Ultra Trail Lake Como: the most beautiful trail running race in spring!
Join the extraordinary trail running challenge of the Ultra Trail Lake Como (UTLAC), one of the most spectacular and technical trail competitions on the international scene.
The races unfold across the mountains surrounding Lake Como and take place from May 6 to 10, 2025.
Organized in the heart of the Lombard Prealps, all races run along Italy’s most famous lake and are easily accessible from Milan, Bergamo, Switzerland, and the rest of Italy.
The race options suit different levels of athletes and allow participants to immerse themselves in the enchanting landscape of Lake Como.
The trail running challenges known as the Ultra Trail on Lake Como include 4 main races:
UTLAC 250 km: the complete loop around the lake, an epic adventure for those seeking their limits.
UTLAC 120 km: the ultra trail that crosses the lake along its most fascinating and scenic section.
UTLAC 60 km: a demanding and panoramic distance among the peaks overlooking Lecco and Como.
UTLAC 30 km and 15 km: shorter, punchy races ideal for speed lovers or those approaching trail running while admiring Bellagio.
UTLAC is one of the rare races that allows you to experience a true “coast to peak” adventure, moving from the lakeshore to the technical ridges of the Grigne and the Triangolo Lariano.
Read the article and get one of the 10 discount codes available for Trail Running Movement followers.
REGISTER NOW! Don’t miss this unique opportunity and sign up through the official website: https://www.utlactrail.com/
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The race routes of the Ultra Trail Lake Como
Running a Trail Running or Ultra Trail race on Lake Como doesn’t just mean participating in a competition.
It means living a complete trail running experience in one of the most iconic regions in Europe, where mountains and lake meet to create a unique and rare setting in the international trail running panorama.
Lake Como has always been a destination for athletes, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking beauty, authenticity, and sporting challenge.
The Ultra Trail Lago di Como has nothing to envy from other circuits… in fact, it resists the temptation of massification to continue offering a “true” experience.
UTLAC brings all of this together in an event that combines technical terrain, elevation gain, breathtaking views, and high-level race organization.
Why choose UTLAC?
There are many reasons, but the main one is simple: returning to the original spirit of trail running.
Here are some reasons that might spark your desire to live this unique experience…
a) 5 race routes that don’t exist anywhere else
Few races in the world allow you to run in such varied conditions:
- technical trails overlooking the lake
- short but very steep climbs
- runnable sections alternating with demanding alpine terrain
- passages through historic villages or centuries-old mule tracks
Every kilometer of UTLAC is different from the previous one.
This makes the race mentally stimulating, ideal for those seeking more than a simple ultra trail and who avoid the monotony of repetitive routes.
b) UTLAC is ideal for preparing more challenging goals
UTLAC is often chosen as an intermediate race in preparation for summer ultras.
Its placement in your Trail Race Calendar is strategic because:
- it’s an intermediate race during the preparatory period
- it serves as an advanced test for future alpine ultra trails
- it’s a training race for longer and more demanding trail and ultra distances
From a training perspective, the constant change of pace and gradient tests:
- muscular strength
- effort management
- race nutrition strategy
- new gear and equipment
UTLAC is not an “easy” race.
And that’s exactly why many trail runners, even experienced ones, consider it formative and unforgettable.
A trail race ideal for national and international athletes
ph credits: Stefano Jeantet
Its geographical position is one of UTLAC’s great strengths.
Lake Como is:
- easily reachable via Milan or by car from other Italian regions
- connected to 3 international airports (Malpensa, Linate, Orio al Serio)
- served by numerous trains and public transport
- offering accommodation options for all budgets (Como is known worldwide as a tourist destination)
This makes UTLAC perfect for:
- European trail runners
- non-European athletes combining racing and tourism
- international teams traveling together
Ultra Trail Lake Como: race descriptions
The “Races” section of the website presents the full range of competitive events.
Each race is described with specific parameters such as distance, elevation gain, start/finish points, start date, and route type.
Let’s go through them.
