The Dolomites have emerged as one of Europe’s premier mountain racing destinations, hosting events that range from accessible community races to internationally renowned ultra-distance competitions. The region’s technical terrain, dramatic scenery, and exceptional infrastructure create an ideal setting for competitive trail running experiences at all levels.
The rise of competitive trail running in the Dolomites has followed the sport’s global growth, with local organizers leveraging the region’s natural advantages to create distinctive racing experiences. What sets Dolomites races apart is their seamless integration of challenging alpine terrain with the region’s exceptional hospitality traditions.
Even the most demanding ultra-distance events maintain a distinctly Italian character, with aid stations featuring local specialties, passionate community involvement, and post-race celebrations that honor the cultural context.
Planning your first Dolomites adventure? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Trail Running in the Dolomites to understand the region’s unique terrain, climate, and culture.
Signature Trail Races in the Dolomites
1. Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB
Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB
Cortina d’Ampezzo | June 27-29, 2025
The crown jewel of Dolomites racing has evolved from a respected regional event to an integral part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour and now the prestigious UTMB World Series. Centered in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this world-class event features multiple race distances that showcase the eastern Dolomites’ most spectacular terrain:
- 120 km (75 miles) flagship ultra with 5,800m (19,000ft) of elevation gain
- 80 km (50 miles) mid-distance challenge including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit
- 20 km (12 miles) Cortina Sky Race offering a more accessible racing experience
The race’s popularity has necessitated a lottery-based registration system, with entry applications typically opening approximately eight months before the event. International runners should note that medical certificates specific to competitive running are required for all participants.
The event’s distinctive character derives from its combination of serious athletic challenge with refined Italian hospitality. Even remote aid stations feature exceptional provisioning, while the finish area in Cortina’s elegant town center creates a dramatic conclusion to the racing experience.
Learn more about Lavaredo Ultra Trail
2. Dolomiti Extreme Trail
Website: Dolomiti Extreme Trail
Date: Forno di Zoldo | June 6-8, 2025
This authentic mountain challenge in the less-visited Val di Zoldo offers a highly technical racing experience with substantial vertical gain. The event includes:
- 103 km (64 miles) ultra with 7,150m (23,500ft) elevation gain
- 53 km (33 miles) with 3,800m (12,500ft) elevation gain
- 23 km (14 miles) with 1,300m (4,300ft) elevation gain
The Dolomiti Extreme distinguishes itself through exceptionally technical terrain and a community-focused atmosphere. Unlike larger events with corporate sponsorship, this race maintains a grassroots character with strong local involvement and authentic mountain culture. The route’s remoteness and technical difficulty make this an excellent choice for experienced mountain runners seeking a genuine alpine challenge away from more commercial events.
Learn more about Dolomiti Extreme Trail
3. Dolomyths Run
Dolomyths Run by Golden Trail Series
Canazei | July 12-13, 2025
This prestigious event in the Golden Trail World Series attracts elite mountain runners from around the world to the heart of the Val di Fassa. The race combines:
- 22 km (13.7 miles) with 1,700m (5,580ft) elevation gain in the elite Sky race format
- 10 km (6.2 miles) vertical challenge directly from Canazei
The Dolommyths Run features exceptionally spectator-friendly design, with multiple viewing points accessible by cable car and strategic positioning of key technical sections. For competitive runners seeking to test themselves against elite athletes, this event provides a rare opportunity to race the same course as world champions in a tightly organized format that emphasizes both athletic excellence and spectator experience.
Learn more about Dolomyths Run
4. Transpelmo Skyun
Transpelmo Skyrun
Val di Zoldo | September 7, 2025
This classic mountain circuit circumnavigates the distinctive Mount Pelmo, one of the Dolomites’ most recognizable peaks. The race covers approximately 19 km (11.8 miles) with 1,300m (4,265ft) of elevation gain, offering a perfect intermediate distance that balances technical challenge with accessibility.
The Transpelmo’s September timing provides a strategic advantage for runners seeking favorable mountain conditions, with stable weather patterns and more moderate temperatures than mid-summer events. The complete circumnavigation format creates a satisfying racing experience with continuous views of the mountain’s changing aspects throughout the course.
