5 Races to do in September
đ September might be
back-to-work month, but the trail running season is far from over! After the
excitement of UTMB, there are plenty of incredible races to keep your
adrenaline pumping. With summer still holding on, itâs the perfect time to
enjoy warm conditions and tackle new trails. đââïžâïž Whether you’re
looking to extend your summer adventures or ease back into your routine with a
challenge, check out these top trail races this month!
Canfranc Canfranc (Spain)
Starting and ending in the Pyreneees, Canfranc is not only
famous for the train station. With 6 different distances, the 100k distance is
one of the most difficult in the world, with almost 9000m climb and 75% of the
race above 2000m !
The Most Beautiful Thing â TMBT Ultra Trail Marathon (Borneo)
Located in the northen part of Borneo, the name of the race
makes reference to the iconic Mt Kinabalu, which at 4,100 m is one of Southeast
Asia’s highest peaks and a world heritage site.
With 5 distances up to 100km, including a night challenge, the TMBT
Ultra is a destination where you can mix adrenaline rush and holiday relaxing.
There are even some hot springs nearby the race, offering soothing sulfur baths for tired legs !
Adamello Ultra Trail (Italy)
With 5 distances, from a KV
to the 170km king race, Adamello famously retraces the path and the mule
tracks of the WW1 in the northern part of Italy, on the border of Lombardy and
Trentino.
Paraty Brazil by UTMB
A new entry in the UTMB series, the 1st edition taking place
this september, the race is located the town of Paraty, on the coast between
Rio de Janeiro and SĂŁo Paulo, and offers 4 distances, from a 20k to a 100k. The
runners will have the chance to discover
steep and jungled mountains from the Serra de Bocaina National Park.
FestâTrail Causses Rougier (France)
With a starting point at ChĂąteau de Montaigut in Saint
Affrique, south of France, the race takes the runners through maginificent and
unique red-couloured landscapes ! It offers 4 distances, from a beginner
8km distance up to a 48km.
Penyagolosa CSP â Pacing strategy for ultramarathons
The pacing strategy for ultramarathons is the single most important element I had to master before tackling the legendary Penyagolosa CSP. As a runner who has tasted both the sweetness of summit finishes and the bitterness of bonks, I can confidently say that without a solid pacing plan, this 100-kilometer technical race in the Spanish mountains will break you. The race and what makes it brutal To begin with, Penyagolosa CSP isnât just about distanceâitâs about elevation, heat, rocks, and relentless terrain. With over 5,500 meters of vertical gain, your quads are under siege from the moment you start in CastellĂłn until you reach the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa. However, what makes it especially tricky is its technicality. Sharp descents, loose stones, forest
Western States â A Spectatorâs Guide
If youâve ever dreamed about joining the ultra trail community from your screen, this year you must watch Western States liveâitâs a truly unforgettable experience. As someone who ran this legendary race, Iâll walk you through exactly how you can follow it in real time, what to expect, and how it feels to be both a runner and a fan of the most iconic 100-miler in the world. What makes Western States so special? Let me begin by saying this: Western States isnât just a raceâitâs a legacy. Every year, on the last weekend of June, the energy in Olympic Valley, California, becomes electric. From the snowy high country to the blistering heat of the canyons, and finally, the cool river crossing and pine-scented trails
Sierra Nevada Off-Season: Letâs go back to basics
Sierra Nevada off-season running isnât something most people think of when they plan their training yearâbut it should be. When I first signed up for a week-long, low-key running camp during the quietest time of year, I was honestly just trying to stay fit. What I didnât expect was to reconnect with everything I had forgotten I loved about running. Escaping the race routine By the time October rolled around, I was burnt out. Although I had pushed through a busy race calendar, ticking off finish lines and personal bests, it all started to feel mechanical. So when a friend mentioned a rustic training camp in the Sierra Nevada off-season, I was intrigued. No bib numbers, no sponsor bannersâjust trails, altitude, and space to breathe.
Hardrock Lottery 2026 â Understanding the System
The Hardrock lottery is a beast of its own. As a runner who finally heard my name drawn after years of trying, I want to share what Iâve learnedânot just about the process itself but about how to stack the odds (and tickets) in your favor. This isnât just a technical breakdown; itâs the story of grit, strategy, and community, all wrapped in one of the toughest ultra lotteries out there. My first encounter with the Hardrock Lottery Back in 2018, I watched a video of the Hardrock 100 and immediately knew I had to run it someday. The terrain, the altitude, the sense of camaraderieâit struck a chord. But my dreams were quickly met with reality: this race doesnât just require legs; it demands
