Multi-day stage races involve some of the running world’s most epic feats: crossing scorching Saharan sand dunes under a 104°F sun, navigating Welsh mountain ridges through dense fog, or running alongside Himalayan peaks at 13,000 feet with Mount Everest towering in the distance.
For runners seeking the ultimate adventure, stage races deliver experiences impossible to find in traditional events. From the legendary 155-mile Marathon des Sables traversing Morocco’s unforgiving desert to the technical 236-mile Dragon’s Back Race across Wales’ mountainous spine, these multi-day journeys push athletes to their physical and mental limits while offering unparalleled immersion in the world’s most spectacular environments.
The World of Stage Racing: What Makes Them Special
Unlike single-day ultras or traditional marathons, stage races create a unique rhythm and community. Runners share meals, struggles, and triumphs over multiple days, forging deep bonds impossible to develop in shorter events.
The multi-day format introduces strategic elements absent from shorter races: managing recovery between stages, adapting to changing conditions, balancing effort across consecutive days, and maintaining equipment through an extended challenge. Successfully completing a stage race requires more than just fitness—it demands adaptability, mental fortitude, and efficient self-management.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: The World's Most Epic Stage Races
We’ve found 12 of the world’s most challenging and rewarding races. Whether you’re drawn to iconic desert crossings, mountain adventures, or jungle expeditions, this guide will help you discover your next life-changing running experience—from legendary classics that have defined the sport to emerging gems that offer fresh challenges for the adventure-hungry runner.
Top Stage Races for Runners
| Race | Finishers | Founded | Days/Stages | Distance (miles) | Distance (km) | Elevation (feet) | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon des Sables | ~900 | 1986 | 6 stages | 155 | 250 | Varies, desert | Varies, desert | Morocco |
| Transalpine Run | ~450 | 2005 | 8 stages | 162 | 260 | 52,500 | 16,000 | Germany/Austria/Italy |
| Atacama Crossing | ~125 | 2004 | 6 stages | 155 | 250 | 10 | 3,000 | Chile (Atacama Desert) |
| TransRockies Run (USA) | ~200 | 2007 | 6 stages | 120 | 193 | 20,000 | 6,096 | USA (Colorado) |
| Dragon’s Back Race (Wales) | ~400 | 1992 | 6 stages | 236 | 380 | 57,100 | 17,400 | Wales, UK |
| Cocodona | ~200 | 2021 | Single stage | 250 | 402 | 42,000 | 12,802 | USA (Arizona) |
| The Coastal Challenge | ~50 | 2005 | 6 stages | 147 | 236 | 32,800 | 10,000 | Costa Rica |
| Moab 240 | ~100 | 2017 | Single stage | 240 | 386 | 31,500 | 9,621 | USA (Utah) |
| Everest Trail Race | ~50 | 2011 | 6 stages | 109 | 175 | 88,500 | 27,000 | Nepal |
| Fire and Ice | ~30 | 2012 | 6 stages | 155 | 250 | 15,400 | 4,720 | Iceland |
| Grand to Grand Ultra | ~40 | 2012 | 6 stages/7 days | 171 | 275 | 17,000 | 5,207 | USA (Arizona/Utah) |
| Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon | ~50-100 | 2000 | 7 days | 155 | 250 | Varies, desert | Varies, desert | South Africa |
Marathon des Sables (Sahara Desert, Morocco)
No list of stage races would be complete without the Marathon des Sables (MdS).
Since 1986, this 6-stage race in the Moroccan Sahara has captivated adventure runners worldwide with its combination of extreme conditions, self-sufficient challenge, and iconic status.
Marathon des Sables is frequently referred to as one of the toughest footraces on Earth, yet it continues to draw intrepid participants year after year.
Marathon des Sables – Fun Facts
- Known as “the toughest foot race on Earth,” runners cross the Sahara Desert in extreme heat and sandstorms.
- Participants must be self-sufficient, carrying all food and gear for the week-water is rationed and provided at checkpoints.
- The race was inspired by founder Patrick Bauer’s 350 km solo trek across the Sahara in 1984.
- In 2019, a stray dog named Cactus joined the race mid-event, completed several stages, and was awarded an official finisher’s medal
Course & Challenge
Roughly 250 km (155 miles) spread over 6 stages in the deep Sahara, with runners traversing sand dunes, dried lake beds, rocky jebels, and baking plains. Daytime highs routinely exceed 40°C (104°F), testing competitors’ endurance and resilience. Stages range from about 20 km up to an infamous long stage around 80–90 km in length, often run partly at night.
What truly sets MDS apart is the self-sufficiency: racers must carry all their food, gear, and supplies for the week in their packs (except water and a communal tent). Managing pack weight versus nutrition is part of the strategy.
The race’s difficulty is matched by its popularity – over 1,200 runners now enter each year, making it the largest event of its kind. Completing MDS means joining an elite club of finishers who have pushed body and mind to the limit in the desert.
Support & Logistics
While self-supported on the course, runners are not alone – a robust organization sets up Berber tents each night in a moving bivouac and provides a ration of water at checkpoints.
Medical staff (famed for treating blisters) are on hand, and safety teams monitor runners via GPS. International participants fly into Ouarzazate or Marrakesh, and the race coordinates charter buses into the desert. Culturally, it’s a rich experience: Moroccan hosts and international racers share the campsite, often bonding over sweet mint tea after a hard stage.