Learn more about Transpelmo Run
5. Cammino Sospirolese Trail
Cammino Sospirolese Trail
Sospirolo | June 2, 2025
This community-organized event in the southern Dolomites offers a welcoming atmosphere for runners seeking authentic local racing experiences away from the larger international competitions. The Cammino Sospirolese features:
- 33 km (20.5 miles) with 1,700m (5,580ft) elevation gain
- 20 km (12.4 miles) with 600m (1,970ft) elevation gain
- 10 km (6.2 miles) with 200m (656ft) elevation gain
What distinguishes this event is its deeply rooted connection to the local community. The race traverses ancient footpaths that once connected isolated mountain villages, passing through landscapes rich with cultural significance. Aid stations are stocked with homemade regional specialties, and the finish area buzzes with the energy of a traditional Italian festival.
For international runners, the Cammino provides a rare glimpse into the authentic mountain culture of the southern Dolomites region. The moderate technical difficulty of the courses makes them accessible to runners with varied experience levels, while still delivering the breathtaking alpine views that define Dolomites racing.
The early June timing positions this race as an excellent season opener or preparation event for runners targeting larger competitions later in the summer.
Learn more about Cammino Sospirolese Trail
6. Xterra Dolomiti di Brenta Trail
Xterra Dolomiti di Brenta Trail
Molveno, Trentino | September 6, 2025
Part of the global Xterra off-road sports series, this event combines trail running with the organization’s reputation for challenging courses in spectacular settings. The western location in the Brenta group provides a distinctive racing environment different from the more frequently visited eastern Dolomites. The event offers:
- 64 km (40 miles) ultra with 4,200m (13,800ft) elevation gain
- 45 km (28 miles) with 2,850m (9,350ft) elevation gain
- 21 km (13 miles) with 1,250m (4,100ft) elevation gain
The Dolomiti di Brenta trails showcase a different geological character than other races in this list, with dramatic limestone formations that create a more compact, castle-like mountain aesthetic. The race routes wind through dense alpine forests, emerge above treeline to traverse high-altitude plateaus, and circle the crystalline waters of Lake Molveno.
The Xterra organization brings professional race management to this event, with exceptional course marking, comprehensive live tracking, and well-organized support. This makes it particularly accessible for international participants who may be concerned about navigational challenges or language barriers at smaller local events.
The September timing offers ideal running conditions with cooler temperatures, stable weather patterns, and the beginning of autumn colors in the lower forests. For runners seeking to extend their racing season into early fall, the Dolomiti di Brenta Trail provides a perfect opportunity to experience world-class mountain terrain under optimal conditions.
Learn more about Xterra Dolomiti di Brenta Trail
Not sure what to bring? Our Packing List for Dolomites Trail Running covers everything from required safety gear to comfortable post-race attire.
Preparing for Dolomites Racing
International participants should note several distinctive aspects of Italian race organization:
- Medical certificates specifically for competitive running are required for most events
- Aid stations emphasize quality over quantity, with fewer but better-provisioned support points
- Language barriers may exist at smaller events, though major races provide comprehensive English information
Experience Epic Trails Without Race Day Pressure
For runners seeking race-specific training terrain or those who prefer the pure joy of trail running without the pressure of competition, Rogue Expeditions’ Dolomites running tour provides the ultimate alpine experience.
Our carefully crafted adventure takes you through the majestic limestone spires of the Italian Dolomites, where bucolic green pastures, winding trails, alpine lakes, and cozy mountain huts await. Led by expert guides who know these mountains intimately, you’ll experience the same breathtaking terrain as the racers while enjoying a supportive, personalized experience.
What Makes Our Dolomites Running Tour Special:
- Expert Leadership: Run with experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders and local Italian running guides who bring deep knowledge of the region’s trails, culture, and hidden gems
- Iconic Routes: Experience 5 unique, supported runs/hikes (5-12 miles/8-20 km daily) along legendary paths including Tre Cime and Cinque Torri—sections of famous race courses without the race-day crowds
- Exceptional Accommodations: Stay in carefully selected lodging including a stylish boutique hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a cozy family-run mountain lodge in San Martino di Castrozza, and an authentic rifugio mountain hut experience
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in all meals prepared by favorite local chefs and restaurants, from welcome aperitifs at a family-owned restaurant to lush platters of regional cheeses and fruits served at cliffside rifugios
- Comprehensive Support: Enjoy hassle-free travel with included airport shuttles from Venice, professional drivers for all ground transportation, trail support with gourmet snacks, and all necessary gondola tickets and park entry fees
Whether you’re preparing for other trail races in the Dolomites or simply want to experience the majesty of the Dolomites on foot, our Dolomites run tour provides the perfect blend of challenge, comfort, and authentic cultural immersion.
