Ultra Marathon Near Me: Popular Ultra Marathons to Know in 2026
Popular Ultra Marathons and How to Find One Near You
Searching for an ultra marathon near me usually brings up huge race calendars. Those are useful, but they do not always tell you which races are beginner friendly, which ones are famous, and which ones are worth building a season around.
This guide gives you a curated shortlist of popular ultra marathons in 2026, plus a simple filter tool for Canada, the United States, Europe, distance, month, and difficulty. It is not every ultra race. There are too many local, timed, backyard, trail, and road ultras to maintain safely in one article.
Ultra Marathon Near Me Finder
This is a curated finder, not a complete race calendar. Filter by region, distance, month, and difficulty, then use the official race link to confirm the current details. I also include a few calendar links lower on the page for double checking dates because race schedules can change.
Filter popular 2026 ultra marathons
Try Canada, beginner friendly, 50K, or your closest state or province.
Western States 100
Bucket listThe classic American 100 mile trail race. It is famous, competitive, and not a casual entry. Good to know about, but not usually a realistic first ultra.
Hardrock 100
Hard mountain raceA high altitude mountain race with serious climbing. This is a dream race for many ultra runners, but the course and entry process are both demanding.
Leadville Trail 100 Run
High altitudeOne of the best known high altitude ultras in North America. The course is not as technical as some mountain races, but the elevation makes it very hard.
UTMB Mont Blanc
Global classicThe biggest name in European trail ultra running. The week includes several races, so check the specific event, distance, entry rules, and index requirements.
Javelina Jundred
Popular 100 milerA well known looped desert ultra with a big race atmosphere. It can be more approachable than remote mountain hundreds, but heat and pacing still matter.
Black Canyon Ultras
Desert trailA popular Arizona race with fast runnable sections, desert terrain, and strong competition. A good pick if you want a winter or early season ultra goal.
Canyons Endurance Runs
California trailsA major California trail event with multiple ultra distances. It works well for runners who want a serious race without jumping straight into a 100 miler.
Chuckanut 50K
Classic 50KA Pacific Northwest classic. It is short by ultra standards, but it is still a real trail race, so train for climbing, descending, and mixed conditions.
Vermont 100
East Coast classicA long standing eastern ultra with a different feel from western mountain races. Still hard, but less remote than many high elevation 100 milers.
Cocodona 250
200 plus milesA huge point to point ultra across Arizona. This is not a first ultra. It is for runners who already know how they handle sleep loss, heat, nutrition, and multi day pacing.
Gaspesia 100
Canadian trail raceA scenic Quebec ultra with several distance options. It is a good Canadian race to compare if you want more than a local 50K but do not want to travel to the United States.
Quebec Mega Trail
Quebec mountainsA strong Canadian option if you want mountain style trail running without leaving the country. Choose your distance carefully because the longer courses are demanding.
Sinister 7 Ultra
Alberta classicOne of the better known western Canadian ultras. The relay option makes the event feel big, while the solo distances give experienced runners a serious mountain style goal.
Squamish 50
BC trail raceA popular BC race with steep trails and a strong trail running community. It is not the easiest first ultra, but it is a great goal for runners who like technical terrain.
Fat Dog 120
Canadian bucket listA hard Canadian mountain ultra that belongs on an experienced runner shortlist. Check the current race status and course details before planning around it.
Niagara Ultra
Good first ultraA more approachable Canadian option for runners who prefer road or smoother terrain. The 50K can be a sensible first ultra if your marathon base is solid.
Lost Soul Ultra
Prairie classicA western Canadian ultra known for coulee terrain and exposed conditions. A strong option for Prairie runners who want something harder than a flat road 50K.
North Sun Ultra
Urban trail 50KA 50K style event that can make sense for Alberta runners looking for a regional ultra. It is still an ultra, so train for time on feet and eating while moving.
Grindstone Trail Running Festival
East Coast mountainA demanding eastern mountain race option. It is a good one to compare if you live in the eastern United States and want a serious trail challenge.
Run Rabbit Run 100
Colorado 100A popular Colorado 100 miler with plenty of climbing and mountain weather risk. Better as a second or third 100 mile goal than as a first ultra.
Worlds End Ultramarathon
Eastern trailsA rugged East Coast race for runners who want a technical trail feel without travelling west. Check the course profile before assuming the 50K is easy.
