’s long‑term adaptation!

After coaching nearly 1,000 athletes, we have learned that progression in distance must be cautious to avoid serious or long‑lasting injuries that can compromise the entire season and lead to significant financial costs.

Therefore, when choosing race distances and difficulty, try to follow the multi‑year, sequential structure we use in our trail and ultra trail training programs:

• Year 1: 0–45 km

• Year 2: 46–80 km

• Year 3: 81–120 km

• Year 4: 121–167 km

• Year 5: 168–330 km

• Year 6: 331–500 km

• Year 7: 501–1,000 km

This breakdown is the result of long experience in athletic preparation, nutrition, racing, and—above all—common sense.

The ability to manage extreme difficulties encountered in races cannot be improvised.

When choosing races for the year and for the years ahead, it is essential to know how to manage your body and mental aspects in outdoor environments that can sometimes be extremely dangerous.

Do not overestimate yourself and do not listen to acquaintances or social media posts that downplay safety risks or the difficulty of certain races.

The same race can be easy one year and dramatically dangerous the next due to weather conditions.

Always make sure you have enough experience before launching yourself into adventures that may be far beyond your current preparation.

This approach will guarantee enjoyment and the satisfaction of finishing the race—especially considering the money you may have invested.

At the end of this article, you will also find information on how to obtain an eBook that explains the scientific principles behind determining training loads consistent with race distances.

Why the Trail Running Race Calendar Is a Strategic Tool

Choosing a trail running race is not just signing up for an event…

It means placing an event inside a preparation process that may last months or years.

A well‑structured trail running race calendar allows you to:

• distribute training loads correctly

• avoid harmful overlap between races scheduled too close together

• plan realistic performance peaks

• reduce injury risk

• improve mental management throughout the season

For the athlete, the race calendar becomes a compass.

For the trail running coach, it is the structure that ensures the athlete reaches their toughest goal race.

For race organizers, it is the best moment to position their event and attract the highest number of participants.

For sponsors and sports brands, it is an opportunity to maximize visibility.

How to Find a good Trail Running Race Calendar

Not all race calendars are the same.

Some are simple lists; others include complete, detailed information to help you choose the right race.

A good trail race calendar should include:

• exact event date

• location and region

• available distances

• elevation gain

• terrain type

• link to the official race website

• registration status and/or results

• race organizer contacts

Some specialized platforms have filled this informational gap, becoming true hubs for the trail running community.

Main Websites that publish Trail Races

There are many general and specialized websites offering this type of information.

Here are some non‑exhaustive examples:

UTMB World Series: the most famous global trail running circuit.  (utmb.world in Bing)

ITRA: the International Trail Running Association, governing the sport worldwide.  (itra.run in Bing)

Run Fast: international trail and ultra‑trail calendar, especially USA. https://www.runfast.it/Gare/Calendario-gare (runfast.it in Bing)

World Trail Majors: it offers a worldwide race calendars with the most requested race from trail runners

Finishers: an international endurance platform, ideal for those looking beyond Italy.  (finishers.com in Bing)

Ahotu: collects sporting events worldwide, allowing comparison of national and international races.  (ahotu.com in Bing)

ATRA: the American Trail Running Association website

Run247: a selection of the top sky, mountain, ultramarathon and trail running races from around the world

GoTrail.run: let you choose races by the major countries where races are held

TrailRunnerMag: race calendar update by one of the most read magazine in USA

UltraRunning: the website specialized in trail running long distances all over the world

RunningCalendarUK: focused in races organized in UK

AsiaTrailMaster: list some of the most well know races in the Asian continent

WorldAthletics: shows only the races included in the World Championships

There are many more alternatives by country, region and discipline, not covered here for space reasons.

Trail Running Calendar: Types of Races by Season

In the Northern Hemisphere, race planning intensifies in spring and summer as snow melts above 2,000 meters.

However, trail running events take place year‑round thanks to equipment that allows running in all environments and weather conditions.

Winter Races: January – February 2026

Characterized by:

• short, intense races

• snow trail events

• technical but shorter courses

Typical events:

• winter trail

• snow run

• skysnow classic

This phase is ideal for:

• building initial conditioning

• working on strength and technique

• using races as cross‑training

Spring Races: March – May 2026

The period to test the first short trail races.