The entry fee is high (several thousand dollars) and preparation is key, but race logistics are well-established for an efficient experience.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Marathon des Sables is legendary – a bucket-list adventure that epitomizes “epic.” It pioneered the stage ultramarathon concept and remains a rite of passage for ultra athletes. Beyond the bragging rights of having survived “The Toughest Footrace on Earth”, finishers often speak of the profound camaraderie formed in the dunes and the life-changing perspective gained from days of desert solitude.
From a travel standpoint, it offers an immersive Saharan adventure in Morocco’s stunning landscapes. For the adventurous runner, MDS delivers a once-in-a-lifetime blend of challenge and reward, and thus earns its place among the world’s top stage races.
Want the Morocco experience (Saharas, berbers, and plenty of tea) without the grueling conditions?
Our 10-day Morocco running tour could be just what you’re looking for.
Cocodona 250 (Arizona, USA)
The Cocodona 250 is a beast of an ultra-endurance challenge, traversing an epic 250+ mile point-to-point route across the diverse landscapes of Arizona. Launched in 2021, this race quickly established itself as one of North America’s premier endurance events, connecting multiple mountain ranges, desert ecosystems, and historic mining towns in a single, continuous journey.
Offering a wilderness experience on an enormous scale, Cocodona combines rugged trails, significant elevation change, and remote backcountry with just enough support to make the impossible seem possible.
Cocodona 250 – Fun Facts
- A point-to-point 250-mile race from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, traversing deserts, pine forests, and mountain towns
- Runners climb nearly 42,000 feet (12,800 meters) of elevation over varied terrain
- The course includes historic mining towns and remote wilderness, with temperature swings from hot desert to cold mountains
- Sleep strategy is crucial-most runners are on the course for four or more days
Course & Challenge
250+ miles (400+ km) point-to-point, starting in Black Canyon City and finishing in Flagstaff, Arizona. Like the Moab 240, Cocodona is a single-stage event where the clock runs continuously, challenging participants to manage sleep and recovery while making consistent forward progress.
The route showcases Arizona’s remarkable geographic diversity, beginning in desert chaparral before climbing through the Bradshaw Mountains, descending into historic Prescott, traversing the Mingus Mountain range, passing through the red rocks of Sedona, and finally climbing into the ponderosa forests around Flagstaff. Total elevation gain exceeds 40,000 feet (12,000 meters), with long climbs and descents throughout.
Terrain ranges from smooth single-track to technical rock scrambles, jeep roads to forest paths, with several sections following historic routes used by miners and settlers. Weather conditions can vary dramatically—desert heat in lower elevations can exceed 90°F (32°C), while mountain sections might drop below freezing at night, with possible thunderstorms or even snow depending on the season.
Most competitors finish in 3-5 days, with a 125-hour (5.2 day) cut-off. Beyond the physical demands, Cocodona tests mental fortitude as runners push through multiple days and nights of effort with minimal sleep, often logging 60+ hours of continuous movement.
Support & Logistics
The race features approximately 20 aid stations of varying sizes, from major hubs with hot food and medical support to more basic wilderness outposts. Larger aid stations allow access to drop bags and crew support, creating opportunities for equipment changes and brief recovery. A tracking system monitors runners’ progress through the remote terrain, enhancing safety while allowing friends and fans to follow the journey online.
The point-to-point nature of the course creates logistical challenges that the organizers help address—shuttle transportation is available from the finish area to the start line before the race, and comprehensive runner guidelines help with preparation. For international participants, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers the most convenient access, with Flagstaff’s smaller airport closer to the finish.
The race passes through several historic Arizona towns (Prescott, Jerome, Sedona) that showcase the state’s mining and frontier heritage, adding cultural depth to the experience. The organizers (Aravaipa Running) are known for professional event management and thoughtful course design, balancing challenge with accessibility.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Cocodona earns its place among elite ultra events for its ambitious scope and extraordinary landscape journey. Few races connect so many distinct ecosystems and terrain types in a single route, offering runners a comprehensive tour of Arizona’s natural beauty—from desert cacti to towering ponderosas, ghost towns to spiritual vortexes. The point-to-point format creates a genuine sense of journey; participants literally traverse a significant portion of the state on foot, experiencing landscapes that change dramatically with each day (and night) of effort. While demanding, Cocodona has a welcoming community spirit, with experienced runners mentoring newcomers and aid station volunteers creating memorable oases of support.
For adventurous runners seeking an epic American wilderness experience—one that tests limits while showcasing the stunning diversity of the Southwest—Cocodona delivers a challenge worthy of a lifetime achievement list.
The race captures the spirit of human-powered adventure across landscapes that would have taken pioneers weeks to traverse, distilling it into one continuous, boundary-pushing effort.
TransRockies Run (Colorado, USA)
The TransRockies Run is a stage trail race through Colorado’s stunning Rocky Mountains, known for its breathtaking scenery and welcoming camaraderie.
Modeled after famous European stage races, TransRockies delivers an alpine adventure with full support – making it an excellent introduction to multi-day mountain running.
Runners traverse high passes on the Continental Divide by day and relax in a comfortable tented camp each night, forging friendships around the campfire.
TransRockies Run – Fun Facts
- The course follows the spine of the Rocky Mountains, with runners often above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters)
- The event is famous for its “tent city”-a mobile campsite that moves each day to support runners
- Stages include river crossings, singletrack trails, and breathtaking mountain vistas
- Designed for teams or solo runners, fostering a unique community spirit
Course & Challenge
~120 miles (193 km) over 6 stages, with nearly 20,000 feet of climbing at elevations up to 12,500 ft. The route runs point-to-point from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, Colorado, showcasing panoramic views of 14,000-foot peaks and a mix of singletrack and dirt road. Altitude adds to the challenge – stage 1 begins around 8,000 ft above sea level.
