Ultramarathon race ratings

1. Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run

Raleigh, NC · Next race 3 Apr 2027

Racers loveSmooth crushed-gravel lap of 12.5 mi (20.1 km): little technical footing to worry about

Watch outEntry sells out in minutes, and a qualifying 50 mi finish is required

“Umstead was nearly a perfect race.” Devon Yanko, Chaski blog

2. Ghost Train Rail Trail Race, 30-Hour Ultramarathon (100 mi mark)

Brookline, NH · Last race 17 Oct 2026

Racers loveFlat packed-dirt rail trail with about 91 m (300 ft) of gain per 24 km (15 mi) lap.

Watch outSold out in about 15 min in 2025; the 175-person waitlist probably will not clear.

“Halloween party disguised as a race” Lila Gaudrault, Substack

3. Western States Endurance Run 100 Mile

Olympic Valley, CA · Next race 26 Jun 2027

Racers loveOlympic Valley to Auburn over Emigrant Pass, 2,667 m (8,750 ft), with a river crossing at mile 78 (125.5 km)

Watch outLottery: 11,328 applicants for 369 spots in 2026, plus a qualifying finish required.

“The heat and effort were real.” Dan Jones, Daniel Jones, Substack

4. Rocky Raccoon 100 Endurance Trail Race

Huntsville, TX · Next race 6 Feb 2027

Racers loveFive 32.2 km (20 mi) loops on soft pine-needle trail with no rocks.

Watch outRoots trip tired runners in the dark and mud puddles can be ankle deep in wet years.

“There is no such thing as an 'easy' 100 miler.” I Run Alaska (Brandon)

5. Bandera 100K (Bandera Endurance Trail Race)

Bandera, TX · Next race 9 Jan 2027

Racers love25 hour limit for 100.2 km (62.3 mi); the aid chart's slowest finishing pace is 24:07 per mile.

Watch outRocky, steep footing and leg-cutting sotol over 100.2 km (62.3 mi) with 2,012 m (6,600 ft) of gain.

“Mt. Dew comes straight from heaven.” Rick H, Team RunRun

6. Comrades Marathon

Pietermaritzburg / Durban, South Africa · Next race 13 Jun 2027

Racers love49 official refreshment stations over 85.777 km (53.3 mi) on closed roads.

Watch out12-hour limit; the last 2026 cut-off sat 6.7 km (4.2 mi) from the finish with 35 min in hand.

“hundreds of runners missing out on a medal” Stuart Mann, The Running Mann

7. Black Canyon 100K

Mayer, AZ · Next race 13 Feb 2027

Racers loveWestern States Super Golden Ticket: top 3 men and top 3 women earn 2027 entry.

Watch outThe early downhill tempts runners to start fast and wreck their quads before the climbing second half.

“Black Canyon 100K is a tricky course to pace.” Team Run Run, Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

8. Pinhoti 100

Heflin to Sylacauga, AL · Next race 7 Nov 2026

Racers loveTrue point-to-point 161.5 km (100.4 mi) from Heflin to Sylacauga over Cheaha Mountain, 734 m (2,408 ft).

Watch outEvery station has a printed cutoff that tightens for the back of the pack; times ignore terrain.

“Where are the real mountains?” Dan Thomas, TeamRunRun

9. Indiana Trail 100 Mile

Albion, IN · Last race 10 Oct 2026

Racers loveFour 25 mi (40 km) loops with one start/finish and free tent camping beside the line.

Watch outPacers only from mile 50 (80 km) unless you are 65 or older.

“Be prepared for mud, wet, and cold!” Dave S (Scheibel), Team RunRun (Dave S)

10. Hinson Lake 24 Hour Ultra Classic

Rockingham, NC · Next race 25 Sep 2027

Racers loveTimed 24 hours on a certified 2.416 km (1.5 mi) lake loop; your result is the distance you cover.

Watch outEntry opens January 1 and usually sells out in a day or two; there is a waitlist.

“Completing the same loop 42 times may sound boring but it really wasn't.” RaceRaves (reviewer missmac17224)

11. Big's Backyard Ultra (Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship)

Bell Buckle, TN · Last race 17 Oct 2026

Racers loveThe world championship of the format: one 6,706 m (4.167 mi) yard every hour until one runner is left.