Increases in:

• medium distances

• elevation gain

• course variety

Often includes the first intermediate races.

Summer Races: June – August 2026

The peak season for ultra‑trails.

Includes:

• ultra‑trail races

• iconic alpine events

• high‑visibility competitions

Requires careful planning:

• heat management

• acclimatization

• advanced recovery

Many athletes choose their main goal race here.

Autumn Races: September – November 2026

For many trail runners, this is the second seasonal peak or consolidation phase.

Ideal for:

• long races

• international events

• circuit finals

Seasonal patterns vary greatly by geography and terrain.

How to choose Races to place in your Trail Running Calendar

The choice should never be random.

Key criteria include:

• previous experience

• seasonal goals

• available training time

• recovery capacity

• course characteristics

At Trail Running Movement, these criteria—an holistic approach—are used to build every athlete’s calendar.

A correct race selection can:

• compromise an entire season

or

• become a performance accelerator, boosting visibility and personal satisfaction

Use rational thinking and seek advice from experienced coaches or athletes.

Conclusions

A trail race calendar is not just a list of events. It is a strategic and essential tool—just like the new shoes you buy every year.

Using it consciously means:

• improving performance

• reducing risks

• enhancing the athlete’s journey

• building a coherent and sustainable season

For athletes, coaches, organizers, and brands, the calendar is the starting point of every successful strategy.

Are You a Professional Athlete?

If you want to build an integrated race and training plan to maximize performance, consider purchasing the eBook that explains how to structure training loads for:

• training races

• intermediate races

• main goal races

If you enjoyed this article, join the Trail Running Movement community and live your passion for running in nature to the fullest.

Continue reading the TRM Blog or subscribe to the TRM News newsletter to learn the tricks and secrets of elite athletes.

FAQ

1. How can I build my trail race calendar for next year without risking injuries?

Start by respecting physiological adaptation times. You don’t choose races first—you analyze experience, injury history, available training time, and recovery capacity. Only then do you insert races, following a prudent progression in distance and elevation. A well‑built calendar drastically reduces overload risk and allows consistent race participation.

2. What distances and elevation gains should I choose to improve performance over time?

Progression must be multi‑year. Rushing into extreme distances increases the risk of long breaks. The suggested structure gradually increases distance only when the body has assimilated training loads, environmental challenges, and mental management. Performance comes from continuity, not haste.

3. Why is the trail race calendar considered a strategic tool and not just a list of dates?

Because each race affects the entire preparation process. A race determines weeks or months of specific training, recovery, and adaptation. A strategic calendar allows realistic performance peaks, avoids races too close together, and maintains balance between stress and recovery.

4. What information should I check when consulting an online trail race calendar?

Not just the date. A reliable calendar must include distance, elevation gain, terrain type, location, climate period, registration status, and official website link. These details help determine whether the race fits your level and seasonal phase.

5. What are the most reliable sites to find trail race calendars in Italy and abroad?

There are many authoritative platforms, including multisport sites, trail‑specific portals, and international circuits. Using multiple sources helps compare events, avoid overlaps, and find alternatives in case of changes or sold‑out races.

6. How does race selection change depending on the season?

Winter: short, technical, often snowy races—ideal for strength and base work. Spring: increasing distances and elevation—good for testing condition. Summer: ultra‑trails and iconic races—requires advanced preparation. Autumn: second peak or consolidation phase—ideal climate for long races.

7. How can I avoid compromising the entire season with a wrong race choice?

Avoid impulsive decisions. Don’t follow trends, social pressure, or superficial advice. A race may be easy one year and dangerous the next due to weather. Evaluate rationally, based on experience and expert guidance.

8. When is it advisable to rely on a coach to define the trail race calendar?

Whenever the goal becomes ambitious. For long races, ultra‑trails, or multiple events in one season, a coach helps integrate calendar, training, and recovery. A well‑designed calendar becomes a performance accelerator and prevents costly mistakes.

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Article update 15/01/2026

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