Despite the physical test, the daily distances (~20 miles) are manageable for those prepared, and the terrain is non-technical. A 3-day “run-through” option (covering ~60 miles) is offered as well, letting newcomers sample stage racing without committing to all six days
Support & Logistics
TransRockies is fully supported – your luggage is transported, and organizers set up a tent city at each finish. Amenities include catered meals, hot showers, and massage services, creating a “running vacation” atmosphere. This level of support lowers the barrier to entry; runners carry only daypack essentials during each stage.
With a cap of ~350 runners (often selling out), it’s a friendly, community-oriented event. International travelers can fly into Denver and take a shuttle to the start, with race staff helping coordinate transport and logistics.
Why It’s a Top Pick
TransRockies earns its spot for combining spectacular mountain scenery with approachability. Participants consistently praise the camaraderie and camp spirit – by evening, everyone from elites to amateur runners swaps stories over dinner in a lively tent camp.
The Rockies’ beauty, coupled with the race’s inclusive vibe, leaves runners calling it “the adventure of a lifetime”. For an adventurous runner who wants to experience a multi-day mountain race without the complexity of self-navigation or self-support, TransRockies Run is an ideal choice.
Dragon’s Back Race (Wales, UK)
The Dragon’s Back Race is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest mountain running events, traversing the rugged spine of Wales from north to south over five grueling days. First held in 1992 and revived in 2012, this race has become legendary in the ultra community for its brutal combination of distance, technical terrain, navigation challenges, and notoriously fickle Welsh weather.
Unlike desert ultras or high-altitude challenges, Dragon’s Back tests runners with relentless ups and downs, slippery conditions, and a requirement for self-navigation that makes completion as much about mountain craft as pure running ability.
Dragon’s Back Race – Fun Facts
- Renowned as one of the world’s toughest mountain races, tracing the mountainous spine of Wales
- The route links iconic Welsh peaks, including Snowdon, Cadair Idris, and Pen y Fan
- Runners must navigate using maps and compasses-no marked course
- The race was inspired by a legendary 1992 event and revived in 2012
Course & Challenge
Approximately 380 km (236 miles) over 5 days, with 17,400 meters (57,000 feet) of cumulative ascent—roughly twice the height of Mount Everest. The route follows the mountainous spine of Wales, starting at Conwy Castle in the north and finishing near Cardiff in the south.
Each day features summits, ridgelines, and technical terrain:
- Day 1 crosses the iconic Snowdonia range with its jagged peaks
- Day 2 traverses the Moelwyns and into the remote Rhinogs
- Day 3 tackles the Cadair Idris massif and Plynlimon
- Day 4 crosses the remote, boggy Elan Valley
- Day 5 finishes with the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.
What sets Dragon’s Back apart is the technical difficulty—runners scramble over rocky summits, navigate unmarked paths through heather and bog, and make rapid descents on slippery terrain. Navigation is critical, as the course is largely unmarked; participants must find their own optimal route between checkpoints using map and compass skills.
The Welsh climate adds another dimension—fog, rain, and wind are common, reducing visibility and adding hypothermia risk even in summer. Daily distances range from 50-70 km, with cut-off times enforced for safety.
Success requires a combination of mountain experience, navigational competence, and pure endurance rarely demanded by other races.
Support & Logistics
Despite its fearsome reputation, Dragon’s Back provides a supportive infrastructure that makes this challenge accessible to well-prepared mountain runners. The organization transports luggage between overnight camps, which are typically set up in valley fields with large communal tents for eating and socializing. Hot meals are provided morning and evening, along with water and limited refreshments at checkpoints throughout the course. Medical teams monitor participants and address injuries, particularly important given the technical terrain. Electronic timing and satellite tracking ensure safety in remote areas. For international participants, access is straightforward—fly into Manchester or London, with train connections to North Wales.
The race gives runners a unique tour of Welsh culture and landscapes, from historic castles to remote sheep farms, quaint villages to wild mountain moorlands. The event has a strong community atmosphere, with competitors sharing stories of the day’s adventures each evening.
While the organizers provide the framework, the self-navigation element means each runner’s journey is uniquely their own—some reach checkpoints via direct mountain routes, others opt for longer but less technical paths.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Dragon’s Back Race deserves its place among elite events for its perfect combination of challenge, history, and landscape immersion. Unlike races with more extreme environments but relatively straightforward navigation, Dragon’s Back demands complete mountain skills—runners must think strategically about route choices while managing technical terrain and changeable weather. The journey through Wales provides a comprehensive experience of the British mountains: rocky summits, grassy slopes, peat bogs, ancient paths, and heather moorlands.
There’s something almost mythical about traversing an entire country from end to end, following the “dragon’s spine” across its mountainous backbone. The race’s community spirit creates lasting bonds—by the final day, having shared struggles through rain, fog, and endless climbs, participants feel a connection to both the land and their fellow runners.
For the adventurous runner seeking a challenge that tests mind as well as body, Dragon’s Back offers a uniquely rewarding experience that has earned its place in ultra-running lore. Its combination of navigation, mountain technique, endurance, and weather resilience creates an unmatched test of all-around mountain running ability.
TransAlpine Run (Alps – Germany, Austria, Italy)
Spanning the heart of the European Alps, the TransAlpine Run is a week-long mountain stage race revered among trail runners.
This race sends participants up and over high passes, through alpine meadows and quaint villages, as they run from Germany to Italy on foot.