UTLAC 250 – ENDURANCE TRAIL
The queen race of the event: a 254 km endurance trail with 12,430 m D+, requiring excellent physical and mental preparation.
The race takes place in semi-self-sufficiency on alpine trails that completely circle Lake Como, starting and finishing in Lecco, with a 90-hour time limit.
This competition is suitable for experienced ultratrailers, technically skilled in navigation and gear management, offering a demanding experience through historic valleys, passes, and mountains.
UTLAC 120 – ULTRA TRAIL
The newest addition: a 122 km ultra trail with 6,209 m D+, starting from Menaggio and finishing in Lecco.
The route includes panoramic areas such as Val d’Intelvi, Valle di Muggio, and later the more demanding mountain ridges like Monte Palanzone and Ghisallo.
This distance is designed for those who want to tackle a classic ultra trail without the logistical and endurance complexity of a 250 km race, while maintaining high technical and scenic value.
UTLAC 60 – GRAN TRAIL
A 62.5 km race with 3,755 m D+, designed for experienced trail runners seeking a stimulating but less extreme distance.
It starts from Como and winds through the trails of the Triangolo Lariano ridge, passing through charming villages like Limontasca and Civenna, offering memorable viewpoints.
UTLAC 30 – TRAIL
A 32 km race with 1,872 m D+, a great compromise for those seeking a meaningful but more accessible distance.
It starts from Bellagio, “the pearl of Lake Como,” and finishes in Lecco, touching iconic trails such as the Sentiero del Tivano and nearby mountain ridges.
Perfect for intermediate-expert trail runners or those approaching longer trail distances.
UTLAC 15 – SHORT TRAIL
The shortest race, 13.5 km with 740 m D+, ideal for runners wanting a competitive trail experience with less technical commitment.
It starts from Lecco and develops through the Monte Barro Park, offering panoramic climbs and single-track sections.
Suitable for those wanting to experience UTLAC with minimal specific preparation.
Training plans for the Ultra Trail Lake Como
UTLAC is not a race you can improvise. The variability of the terrain and weather can challenge any athlete, beginner or professional.
Preparation requires:
- elevation-specific training
- strength uphill and control downhill
- careful management of pace and nutrition.
If you’re looking for specific training plans for trail running, medium-long distances, or ultras, you can find them here: 👉 https://trailrunningmovement.com/it/trm-training-plan/
UTLAC discount codes for Trail Running Movement followers
The partnership between UTLAC and TRM provides access to the race with special discount codes available on the website.
There are only 10 discount codes, so hurry before other athletes grab them.
Before the race, it may be useful to explore key topics for free in our No.1 resource for 360° trail running preparation:
- trail running training plans for all levels
- nutrition and supplementation
- race management, pacing, and strategy
- trail running camps and training days with TRM Coaches
All updated free tips are available on the TRM Blog.
Want free advice by email? Sign up here.
Tourism and gastronomy around the Ultra Trail Lake Como
One of the most appreciated aspects is the chance to combine racing and an active holiday.
Lake Como and its surroundings offer:
- accommodation of all levels
- high-quality dining and services at excellent prices
- walks, villages, boat trips, and activities for companions
- a milder climate than many alpine areas
These advantages make UTLAC ideal for:
- traveling with family
- extending your stay after the race
- turning the race into a complete experience
Where to stay: Turismo Lombardia 👉 https://www.in-lombardia.it/
Why the Ultra Trail Lake Como is a race you should do at least once in your life
UTLAC is not just another race on the calendar.
It’s an experience that stays with you for years.
These races—especially the legendary 250 km and 120 km—are recommended for those who:
- love technical and scenic routes
- seek a real but accessible challenge
- want to combine sport, travel, history, and gastronomy
- wish to run in one of the most beautiful places in Europe
If you’re building your race calendar, UTLAC deserves a special place.
Add it now and take advantage of your dedicated discount.
For more info: info@trailrunningmovement.com
Good training and good racing! TRM TEAM
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