Watch outNot an open race: entry is by national silver-ticket win or at-large selection.

12. Cocodona 250

Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, AZ · Next race 2 May 2027

Racers lovePoint to point, 408 km (253.5 mi), Black Canyon City to Flagstaff via Prescott, Jerome and Sedona

Watch outLottery entry from 2027: 475 places, 300 waitlisted, $1,995 plus tax

“the wheels were off the bus” Des Clarke, Team RunRun

13. Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run

Easton, WA · Next race 16 Jul 2027

Racers loveMount Rainier views from Thorp Mountain and about 48 km (30 mi) of Pacific Crest Trail

Watch outLottery entry, 8 h trail work (or $150 buyout) and a qualifying 100 mi or hard 50 mi

“on another level” Team Run Run (Rob Raux)

14. Superior 100 Mile (Superior Fall Trail Race)

Two Harbors (start) to Lutsen (finish), MN · Next race 10 Sep 2027

Racers lovePoint-to-point 165.6 km (102.9 mi) along the Superior Hiking Trail and Lake Superior.

Watch outVery technical single-track: roots, rocks and mud over 5,288 m (17,350 ft) of gain.

“I give it a 10/10.” Team RunRun (Ashley Nordell)

15. Hardrock 100 Endurance Run

Silverton, CO · Next race 9 Jul 2027

Racers loveCourse tops out at Handies Peak, 4,282 m (14,048 ft); average elevation is about 3,410 m (11,186 ft).

Watch outOne-ticket applicants had about 0.3% odds in 2026, plus a qualifier and 8 h of service.

“Are you going to finish this?” Team RunRun (Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott)

16. Bull Run Run 50 Mile

Clifton, VA · Next race 3 Apr 2027

Racers loveBluebells line the northern section in early April, beside Bull Run and the Occoquan.

Watch outPacers are banned and drop bags are at only 3 stops.

“The course is VERY well marked.” Meagan Denman, TeamRunRun

17. Javelina Jundred 100 Mile

Fountain Hills, AZ · Next race 31 Oct 2026

Racers loveFive loops with crew at one spot, so crew sees the runner about five times.

Watch outHeat is the main killer: 52% finished in 2016 and about 64% in 2025.

“Everything in the desert wants to hurt you.” Team Run Run, Stephen

18. Waldo 100K Ultramarathon

Willamette Pass, OR · Next race 7 Aug 2027

Racers loveForest singletrack, lakes and mountain summits.

Watch outThree intermediate cutoffs apply before the eighteen-hour finish limit.

19. Vermont 100 Endurance Race

West Windsor, VT · Next race 17 Jul 2027

Racers loveRuns alongside a concurrent horse race, the last 100 mi event to do so.

Watch outHeat can bite: 2019 hit 36 °C (96 °F) and about 48% of starters finished.

“the race doesn't really start until mile 70” Team Run Run, Brian E

20. The North Face Transgrancanaria Classic 126K

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain · Next race 26 Feb 2027

Racers loveMidnight start on Las Canteras beach, finish at Parque Sur in Maspalomas, 126 km (78 mi).

Watch outCold wet nights, then heat near 30 °C (86 °F); the route was shortened for storms in 2022.

“pack long windproof trousers and you will be ok” Carnethy Hill Runners (Phil Humphries)

21. Uwharrie 100 Mile Trail Run

Troy, NC · Last race 17 Oct 2026

Racers loveFive 33.0 km (20.5 mi) loops of almost entirely single track, passing the start every lap.

Watch outOfficial course page calls it unrelenting: 1,062 m (3,484 ft) of climb per loop and little flat ground.

“a deceptively tough race” Beltway Runner (Daisy Weill)

22. Old Dominion 100 Mile Cross Country Run

Woodstock, VA · Next race 5 Jun 2027

Racers loveOne of the oldest 100s in the US (since 1979), volunteer run with no sponsors.

Watch outA 50 mi or longer qualifier is required and only 110 slots exist; registration opens 28 November.

“I love that and hope it doesn't change.” John Kelly, Random Forest Runner

23. Cayuga Trails 50

Ithaca, NY · Next race 5 Jun 2027

Racers loveDozens of waterfalls and gorges inside Robert H. Treman State Park, about 95% trail.