It’s often cited as one of the world’s most iconic and scenic stage races. With full support and an option for novices to do a shorter portion, the TransAlpine Run combines hardcore mountain running with accessible logistics.
TransAlpine Run – Fun Facts
- Teams of two traverse three countries and cross the Alps, covering over 16,000 meters (52,000 feet) of elevation gain
- The route changes each year, offering new challenges and scenery for repeat participants
- The event is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and international field, with runners from over 40 countries
- Weather can shift from summer heat to snowstorms within a single stage
Course & Challenge
~250 km over 7 days (routes vary yearly), typically starting in southern Germany or Austria and finishing in northern Italy. In total, around 15,000–17,000 meters of elevation gain are packed into the week.
The TransAlpine route hops from town to town, linking eight host villages via high trails that can exceed 2,500–3,000 m in altitude. Runners encounter everything from steep forest climbs and rocky singletrack to panoramic ridge-lines and glacial valleys. It’s a serious physical undertaking (many consider it the Alps’ ultimate trail test), but also profoundly scenic – “from forests to high alpine passes” with new views each day.
Historically run in teams of two for safety, the race now also allows solo entries. Each day’s stage might range from ~25 km up to 45+ km on the longest “Queen Stage.”
Support & Logistics
Unlike wilderness ultras, TransAlpine is fully supported and well-structured. Organizers transport your baggage to each stage town, where accommodations (typically hotels or dorms) await. Aid stations on course provide food and drink, and nightly briefings prep runners for the next day.
The event’s reputation for excellent support is well earned, making a tough experience as comfortable as possible. For international runners, getting in is straightforward: fly into Munich or Zurich and take ground transport to the start (shuttle services are often available). The race entry includes many amenities and even a finisher’s party in the final town.
Notably, TransAlpine now offers a “RUN2” category – racers can sign up to do just the first 2 stages as an introduction to stage racing. This flexibility lowers the entry barrier for those not ready for all seven days.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Few events can rival the TransAlpine Run’s combination of dramatic mountain scenery and race prestige. Finishing it is both a personal triumph and a cultural journey across three countries. Runners pass picture-postcard scenes: Tyrolean cow pastures, sparkling alpine lakes, and cheers from villagers as they arrive each afternoon.
The spirit of teamwork and unity (especially when run as a duo) adds to the allure. In short, TransAlpine Run is a classic for good reason – it delivers a tour of the Alps’ most beautiful trails in an expertly organized package, embodying the adventurous, globe-trotting spirit that stage racers love.
Want to enjoy the Italian mountains at a slightly slower pace?
Our Italian Dolomites running tour could be just what you’re looking for.
The Coastal Challenge (Costa Rica)
Trade thin air and sand dunes for steamy jungles and tropical beaches: The Coastal Challenge (TCC) in Costa Rica gives stage-racers a vastly different adventure.
This six-day race pushes through rainforest humidity, river crossings, and coastal mountains along the Pacific, offering an all-inclusive “jungle camp” experience.
It has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most inspiring yet grueling ultras – a true Pura Vida journey from surf to summit and back again.
The Coastal Challenge – Fun Facts
- The race traverses Costa Rica’s wild Pacific coastline, jungles, rivers, and mountains
- Participants may spot monkeys, toucans, and other exotic wildlife along the route
- Daily finish lines are often at tropical beaches, with runners camping near the ocean
- The event is known for its humid, hot conditions and frequent river crossings
Course & Challenge
Approximately 225–240 km over 6 stages (Expedition category), starting near Quepos and ending at the Panama border. Each day brings a new microclimate: one stage might have you climbing thousands of meters on technical rainforest trails, passing waterfalls and swinging through vine-laced singletrack, while another stage features running along remote black-sand beaches under the tropical sun.
In total, the course packs in over 10,000 m of elevation gain through Costa Rica’s Talamanca Range. The heat and humidity are intense (often 90°F/32°C with high humidity), making hydration and mental toughness as critical as fitness. Runners ford rivers, encounter wildlife (monkeys, toucans, even the occasional crocodile in distant sight), and contend with technical sections through dense jungle.
The reward each day is a finish at a picturesque camp, often near a beach or village. Notably, TCC offers two distance options: the full Expedition Run (~236 km) and a shorter Adventure Run (~145 km) for those seeking a slightly less intense challenge.
Support & Logistics
The Coastal Challenge is a fully supported stage race, meaning racers carry only a daypack. A base camp is erected each night with tents, catered meals (plentiful local cuisine and fresh fruit), and even a beer garden and medical tent.
It’s a 24/7 communal experience – staff, runners, and volunteers eat, sleep, and socialize together in camp, often situated on a beach under the stars. Organizers handle all transfers of gear and setup; international runners typically fly into San José, and the race includes transport from there to the start.
Given Costa Rica’s tourism infrastructure, many racers tack on a surf lesson or zipline tour after the race. English is widely spoken by staff, easing any language barrier. Overall, TCC’s logistics are dialed in from its ~20 years of existence, letting runners focus on the trail.
Why It’s a Top Pick
In terms of sheer adventure, The Coastal Challenge is hard to beat. Participants get to run across Costa Rica – experiencing dawn over the Pacific, midday in misty mountain jungles, and evenings in remote fishing hamlets – all within one week.
The race is often described as a microcosm of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, packing beaches, jungles, and cloud forests into one route. It’s also known for a fun, familial atmosphere; world-class ultrarunners compete here, but so do first-timers who are welcomed into the fold.
That mix of hardcore racing and laid-back tropical vibe (with a post-race dip in the ocean each day) defines TCC.