Kettle Moraine 100
Midwest optionA useful Midwest race to compare if you do not live near western mountains. Multiple distance options can make it easier to choose the right step up.
The Barkley Marathons
LegendaryThis is not a normal race calendar pick, but runners search for it because it is part of ultra running lore. For almost everyone, it is better to read about than target.
Rocky Raccoon 100
First 100 optionA well known early season 100 miler with a more runnable profile than many mountain races. Still a serious all day and overnight effort, but a common pick for runners attempting their first 100.
Bandera Endurance Trail Run
Rocky 100KA rugged Texas Hill Country race that is often used as a serious winter fitness test. Good if you want a harder trail feel without high mountain altitude.
Way Too Cool 50K
Classic 50KA classic California 50K with a long history and a competitive field. Good for runners who want a well known 50K before moving toward longer distances.
Lake Sonoma 50
Competitive 50A famous wine country 50 miler with rolling trails and strong competition. Better after you already understand ultra fueling and long descents.
Miwok 100K
Bay Area classicA long standing Northern California 100K with coastal views and steady climbing. A good step between 50 miles and a mountain 100.
Bighorn Trail Run
Mountain classicA beautiful but demanding Wyoming race with big climbs, changing weather, and remote mountain terrain. Pick this when you want a real mountain ultra.
Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs
High elevationA scenic high elevation race on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The views are a draw, but altitude and heat can make the race tougher than the distance suggests.
Badwater 135
Extreme roadA legendary road ultra through Death Valley. It belongs on a bucket list, not a first ultra list, because heat management and crew support are central to finishing.
Angeles Crest 100
SoCal mountainA Southern California point to point 100 miler with heat, climbs, and technical sections. A strong pick for runners who want old school mountain ultra character.
Cascade Crest 100
PNW 100A classic Washington 100 miler with forest trails, climbing, and PNW mountain conditions. Better for runners who already know how they handle long trail races.
Bigfoot 200
200 mile raceOne of the better known 200 mile trail races in the US. This is for experienced runners who can manage sleep, feet, food, weather, and navigation over several days.
Moab 240
Desert 200 plusA desert mountain ultra that is more expedition than normal race. It is best viewed as a long term goal after successful 100 mile and multi day experience.
Wasatch Front 100
Mountain 100A historic and difficult Utah 100 miler. Expect sustained climbing, altitude, heat risk, and long sections that reward patient pacing.
The Bear 100
Fall mountain 100A tough fall 100 miler through the Bear River Range. Good for runners who want a mountain 100 outside the most famous lottery races.
High Lonesome 100
Colorado 100A Colorado mountain 100 with big views and serious altitude. It is a good race to compare with Leadville, Hardrock, and Run Rabbit Run.
Silver Rush 50
Leadville buildA shorter Leadville race that still gives you thin air, climbing, and high mountain pacing practice. A useful stepping stone before a harder 100.
Antelope Canyon Ultras
Desert sceneryA popular desert event near the red rock and canyon country around Page. Good for runners who want scenery and a destination race feel.
HURT 100
Technical island 100A humid, rooty, technical 100 miler in Hawaii. The distance is familiar, but the course style makes it much harder than a flat or runnable 100.
Umstead 100
Runnable 100A looped and runnable 100 miler that many runners consider when they want a supported first attempt at the distance.
Long Haul 100
Winter 100A Florida 100 miler with a warmer winter setting and a course style that suits runners who do not want a mountain race.
Keys 100
Road 100A point to point road ultra through the Florida Keys. Heat, sun, crew logistics, and steady pacing matter more than trail climbing.
Daytona 100
Road 100A late season road ultra option for runners who prefer pavement, crew logistics, and a flatter course over trail climbing.
Mountain Mist 50K
Southern 50KA long running Southern 50K with rocky trails and enough climbing to keep it honest. Better than a flat first ultra if you want real trail practice.
Pinhoti 100
Southern 100A point to point Southern 100 miler with forest trails, changing weather, and a classic late season feel.
Arkansas Traveller 100
Classic 100An established 100 miler with a less hyped profile than the big western races. A good option for runners in the south central US.
JFK 50 Mile
Historic 50One of the most historic 50 mile races in the US. It mixes trail, towpath, and road running, so pacing is different than a pure trail ultra.
