Premio Trail Run

TrailRunAdvisor Presents the Crystal Peak Prize

Celebrating Trail Running's Top Athletes of 2024 🏆

Trail running continues to conquer hearts and mountains, and 2024 has been an impressive year for the sport. TrailRunAdvisor is proud to present the Crystal Peak Prize, an award honoring the best trail running athletes of the year.

✨ Key Data

Categories:

The awards were divided into two exciting categories:

-Short/Medium distances and Skyrunning: Up to marathon.
-Long and Ultra Distances: Beyond the marathon.

Awards:
🏅 Awards were given to the Best Male and Female Athlete in each category.

Voting Panel:

A select group of trail running experts and organizations from around the world chose the winners:

TrailRunning channel
Trail Territory
American Trail Running Association
Tejas Trail
Destination Trail
Swiss Alps
A côté de mes pommes
Jogging International
Editions Mons
Belgium Running
Asia Trail Master
Ultra X
TB Press
Tempo
Lusa
Sterrato Gang
Sport di Montagna
Trail Chasers
Paraty by UTMB
Project Trail Running
World Trail Races
Skyrunning Federation Bulgaria

Voting Period:

📅 From December 1 to December 14, 2024

🏆 Winners: Long and Ultra Distances

Male Category:

🥇 Vincent Bouillard – His tenacity and skill in extreme terrain put him at the top.
🥈 Ludovic Pommeret – A legend who continues to set the standard in endurance racing.
🥉 Jim Walmsley – The American runner continues to make his mark in the ultra trails.

Women’s Category:

🥇 Courtney Dauwalter – Considered one of the best ultramarathoners of all time.
🥈 Katie Schide – Her consistency and style positioned her as a strong contender.
🥉 Jasmin Paris – A runner whose determination inspires the trail community.

🏆 Winners: Short/Medium Distances and Skyrunning

Male Category:

🥇 Kilian Jornet – The undisputed king of skyrunning reaffirms his dominance in 2024.
🥈 Elhoussine Elhazzaoui – His speed and precision led him to second place.
🥉 Patrick Kipngeno – A promise that continues to excel at altitude.

Women’s Category:

🥇 Judith Wyder – Her talent and passion shone brightly this year.
🥈 Joyce Njeru – A name that resonates strongly in the short distance circuits.
🥉 Anaëlle Bondoux – A revelation in the world of skyrunning.

Give it up for the Best Athletes of the Year! 🎉

2024 left us with epic moments and unforgettable races. We congratulate the winners and all the finalists who with their efforts have elevated this sport to new heights.

Who will be the next to reach the summit of success in 2025? The race is on!

trail running in hot weather

Trail Running in Hot Weather: 7 Adjustments Experienced Runners Make

When temperatures rise, trail running becomes a different sport. Every summer, trail runners face hot conditions, exposed climbs and aid stations where staying cool becomes as important as staying fuelled. In recent years, several races across Europe have even been shortened or cancelled due to extreme temperatures. The mistake many runners make is treating a hot race like any other race. Experienced trail runners know better. Here are 7 adjustments that can make the difference between a strong finish and a long day of suffering : 1. Forget Your Usual Pace One of the biggest mistakes in hot weather is trying to maintain the same pace you would run in cooler conditions. Heat increases cardiovascular strain. Your heart rate rises more quickly, even when your

Read More
trail running races in the Pyrenees

Top 5 Trail Running Races in the Pyrenees

Some of the best trail running races in the Pyrenees offer unforgettable mountain experiences, combining rugged peaks, alpine lakes, technical trails and authentic mountain villages. Stretching along the border between Spain and France, this spectacular mountain range attracts thousands of runners every year. Whether you’re searching for a challenging Pyrenees ultra marathon, breathtaking mountain scenery or an iconic trail running event in Spain or France, the region offers an incredible variety of experiences. From the glacial landscapes of Aneto-Posets to the technical ridges of Valle de Tena and the international atmosphere of Val d’Aran by UTMB, every race showcases a different side of trail running in the Pyrenees. Based on their scenery, atmosphere, reputation and runner experience, here are five of the best trail running

Read More
Ultra Trail Tour de Nancy

Ultra Trail Tour de Nancy (UTTN): Interview with One of France’s Top-Rated Trail Races

credit photo : @xavierwaerzeggers Rated an outstanding 4.9/5 by runners on TrailRunAdvisor, the Ultra Trail Tour de Nancy (UTTN) has quickly established itself as one of the most highly regarded trail running events in Eastern France. Known for its professional organization, welcoming atmosphere, dedicated volunteers, and surprisingly demanding courses, the race attracts runners looking for a unique challenge beyond the mountains. In this interview, the UTTN team shares what makes the event so special, why so many runners return year after year, and what first-time participants can expect from one of the best-rated trail races in the Grand Est region. Q1. UTTN is rated 4.9/5 by runners on TrailRunAdvisor. In your opinion, what surprises participants the most when they discover the event for the first

Read More
Top 5 Summer Trail Races in Spain

Top 5 Summer Trail Races in Spain (Guide)

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular trail running events. During the summer months, the country’s mountain ranges come alive with races that combine breathtaking scenery, technical terrain and unforgettable atmospheres. Whether you’re looking for a fast mountain marathon, a challenging ultra or your next alpine adventure, these five races deserve a place on every trail runner’s calendar. The races below are presented in no particular order. 1. Trail Valle de Tena (Panticosa, Huesca) Set in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, Trail Valle de Tena has become one of Spain’s most iconic mountain races. Known for its steep climbs, exposed ridgelines and technical descents, it offers a true alpine experience that rewards both fitness and mountain skills. The routes pass through spectacular

Read More

Trail Running in Hot Weather: 7 Adjustments Experienced Runners Make

When temperatures rise, trail running becomes a different sport. Every summer, trail runners face hot conditions, exposed climbs and aid stations where staying cool becomes

...

Top 5 Trail Running Races in the Pyrenees

Some of the best trail running races in the Pyrenees offer unforgettable mountain experiences, combining rugged peaks, alpine lakes, technical trails and authentic mountain villages.

...

Ultra Trail Tour de Nancy (UTTN): Interview with One of France’s Top-Rated Trail Races

credit photo : @xavierwaerzeggers Rated an outstanding 4.9/5 by runners on TrailRunAdvisor, the Ultra Trail Tour de Nancy (UTTN) has quickly established itself as one

...

Top 5 Summer Trail Races in Spain (Guide)

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular trail running events. During the summer months, the country’s mountain ranges come alive with races that

...