Want to explore Central America at your own pace, sampling coffee from local roasters, hiking up volcanoes, and enjoying recovery runs on the beach?
Our 8-day Nicaragua running tour could be right up your alley.
Moab 240 (Utah, USA)
The Moab 240 Endurance Run is one of the most formidable single-stage ultramarathons in the world, offering a continuous 240+ mile journey through Utah’s diverse and dramatic landscapes.
Unlike traditional stage races, the Moab 240 is a non-stop event where the clock never stops ticking, challenging runners to manage sleep, nutrition, and pacing over multiple days of continuous movement.
This race has quickly established itself as an icon of American ultra-endurance events, drawing elite athletes and determined amateurs to test their limits against the geological wonders of the Colorado Plateau.
Moab 240 – Fun Facts
- A 240-mile non-stop race through Utah’s red rock canyons, mesas, and mountains
- Runners navigate remote trails, including sections of the famous Slickrock Bike Trail
- The course includes over 31,000 feet (9,600 meters) of climbing, with dramatic temperature swings between day and night
- Sleep deprivation is a major challenge-most finishers are on the course for 3–5 days
Course & Challenge
240+ miles (386+ km) in a massive loop beginning and ending in Moab, Utah. The single-stage format means runners tackle the entire distance without structured overnight stops. The route traverses four distinct ecosystems: desert slickrock, alpine forests, high mesas, and red rock canyons. Racers begin in the iconic red rock desert around Moab, climb into the La Sal Mountains (reaching elevations over 10,000 feet/3,000 meters), traverse the Abajo Mountains, cross the vast Colorado Plateau, and navigate through the stunning canyons of the Colorado River basin. Elevation gain totals approximately 29,000 feet (8,800 meters) with equivalent descent, intensifying the physical challenge.
Weather conditions can range from scorching desert heat (90°F/32°C) to alpine cold (potentially below freezing with snow at higher elevations). Most competitors take 2-5 days to finish, managing sleep in brief increments at aid stations or along the trail.
The course is marked, but navigation skills can be crucial, especially at night. The mental challenge of continuous forward progress for days—while managing fatigue, nutrition, foot care, and equipment—can be as demanding as the physical effort.
Support & Logistics
While technically a single-stage race rather than a traditional stage race, the Moab 240 offers substantial support that makes this epic journey accessible to well-prepared ultrarunners. Approximately 14 manned aid stations are spaced roughly 15-20 miles apart, providing food, medical assistance, and shelter where runners can briefly rest. Drop bags can be sent to designated aid stations, allowing racers to access fresh gear and supplies. Crews and pacers are permitted at certain points, creating a community atmosphere despite the individual nature of the challenge. Medical teams monitor participants throughout the race, with safety checkpoints and tracking systems ensuring runner welfare in remote areas. For international participants, access is relatively straightforward—fly into Salt Lake City and drive to Moab, or choose smaller airports like Grand Junction, Colorado for shorter ground transfers.
Moab itself is a hub for outdoor adventure tourism, offering plentiful accommodations and restaurants before and after the race.
Culturally, the race showcases both Utah’s extraordinary natural landscapes and the unique camaraderie of the ultra-endurance community, where volunteers often stay awake for days supporting runners toward their goal.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Moab 240 earns its place among the world’s top races for both its incredible scenic diversity and its ultimate endurance challenge. Few races anywhere encompass such varied landscapes in a single route: from iconic red rock arches to alpine meadows, juniper forests to desert moonscapes—all within one continuous journey.
The format offers a different kind of adventure than traditional stage races; instead of a series of discrete daily challenges with overnight recovery, the Moab 240 tests a runner’s ability to manage a continuous effort across multiple days and nights.
This creates a uniquely immersive experience as participants adapt to the rhythm of constant forward motion. For runners seeking a race that distills ultrarunning to its essence—moving efficiently through beautiful landscapes for as long as it takes—the Moab 240 delivers an unparalleled challenge. It’s become a proving ground for those looking to test their absolute limits of endurance while experiencing the geological wonders of the American Southwest up close and personal.
Everest Trail Race (Himalayas, Nepal)
Running a multi-day race in the shadow of the world’s highest peaks is a dream that the Everest Trail Race (ETR) turns into reality.
This six-stage race through Nepal’s Solukhumbu region offers an unparalleled Himalayan experience, taking participants up steep mountain trails, through Sherpa villages, and into high alpine terrain within sight of Mount Everest. For the travel-minded runner, ETR is a chance to combine cultural immersion with serious altitude adventure.
Everest Trail Race – Fun Facts
- The route winds through the Solukhumbu region, home to the Sherpa people and views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu
- Runners cover over 26,000 meters (85,000 feet) of elevation change in just six days
- The course reaches altitudes above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), testing runners’ acclimatization
- All supplies except personal gear are provided, and runners sleep in Himalayan villages each night
Course & Challenge
~170 km over 6 stages in the Everest region of eastern Nepal. Don’t let the distance fool you – the cumulative elevation gain/loss is staggering ~26,000 meters over the week, as the course relentlessly climbs and descends the foothills of the Himalaya.
Stages typically range from 20 km to 30+ km, but often involve thousands of meters of vertical change on remote trekking paths. The race starts at an altitude around 2,500 m and tops out above 4,000 m (max ~4100 m) near Tengboche, meaning runners are operating in thin air. The terrain includes everything from stone step trails connecting terraced farms, to suspension bridge crossings over rivers, to narrow yak tracks high on ridges with snow-capped giants looming overhead.