Old Dominion 100
Old school 100A long standing Virginia 100 miler with heat, humidity, hills, and classic East Coast ultra character.
Massanutten Mountain Trails 100
Technical 100A rocky and technical East Coast 100. Pick this if you want a demanding course where footwork matters as much as fitness.
Rim to River 100
East Coast 100A newer but popular 100 miler in West Virginia with a strong regional draw. Good to compare with Grindstone, Massanutten, and Old Dominion.
Burning River 100
Midwest 100A major Midwest 100 with a long history and multiple distance options. Useful for runners who want a supported 100 without western altitude.
Mohican Trail 100
Midwest classicA classic Ohio trail ultra and one of the Midwest races many runners use as a first or second 100 mile goal.
Indiana Trail 100
Midwest looped 100A looped Midwest trail race that can be easier to crew and mentally break down than a remote point to point course.
Superior Fall Trail Race
North ShoreA tough North Shore race with technical trails and a wilderness feel. Do not assume Midwest means flat or easy.
Hennepin Hundred
Flat 100A rail trail style ultra that can suit runners who want a flatter, more runnable course and easier crew logistics.
Oil Creek 100
Pennsylvania 100A Pennsylvania trail ultra with multiple distance options. Good if you want a hard trail race without committing to western travel.
Island Runner Elk/Beaver Ultras
Flat Canadian ultraA flatter looped ultra around Elk and Beaver Lakes. Good for runners who want a controlled course and simple support compared with mountain races.
Sulphur Springs Trail Race
Ontario classicOne of the better known Ontario ultra weekends with enough distance options to work for first timers and experienced 100 mile runners.
Blackfoot Ultra
Alberta classicA long running Alberta trail ultra east of Edmonton. A good regional target if you want trails without committing to a mountain 100.
Run for Water Trail Run
BC climbingA demanding Sumas Mountain 50K with real climbing. Better for runners who want a hard trail day rather than an easy first ultra.
Tenderfoot Boogie
Sea to SkyA Squamish area 50K that gives runners a taste of Sea to Sky trail running without jumping straight to Squamish 50.
Slay the Dragon
SilverStar trailsA BC mountain style 50K with resort trails and enough climbing to feel different from a city or rail trail ultra.
Canadian Death Race
Alberta bucket listA famous Canadian mountain race with a relay history and a hard solo option. It is a bucket list race, not a casual first ultra.
Finlayson Arm
Technical BCA rugged Vancouver Island race with steep climbs and technical terrain. Good for runners who like hard coastal trail running.
Whistler Alpine Meadows
Alpine BCA mountain race weekend around Whistler. Use the official site for current distances because race formats can change.
Ultra Trail Harricana
Quebec mountainA major Quebec ultra weekend with forest, mountain, and longer trail options. Good to compare with QMT, Gaspesia, and Bromont.
Bromont Ultra
Quebec fall ultraA large fall ultra weekend in Quebec with several distance choices. A useful option if you want a destination race without leaving Eastern Canada.
Haliburton Forest Trail Race
Ontario forestA long running Ontario forest ultra with multiple distances. Good for runners who want trail experience and a classic Canadian race feel.
Foxtail Rail Trail Race
Rail trail ultraA rail trail style 50K can be a good first ultra choice because pacing, footing, and aid planning are simpler than on a technical mountain course.
Conquer the Canuck
Looped OntarioA looped Ontario event that can be easier to manage for a first ultra because you return to support more often.
Wascally Wabbit
Atlantic optionA useful Atlantic Canada option for runners who want something longer than 50K without travelling far west.
Reesor 50
Saskatchewan 50A Saskatchewan 50 miler that gives prairie runners a longer race option without needing to fly to the mountains.
Hidden Oasis Ultra
Cypress HillsA Cypress Hills 50K option for runners in Saskatchewan or Alberta who want trail terrain and a regional race feel.
Mad Trapper Backyard Ultra
Backyard formatA backyard style event for runners who want to test the hourly loop format rather than chase a set finish distance.
Oxbow 50K
Manitoba spring trailA Spruce Woods Provincial Park 50K on the Trans Canada, Epinette, and Yellowquill trails. Good for Manitoba runners who want a true trail ultra close to home.
Suffer on Centennial
Manitoba single trackA Canadian Shield trail race with 50K and 100K results listed for 2026. It is a harder Manitoba option than a flat road style ultra.