Watch outGain is 3,110 m (10,200 ft) with long stone staircases and steep gorge climbs.

“The second half of the race would prove to be the toughest.” Scott Dawson Substack (2017 race)

24. Patapsco Valley 50K

Catonsville, MD · Next race 24 Oct 2026

Racers loveTwo loops of about 26.1 km (16.2 mi) past Cascade Falls and Lost Lake

Watch outThe official site says clockwise for 2026 and does not say whether direction changes yearly

“It's an ULTRA, not an ACCURATE!” zhurnaly.com

25. Kettle Moraine 100 Mile Endurance Run

La Grange, WI · Last race 13 Jun 2026

Racers loveWestern States qualifier with 65 mi (105 km) on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Watch outHeat and humidity are common in June; 2026 finishing was 51% (112 of 219 starters).

“Dead last! But finisher!” Kettle Moraine 100 race site (2021 report by…

26. UTMB Grindstone 100 Mile (Grindstone Trail Running Festival by UTMB)

Mount Solon, VA · Next race 24 Sep 2027

Racers loveStarts and finishes beside the Natural Chimneys limestone towers, with 104 mi (167 km) of ridges between.

Watch outCrew allowed at only 3 named places (5 stops); meeting your runner elsewhere risks disqualification.

“Above all, take the climbs easy!” Lukas Burrer, TeamRunRun

27. Antelope Canyon Ultras 50 Mile

Page, AZ · Next race 6 Mar 2027

Racers loveSlot-canyon access, sandstone scenery and river overlooks.

Watch outDeep sand, ladders and exposed technical sections require preparation.

28. C&O Canal 100 Mile

Knoxville (Camp Manidokan), MD · Next race 24 Apr 2027

Racers loveAlmost entirely flat C&O towpath for 160.9 km (100 mi), packed dirt and small gravel.

Watch outThree loops on the same towpath; many runners call the night section lonely and repetitive.

“Maryland needs a Western States qualifier.” John Calabrese, VHTRC 2023 report

29. Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run

Fort Valley (Caroline Furnace Camp, near Woodstock), VA · Next race 15 May 2027

Racers loveVolunteer club race since 1995 with no sponsors and a $250 entry for 100.6 mi (161.9 km).

Watch outRocks are constant: leaf-covered, slick and ankle-rolling, with steep rocky descents in the dark.

“MMT's signature feature is its rocks which constantly nag you.” Andy Jones-Wilkins, iRunFar, Classic U.S. Ultras: MMT 100 (2020)

30. Tahoe 200 Endurance Run

Stateline, NV · Next race 21 Jun 2027

Racers loveOne loop of Lake Tahoe: 322.5 km (200.4 mi), mostly on the Tahoe Rim Trail

Watch outSold out for 2027, waitlist only; $1,795 plus fees

31. Sonoma Fall Classic OG 50 Mile (formerly the Lake Sonoma 50)

Healdsburg, CA · Last race 17 Oct 2026

Racers loveOriginal 2008 start at South Lake Trailhead, with a 16 h limit for 82.9 km (51.5 mi)

Watch outFirst October edition: April-race reports and cutoffs may not apply to this course or organiser

“One of the best organized races I've run!!” Team Run Run (Ashley Nordell)

32. Terrapin Mountain 50K

Sedalia (Big Island), VA · Next race 20 Mar 2027

Racers love2,134 m (7,000 ft) of climbing in 50.1 km (31.1 mi), with a smooth dirt-road descent between big climbs.

Watch outOne hard cutoff at mile 25.6 (41.2 km): reach Terrapin Mtn Lane aid by 2:15 PM (7:15 elapsed).

“honest-to-goodness competitive again” Andy Jones-Wilkins, iRunFar

33. Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Run

Cuyahoga Falls, OH · Next race 31 Jul 2027

Racers loveOut and back: about 113 km (70 mi) of trail, 19 km (12 mi) of towpath and 29 km (18 mi) of road.

Watch outLate-July heat and humidity; one runner report puts the 2025 finish rate at 41 percent.