Nights can be cold (below freezing at higher camps) while daytime sun at altitude can be intense. This race is semi-supported – competitors carry a sleeping bag and some gear, but organizers transport a duffel and set up camps.
Support & Logistics
What sets the Everest Trail Race apart is the cultural backdrop. Racers run through Sherpa villages, past Buddhist monasteries draped in prayer flags, and often alongside local Nepali runners competing as well.
Stages might end in tiny mountain hamlets where children come out to cheer, and each evening competitors camp under the stars (or in communal tents), dining on hearty Dal Bhat and warm tea prepared by the support crew. The event is typically scheduled in November, after the monsoon, when the weather is clear and dry. International runners meet in Kathmandu for race check-in and a short flight to the start (or helicopter, depending on the year’s route).
The organizers handle in-country logistics from Kathmandu onward, including a guided trek out of the mountains after the race. Despite the remote setting, the race is well-supported with medical and safety teams.
As ETR themselves put it, it’s an adventure designed for those looking to “combine travel, tourism and adventure” in one efficient package.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Few running events can match the epic scale of the Everest Trail Race. The scenery alone – vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and more – would qualify it for any list of spectacular races. But beyond that, ETR offers profound cultural engagement: runners leave not just with a medal, but with memories of Namche Bazaar’s hustle, the sound of yak bells on trail, and the hospitality of Nepali support staff and villagers.
It’s a race where you might receive a Buddhist blessing at the start of a stage and celebrate the finish in the frenetic town of Lukla.
While certainly challenging (runners must be fit and ready for altitude), the Everest Trail Race is logistically accessible relative to a self-organized trek, thanks to the event support. For the adventurous runner who wants to literally run among the world’s highest mountains, ETR is an extraordinary opportunity.
Atacama Crossing (Atacama Desert, Chile)
From the world’s most famous mountain to one of its most impressive deserts (one so otherworldly it’s compared to Mars), let’s talk about the Atacama Crossing.
Part of the famed 4 Deserts Series, this stage race takes place in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on the planet.
Over seven days, competitors navigate salt flats, slot canyons, sand dunes, and high-altitude plateaus under a sky brilliantly lit by the Milky Way at night. It’s an unparalleled South American adventure that combines extreme environment with impeccable organization.
Atacama Crossing – Fun Facts
- Takes place in the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on Earth
- Runners cross salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and even run at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet)
- The landscape is so Mars-like that NASA has tested rovers here
- Participants carry all their food and gear for the week, with only water and tents provided
Course & Challenge
250 km in 6 stages (7 days total, with one rest or short stage) through the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. The course typically starts near the historic town of San Pedro de Atacama (~2,400 m elevation) and makes a broad loop through the desert back to town.
Each day brings a new challenge: hardened salt flats that shred shoes, vast gypsum-crusted valleys, towering dunes of soft sand, and even segments through narrow slot canyons fed by snowmelt (where runners might wade through knee-deep cold water). The diversity of terrain is a hallmark – competitors experience Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) with its lunar-like rock formations, Valle de la Muerte (Valley of Death) with steep dunes, and nighttime campouts where temperatures plunge under crystal-clear stars.
The air is arid and thin – the whole course sits above 2,000 m altitude, with some sections closer to 3,000 m. A long stage (~70–80 km) typically tests racers mid-week. Self-sufficiency is required, meaning runners carry their food and gear for the week (like in MDS), adding to the difficulty.
Support & Logistics
The Atacama Crossing is organized by RacingThePlanet, known for professional multi-day events in remote places. The race staff handles water distribution, camps, and safety – allowing runners from all over the globe to participate without worry.
Checkpoints are usually spaced 10km apart, and each night a campsite is set in surreal locales (one night might be among salt hoodoos, another on a desert pampa with volcano views).
While the desert itself is sparsely inhabited, the start and finish in San Pedro de Atacama offers a chance to explore Chilean culture – the town is a backpacker hub with adobe streets, local altiplano cuisine, and easy tourism options (geysers, hot springs) to enjoy after the race. International access is via Calama airport (a two-hour flight from Santiago). Many competitors cite the camaraderie at Atacama as a highlight: a relatively small field (often under 100 runners) shares this intense journey, forging friendships over campfire stories of the day’s surreal sights.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Atacama Crossing stands out for its otherworldly environment. Nowhere else can you run through landscapes that shift from salt-encrusted basins to sand dunes to volcanic backdrops in the span of hours. The driest desert on Earth pushes runners to their limits – yet rewards them with a stark, unmatched beauty (and perhaps a stunning sunrise over the Andes each morning). As part of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, it carries a certain prestige and attracts adventure racers worldwide. Yet it’s also logistically feasible – a well-oiled support system means you can focus on running and surviving the desert, rather than on finding your way.
For the adventurous runner who wants a stage race in a South American locale, and who isn’t afraid to rough it in a harsh climate, the Atacama Crossing is an obvious inclusion in the top 10. It’s a race that quite literally feels like a journey across another planet, with the bonus of Chilean hospitality at the end.
Want to explore a different side of Chilean wilderness?
Our 8-day Patagonia running adventure trades the Atacama desert for glacial lakes and jagged peaks.
Fire & Ice Ultra (Iceland)
If the deserts of MDS or Atacama are “fire,” then this race adds the “ice.” The Fire & Ice Ultra in Iceland is a 6-day stage race designed to showcase the most extreme and varied terrains of this North Atlantic island. Billed as Iceland’s toughest multi-terrain race, it takes runners from volcanic ash plains to glacier-fed rivers and steaming geothermal fields – sometimes all in one stage.
