Europe’s trail race price map: how much does it cost to run?
Trail running has exploded across Europe, with hundreds of stunning courses and legendary events from the peaks of the Alps to the volcanic trails of the Canary Islands. But does the price to line up at the start vary as much as the terrain?
Our comprehensive study analyzed over 200 races, from famous events like Marathon du Mont Blanc, Canfranc Canfranc, MIUT, Festival des Templiers, Maxi Race, Adamello Ultra Trail, Dolomiti Extreme, Montreux Trail Festival and many more, and compared their average registration fees at three popular distances with 24 UTMB® World Series races across Europe.
Trail running isn’t equal. Unlike the uniform experience of road running, every trail race is shaped by its landscape, elevation, technical challenges, and local culture. Entry fees are just one reflection of these differences: from Portugal’s affordable scenic races to the alpine prices of Switzerland or the prestige premium of UTMB®, no two events are alike. This diversity means trail running offers something for every runner—whether seeking budget-friendly adventure or world-class spectacle
Methodology
To ensure fairness, we standardized our comparison to three key distances:
- Half marathon-type races: 17–25 km
- Marathon-type races: 35–50 km
- 100 km-type races: 85–120 km
When events had tiered pricing based on sign-up windows, the average entry price was used.
Key Findings
Average entry Price by Country, in Euros :
Best Value: Portugal consistently stands out as the most affordable country for trail race entry across all standard distances.
Most Expensive: Switzerland, the UK, and Austria are at the high end of the pricing scale, with marathon and 100K races often costing over twice as much as in Portugal.
UTMB® Races: Europe’s Premium Trail Racing
UTMB World Series events are priced in a category of their own—nearly double the European average across all distances:
Notable extremes:
Cheapest 100K: €35
Most expensive 100K: €290
Cheapest marathon: €21
Most expensive marathon: €223
Cheapest half marathon: €17
Most expensive half marathon: €175
Discussion
UTMB® World Series races command a significant premium — reflecting their prestige, organization quality, and global demand. For runners seeking value, Portugal offers the most affordable average bib prices, while Switzerland, the UK, and Austria top the scale with some of the priciest entry fees in Europe.
Whether you prioritize cost, challenge, or prestige, this study provides a clear map of what to expect when registering for trail races across Europe.
💬 Now it’s your turn: Which results surprised you the most? Would you pay nearly double for the UTMB® experience, or do you prefer national classics at a fraction of the price?
Share with us
Which countries or races surprised you most in terms of price? Is a UTMB event worth the premium? Let us know your thoughts or reach out for more details on our study.