“The course was incredibly well-marked!” Team RunRun (Ted Bross, 2022)

34. Run Rabbit Run 100

Steamboat Springs, CO · Next race 17 Sep 2027

Racers loveNo qualifier: open registration, and a $300,000 purse is promised for 2027 and 2028.

Watch outRegistration fills; 2026 had a waitlist and prices rose from $385 to $595.

“Patience is imperative on this course!” Team RunRun (Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott)

35. Tarawera T102

Rotorua, New Zealand · Next race 13 Feb 2027

Racers loveRunnable forestry roads between forest trails

Watch outEarlier editions used materially different courses

36. Mountain Masochist Trail Run 50 Mile

Montebello, VA · Next race 7 Nov 2026

Racers loveStarts and finishes at Montebello Campground, with no shuttle needed and a Friday meal and briefing.

Watch outCutoffs at mile 39.3 (63.2 km), 15:45, and mile 41.9 (67.4 km), 16:20, are tight against 13 h pace.

“Dropping was the right call.” JD (Rural Runner), Rural Runner (Substack)

37. Mohican Trail 100 Mile Run

Loudonville, OH · Next race 5 Jun 2027

Racers loveFour loops from one campground: two of about 43 km (27 mi), then two of about 37 km (23 mi).

Watch out4,303 m (14,118 ft) of climbing on roots, rocks and stairs; 43 percent finished in 2026.

“This race has been held for over 30 years and is really well run!” Team RunRun (Sarah Forman, 2021)

38. JFK 50 Mile

Boonsboro (start) to Williamsport (finish), MD · Next race 21 Nov 2026

Racers loveThe oldest US ultra, first held in 1963, with a 13 h limit for 80.8 km (50.2 mi).

Watch outEight cutoffs, the first 45 min in at mile 2.5 (4 km); missing one forces withdrawal.

“You can, you will, you are strong.” Michael Stowe, NRV Runs, 2024 JFK 50 race report

39. UTMB Mont-Blanc 100M (the 171 km UTMB, not CCC or OCC)

Chamonix, France · Last race 28 Aug 2026

Racers loveA loop of Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland: 174 km (108 mi), 9,700 m (31,800 ft) gain.

Watch outLottery entry needs Running Stones and a 100K or 100M UTMB Index; 479 EUR (about 550 USD) plus fees.

“not really runnable at all” Educated Guesswork

40. Badwater 135

Death Valley to Lone Pine, CA · Next race 19 Jul 2027

Racers love217 km (135 mi) from 86 m (282 ft) below sea level to 2,548 m (8,360 ft)

Watch outInvitation only: about 100 places, a strict qualifying standard and a $1,695 fee

“Badwater takes cooling to a whole new level.” Badwater.com Lessons Learned (Amanda McIntosh)

41. Highlands Sky 40 Mile Trail Run

Davis, WV · Last race 20 Jun 2026

Racers lovePoint-to-point over Roaring Plains and Dolly Sods: 66.0 km (41 mi) with 1,668 m (5,474 ft) of climb

Watch outFour enforced cutoffs; the first is 3 h 15 min for 10.5 mi (16.9 km)

“a family reunion” Substack (Caleb Bowen)

42. Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K (La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB)

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy · Next race 25 Jun 2027

Racers loveNight start in Cortina; faster runners reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo around sunrise.

Watch outLottery needs a 100K or 100M UTMB Index; the fee rose to 320 EUR (about 370 USD) for 2027.

“Most of the race is on pretty hard ground.” Alecsa Stewart, Runnerslab

43. Eiger Ultra Trail E101

Grindelwald, Switzerland · Next race 17 Jul 2027

Racers loveAlpine scenery praised by independent finishers

Watch outSubstantial climbing and exposed mountain sections

44. Hong Kong 100

Hong Kong, Hong Kong · Next race 23 Jan 2027

Racers loveCoastal scenery contrasts with city views

Watch outMuch of the climbing comes late

45. Devil Dog Ultras 100 Mile

Triangle, VA · Next race 5 Dec 2026

Racers loveSingle-track loops in a national park forest: 23 mi (37 km), then four of 19.5 mi (31.4 km)

Watch outCutoffs start only at mile 81 (131 km): 07:30 Sunday, then Gunny 09:00 and Toofy 11:30

“The volunteers here were incredible.” Erik Price, VHTRC news

46. Bighorn 100 Mile Endurance Run

Dayton, WY · Last race 19 Jun 2026

Racers loveOpen entry with no qualifier; registration opens October 15 for the June race.