For a runner who loves wild scenery and doesn’t mind unpredictable weather, Fire & Ice offers a uniquely epic adventure in a relatively compact area.
Fire & Ice Ultra – Fun Facts
- The course crosses Iceland’s dramatic landscapes: lava fields, glaciers, volcanic deserts, and hot springs
- Runners may experience all four seasons in a single day-sun, rain, wind, and even snow
- The event is self-supported, with runners carrying all food and mandatory gear
- The race is capped at a small number of participants, creating an intimate, adventurous atmosphere
Course & Challenge
~250 km over 6 stages (typically in late August) in the central highlands of Iceland. The route changes year to year but generally traverses the remote interior between the northern lava deserts and the Vatnajökull glacier in the east. True to its name, the course incorporates a bit of everything: runners cross black volcanic sand and pumice fields, climb over ancient lava flows, slog up steep sand dunes reminiscent of the Sahara, trek through green mossy valleys and frigid river crossings, and even skirt the edge of glaciers or snowfields. One hallmark is the passage through geothermal areas – envision running past boiling mud pools and steaming vents, feeling the heat of the earth even as cold rain may be falling.
In essence, the organizers tried to create a course that packs “many of the most spectacular environments ever seen in races all over the world” into one event. Elevation isn’t extreme (Iceland’s highlands are mostly 400–800 m altitude), but the weather can be: sunny and 15°C one day, near freezing with sleet the next.
The long stage (around 70 km) has in past editions featured overnight northern lights dancing above hardy runners. It’s a self-supported race, so competitors carry their food/gear, and the isolation means self-reliance is critical.
Support & Logistics
Fire & Ice is relatively small and intimate – dozens, not hundreds, of participants – which means personalized support. The organizers (a British-Icelandic team) provide transport from Akureyri (nearest town) to the remote start, and set up camp each night in rugged locations accessible by 4×4 or mountain truck. Tents are shared (often a large Nordic teepee style) to withstand wind. Water and safety monitoring are provided, and medical/rescue staff are on course given the potential for rapidly changing conditions.
International runners typically fly into Reykjavík, then take a domestic flight or bus to Akureyri in the north. One advantage: being Iceland, tourism pre- or post-race is a big draw – many participants spend extra days visiting waterfalls, hot springs, or Reykjavík’s culture once their legs recover.
As the race is in a remote wilderness with minimal infrastructure, entrants should be comfortable with a bit of rugged camping and have gear for cold nights. The organizers emphasize teamwork and safety, ensuring that while the course is tough, racers are looked after.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Fire & Ice earns its place by delivering a spectacle of nature that few races can match. In one week, runners get a grand tour of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping features – it’s like running on an active volcano, an icecap, and a moonscape all at once. The concept of blending “sand dunes of the Sahara, glaciers of the Arctic… and volcanic landscapes unique to Iceland” sets this race apart.
It’s also one of the more adventurous picks: not a mass event, but a niche challenge for those seeking solitude and raw beauty. Finishing Fire & Ice is not just about endurance, but adaptability – enduring cold and heat, wet and dry, day and night. For the travel-minded runner, the appeal of racing in Iceland is obvious: it’s a destination known for inspiring wonder, and doing so on foot over multiple days is incredibly rewarding.
Whether it’s watching the aurora borealis after a long stage or running past a venting geyser, Fire & Ice provides moments you simply won’t find elsewhere, solidifying its status among the world’s top stage races.
For an Iceland experience that’s equally as terrific (and a whole lot less “tough”), our 8-day Iceland running tour introduces you to the same impressive landscapes at a more relaxed pace.
Grand to Grand Ultra (Arizona/Utah, USA)
The Grand to Grand Ultra (G2G) is a uniquely North American multi-day race, leading runners from the edge of the Grand Canyon to the summits of Utah’s Grand Staircase Escalante.
Over seven days, participants tackle desert mesas, redrock slot canyons, sand dunes, and pine-covered plateaus – all self-supported in a wild west setting. As the only self-supported stage footrace in North America, Grand to Grand offers experienced ultrarunners a chance to test themselves on home soil (for Americans) or to explore the iconic canyonlands of the U.S. Southwest in a truly immersive way.
Grand to Grand Ultra – Fun Facts
- The only self-supported stage race in North America that starts at the Grand Canyon and finishes on the summit of Utah’s Grand Staircase
- The course takes runners through high desert, slot canyons, and remote mesas-areas rich in Native American history and legend
- Wildlife sightings include bighorn sheep and the endangered California Condor
- No cell service or internet-participants are “off the grid” for a week, relying on their own skills and camaraderie
Course & Challenge
~170 miles (273 km) across 6 stages, 7 days The journey begins at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona (elevation ~2,400 m with jaw-dropping views into the Canyon’s depths) and finishes a week later atop the Pink Cliffs of the Grand Staircase in Utah.
In between, the route traverses an incredibly varied terrain palette: Runners will scramble over vermilion sandstone formations, cross sandy expanses dotted with sagebrush, navigate through narrow slot canyons with petroglyphs on the walls, and climb up onto high plateaus with ponderosa forests. One stage features the notorious Coral Pink sand dunes – beautiful but energy-sapping – while another might wind through Badlands-like clay hills.
The long stage (~80+ km) usually threads through canyons under a starry sky. Total elevation gain is substantial (several thousand meters) but spread out; the bigger challenge is often the heat (daytime temperatures can hit 30°C (86°F) in lower sections) and managing your own supplies. This is a self-sufficient race: aside from water and tents, you carry all food, sleeping gear, and equipment for the week, which makes each mile that much tougher.
