Trail running race calendar 2026 – the first 10 races of the year
The opening months of a trail running season are rarely about peak performance. Instead, January to March are about rhythm, adaptation, and building a competitive base that will support bigger objectives later in the year. Weather variability, terrain diversity, and limited daylight make early races demanding, but also extremely valuable.
This trail running race calendar for 2026 focuses on ten established European races traditionally held in the first quarter of the year. All of them are events that runners use to test fitness, regain race sharpness, or prepare strategically for spring and summer goals. The selection covers Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, regions that consistently offer reliable winter and early spring trail racing.
How this calendar was selected
Rather than chasing novelty, this calendar prioritises consistency and relevance. Each race included here has a solid organisational track record and appears regularly in the TrailRunAdvisor race archive, which acts as the platform’s reference database for international trail events.
Selection criteria included:
Continuity across multiple editions
Terrain and climatic diversity
International participation
Strategic relevance as a season opener
Balance between technical and runnable profiles
For runners looking to understand how certain races gain long-term prestige, TrailRunAdvisor’s analysis of the 5 most impressive trail races in Spain provides useful context.
January 2026 trail running races
1. Costa Blanca region – Spain
Southern Spain has become a winter refuge for trail runners across Europe. January races in the Costa Blanca area combine dry weather, rocky terrain, and sustained climbs without extreme altitude. These events are ideal for runners returning to competition after winter training blocks.
2. Northern Spain – Atlantic terrain
In contrast, northern Spain delivers a far more demanding January experience. Green landscapes, technical trails, and frequent humidity define races in regions such as Asturias or Galicia. These events reward technical efficiency and conservative pacing.
Runners unfamiliar with this terrain should research similar profiles through the race archive before committing.
February 2026 trail running races
3. Interior Portugal – balanced winter racing
Portugal’s trail scene continues to grow, particularly in its interior mountain regions. February races here often feature forest tracks, moderate technical difficulty, and well-marked courses. Weather is generally stable, making these events attractive for international runners.
4. Pre-alpine France – exposed and demanding
France offers fewer winter races, but those that do take place are often uncompromising. Pre-alpine terrain introduces cold temperatures, wind exposure, and significant vertical gain. These races demand strong equipment choices and disciplined energy management.
French events of this type are best approached with prior experience, and similar races can be explored via the race archive.
5. Tuscany – Italy
Italy’s early-season races frequently combine cultural landscapes with rolling elevation. Tuscany, in particular, offers runnable but relentless terrain, where constant climbs and descents accumulate fatigue without extreme technical difficulty.
Italian winter and early spring races are consistently represented in the TrailRunAdvisor race database.
March 2026 trail running races
6. Canary Islands – Spain
March often marks the transition from winter to spring racing, and the Canary Islands sit perfectly at that crossroads. Volcanic terrain, exposed ridges, and rising temperatures introduce new variables, particularly hydration and heat management.
Island races are a recurring feature in the TrailRunAdvisor race archive and often attract deep international fields.
7. Northern Portugal – river valleys and steep climbs
March races in northern Portugal frequently follow river systems, combining scenic singletrack with short, steep ascents. These events reward rhythm and downhill control, especially when rain has softened the terrain.
Runners seeking similar profiles can compare events using the race archive.
8. Île-de-France – France
Urban-adjacent trail races gain prominence in March, and France leads this format. These events blend forest trails, parks, and runnable sections, offering an accessible but still competitive environment.
9. Ligurian coast – Italy
Italy’s Ligurian coast delivers one of the most distinctive early-season profiles. Steep climbs, technical descents, and Mediterranean exposure combine into races that feel more demanding than their distance suggests.
These coastal mountain races sit at the intersection of winter and spring calendars and are well represented in the TrailRunAdvisor race archive.
10. Chianti region – Italy
By late March, some races already feel like season anchors rather than warm-ups. Events in the Chianti region attract strong competition and often serve as benchmarks for form. Runnable terrain masks cumulative fatigue, making race execution critical.
These races frequently appear among the most consulted events on TrailRunAdvisor during the first quarter of the year.
How to choose your first trail race of 2026
Selecting from the many trail running races 2026 offers requires strategic thinking:
Climate: January races may still feel like winter; March races can already be warm.
Training phase: Early races suit base assessment; later ones allow controlled intensity.
Terrain specificity: Technical races demand different preparation than runnable profiles.
Logistics: Travel simplicity matters early in the season.
Using resources such as the TrailRunAdvisor homepage and the race archive helps align race choice with realistic objectives.
Final thoughts on trail running races 2026
The first quarter of the year shapes the entire trail running season. Smart race selection in January, February, and March allows runners to build confidence, avoid injury, and refine strategy before major objectives arrive.
Europe offers unmatched diversity during this period, from Atlantic forests to volcanic ridges and Mediterranean hills. With proper planning and early registration, trail running races 2026 can become more than preparation — they can define the year.
For further inspiration and historical perspective, revisit the 5 most impressive trail races in Spain and explore the full TrailRunAdvisor race archive.