Watch outMud and bog are common; 2017 to 2019 and 2023 were wet and slow.

“Whatever happened out there, I'd have to be the one to solve it.” Gingerbread Man Running (Bighorn 100 2026)

47. Mt. FUJI 100 FUJI100mi

Fuji to Fujiyoshida, Japan · Next race 23 Apr 2027

Racers loveJapanese-language firsthand accounts from different performance levels

Watch outSome runners will encounter a second night

48. Ultra-Trail Australia UTA100

Katoomba, Australia · Next race 15 May 2027

Racers loveBlue Mountains scenery

Watch outPrepare for repeated stairs and the final Furber Steps

49. Hellgate 100K++

Natural Bridge Station, VA · Next race 12 Dec 2026

Racers loveMidnight start, point to point through the Blue Ridge to Camp Bethel, with a free lodge for runners.

Watch outTwo cutoffs: Floyd's Field (race mile 22.5 / 36 km (22.4 mi)) by 06:40, Bearwallow (42.5 / 68 km (42.3 mi))…

“I was struggle-festing in the worst way.” Erin Surette, Believe in the Run

50. Leadville Trail 100 Run

Leadville, CO · Next race 21 Aug 2027

Racers loveHope Pass at about 3,810 m (12,500 ft) is crossed twice on an out-and-back from Leadville.

Watch outCutoffs stop about half the field: Winfield, mile 52.2 (84 km), closes 14:50 into the race.

“Either I would be back by 10 PM or my race was over.” La Sportiva, Jeff Beecham

51. Ultra-Trail Cape Town UT100

Cape Town, South Africa · Next race 21 Nov 2026

Racers loveMountain, coastal and city scenery in one route

Watch outRock steps and scrambling make pace estimates difficult

52. TransJeju Jeju 100K

Seogwipo, South Korea · Last race 3 Oct 2026

Racers loveHallasan mountain trails and volcanic scenery

Watch outSlippery rock and long stairs demand specific preparation

53. Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run

Kaysville to Midway, UT · Last race 11 Sep 2026

Racers lovePoint-to-point ridge traverse from Kaysville to Soldier Hollow, topping out at 3,189 m (10,462 ft).

Watch outFinish rate ran 52 to 65% in 2022 to 2026; hot, exposed ridges after Big Mountain.

“I went out way too hot and was in trouble at Lambs Canyon.” Wasatch 100 history (Dana Miller): Smoke 'n Hot…

54. Eastern States 100

Waterville, PA · Next race 14 Aug 2027

Racers loveSingle loop of 103 mi (166 km) around Pine Creek Gorge, 98% single or double track

Watch out36 h limit with latest-departure deadlines at ten stations; 46% finished in 2026

“smile through the darkest moments” Rush of It All, Jeff Calvert (preview)

55. Laurel Highlands Ultra 70.5 Mile

Ohiopyle, PA · Next race 12 Jun 2027

Racers lovePoint-to-point 113.5 km (70.5 mi) along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, held since 1980.

Watch outRocks, roots and boulders throughout; the first 31 km (19 mi) are the roughest.

56. Georgia Death Race

Blairsville, GA · Next race 27 Mar 2027

Racers lovePoint-to-point 119 km (74 mi) with 4,877 m (16,000 ft) of climbing, finishing at Amicalola Falls.

Watch outNo pacers allowed and drop bags at only 2 stations: Point Bravo and Jake Bull.

“hotter than hell and half of Georgia” Believe in the Run (2019 Georgia Death Race…

57. Hyner View Trail Challenge 50K

Hyner, PA · Next race 17 Apr 2027

Racers loveFive major climbs and about 1,981 m (6,500 ft) of gain in 50 km (31 mi), with Susquehanna views

Watch outHard cutoffs: mile 7.5 (12.1 km) 10:30 am, 17 (27.4 km) 1:00 pm, 25 (40.2 km) 3:15 pm

58. Manitou's Revenge 54 Mile