Support & Logistics
Despite the self-sufficiency aspect, the organization provides a robust framework. Checkpoints with water (and occasional surprise popsicles) are placed roughly every 10 km. At night, canvas tents are set up at campsites, and a campfire and hot water for meals are available. The organizers handle transportation from the finish back to civilization (St. George, Utah).
For international runners, flying into Las Vegas and taking a shuttle to St. George is the usual approach; from there, the race shuttles everyone to the remote start. Culturally, participants get a taste of the “wild west” – the course passes through remote Navajo lands and public parks rarely seen by tourists. It’s not uncommon for runners to catch sight of jackrabbits, pronghorn antelope, or even mustang horses. Nights are spent under unbelievably clear skies – the Milky Way is often bright enough to cast a shadow.
Because G2G is smaller (often ~100 runners) and self-supported, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement among competitors tackling the harsh yet majestic wilderness.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Grand to Grand earns top billing for its singular route and adventure. It literally connects two of the most famous geologic features in the U.S. – the Grand Canyon and Grand Staircase – entirely on foot.
The sense of achievement in reaching the finish is huge: you’ve crossed an entire expanse of tough terrain that few ever traverse, even in a vehicle. The landscapes are photogenic and varied, offering a new “wow” moment each day (from sunrise on red cliffs to sunset over desert valleys). Moreover, G2G brings the stage-racing format to North America with a level of difficulty (self-support, remote desert navigation) that rivals the big international races.
For runners who want to experience a multi-day ultra without leaving the continent – or anyone drawn to cowboy country, slot canyons, and big desert vistas – the Grand to Grand Ultra is an exceptional choice. It’s a true test of endurance and self-reliance amid some of the continent’s most spectacular backcountry.
Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (South Africa)
In the arid expanse of South Africa’s “Green Kalahari” region, the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM) has been challenging adventurers for over two decades. This 7-day, 6-stage race is often dubbed the “Big Daddy” of desert ultras in southern Africa.
It offers an experience similar in spirit to Marathon des Sables – carrying your supplies across desert landscapes – but with a South African twist: participants run through a land of quiver trees, orange sand, and wildlife, near the famed Augrabies Falls on the Orange River.
Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – Fun Facts
- Known as the “Big Daddy” of South African ultramarathons, the race crosses the Kalahari Desert near the spectacular Augrabies Falls
- Temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) by day and drop below 5°C (41°F) at night
- The route changes every year and is only revealed the day before the race, adding an element of surprise
- Runners follow in the footsteps of ancient Bushmen and may encounter wildlife such as antelope and ostriches
Course & Challenge
~250 km over 6 stages in the Kalahari Desert, with a looped course starting and ending near Augrabies Falls in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops, sandy riverbeds, open gravel plains, and low rolling hills. “Green Kalahari” refers to the fact that the area, while desert, is nourished by the Orange River – so runners encounter both stark dry stretches and surprising pockets of greenery and wildlife. Temperatures swing widely: daytime highs regularly soar above 40°C (104°F), while nights can drop below 5°C (41°F). Managing this thermal whiplash is part of the challenge – afternoons demand sun protection and careful pacing to avoid heatstroke, whereas pre-dawn starts can be quite chilly. Stage distances vary by day, roughly 25–50 km, with one “long day” of ~75 km.
The route is clearly marked (checkpoints every ~8–10 km) and often remote – it’s not unusual to see springboks or oryx on the horizon, and runners must be vigilant for encounters with snakes or scorpions. Self-sufficiency is required: apart from water and overnight shelter, competitors carry their food and gear. Sand and heat make pack weight a critical factor.
Support & Logistics
KAEM is smaller and more low-key than some big-name races, which many past participants find appealing. The organization provides robust safety support – 4×4 vehicles, medics, and crew – but the atmosphere is more intimate “bush camp” than large event. Each evening, runners and staff camp together under the stars, often in dry riverbeds or next to unique granite koppies (hills).
Campsites are true wilderness – you might hear jackals whooping at night. South African hospitality shines through: organizers often braai (barbecue) on the final night, and there’s a familial feel (some volunteers and runners return year after year). Logistically, getting there involves travel to Upington or Johannesburg and a transfer to Augrabies; the race helps coordinate pickups. For international runners, KAEM offers a chance to see a less-touristed part of South Africa.
Many tack on a safari or a visit to Cape Town afterwards. English is widely spoken and the event has a mix of local and international entrants. Uniquely, being on the Augrabies reserve, runners may get to visit the spectacular Augrabies Falls (a thundering waterfall in a granite gorge) as part of the experience.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon deserves recognition for its authentic desert adventure. It’s one of the most respected multi-stage ultras on the international calendar, yet maintains a friendly, down-to-earth character. The environment – red Kalahari sands, iconic camelthorn trees, vast African skies – provides a dramatic backdrop that feels very different from Morocco’s Sahara or Chile’s Atacama. There’s also the thrill of knowing you’re sharing the land with wild animals (even if you don’t see many, their tracks remind you). KAEM’s difficulty is on par with other major desert races: self-sufficient, very hot, and demanding.
For adventurous runners, it offers a chance to run an extreme race and then relax under an acacia tree watching an African sunset. That blend of intense racing and unique setting is why KAEM stands out as a top stage race choice, especially for those looking to explore Africa beyond the usual tourist routes.
For a lower-impact way to get the most of South Africa, give our 9-day South Africa running tour a look.
Starting from Cape Town, you’ll enjoy a mix of great runs (including ones through wine country), safari drives, canopy tours, and more.