Race the North Face Brandon Hills
Manitoba trailA 50K in the Brandon Hills with single track, climbing, and a 10 hour cutoff listed for 2026. This is one of the verified Manitoba 50K listings I found.
Epic East Gate
Riding Mountain trailA 50K inside Riding Mountain National Park with a figure 8 course, technical sections, and a 10 hour cutoff listed for 2026.
Beaver Flat 50
Saskatchewan 50KA Saskatchewan 50K option for runners who want a local race instead of travelling to Alberta, Manitoba, or the US.
The Raven 50 Mile Ultra and Relay
Yukon ultraA Yukon ultra option with 50K and 50 mile distances listed for 2026. Useful for runners searching beyond the usual BC and Alberta calendars.
Klondike Ultra
Edmonton ultraA verified Edmonton ultra with 50K and 100K distances listed for 2026.
Moose Mountain Trail Races
Kananaskis style trailA Bragg Creek area 50K option for runners who want Alberta trail terrain without jumping straight into a 100 miler.
Rivers Edge Ultra
Alberta multi distanceA Devon, Alberta race with several ultra distances listed for 2026, from 50K up to 100 miles.
Grizzly Ultra
Canmore trailA Canmore 50K option listed for 2026. Good for runners looking for an Alberta mountain town race.
Great Mansfield Outdoors
Ontario trailAn Ontario race with 50K and 100K distances listed for 2026.
First Blaze Trail Race
Milton 50KA Milton 50K option that may suit runners looking for an ultra near the GTA.
Summit 700 Trail Runs
Blue Mountain 50KA Blue Mountain 50K option for runners who want more climbing than a flat road ultra.
Blue Bully Ultra
Blue Mountain ultraA fall 50K listed at Blue Mountain Resort for runners looking for an Ontario trail ultra.
Run Off The Grid
Mattawa 50KA Mattawa 50K option for runners searching outside the larger Southern Ontario race areas.
UpRiver Running Fall Races
Thunder Bay 50KA Thunder Bay 50K listing that gives Northern Ontario runners a closer ultra option.
Sticks n' Stones Trail Race
Dundas 50KA Dundas 50K option listed for 2026, useful for runners near Hamilton, Burlington, and the west GTA.
Phoenix Trail Races
London 50KA London, Ontario 50K listing for runners looking for a fall ultra close to home.
The Beav Trail Race
Milton fall ultraA November 50K option in Milton for runners who want a later season ultra.
Trail La Clinique Du Coureur
Quebec 50KA Lac Beauport 50K option listed for 2026. Good for runners searching near Quebec City.
Ultra Trail Sayam
Quebec trail ultraA Val Brillant ultra with 50K and 100K distances listed for 2026.
Ultra Trail du Fjord du Saguenay
Saguenay ultraA major Quebec ultra listing with several distances up to 100 miles. Best for experienced runners who want a serious trail event.
Boréalys Mont Tremblant By UTMB
Tremblant ultraA Mont Tremblant area event listed with 50K and 50 mile distances for 2026.
La Chute du Diable
Montreal area ultraA Quebec fall ultra listing with 50K and 75K options.
RELENTLESS at The Ark
Quebec 50KAn October Quebec 50K option listed for 2026.
Salomon Bay 50/50
Nova Scotia ultraA Halifax area race with 50K and 50 mile distances listed for 2026.
Hanwell Hammering
New Brunswick 50KA New Brunswick 50K listing for runners who want a local Atlantic Canada ultra.
Run Comfy Numb Trail Race
Whistler 50KA Whistler 50K option listed for 2026. Useful for runners searching near Vancouver, Squamish, or Whistler.
Sooke Hills 50K
Vancouver Island trailA Sooke 50K listing for runners looking for an ultra on Vancouver Island.
Bowen Island Bucketlister
Island 50KA Bowen Island 50K option for runners near Vancouver who want a scenic local ultra.
Tackle the Toad Trail Race
Nelson 50KA Nelson 50K listing for runners looking in the Kootenays.
Top of The World Ultra
Sun Peaks 50KA Sun Peaks 50K option listed for 2026. Good for runners who want a mountain resort style course.
Devil's Ladder Ultra
Cumberland 50KA Cumberland 50K option listed for 2026, useful for runners searching near Comox Valley and Vancouver Island.
Broken Goat
Rossland 50KA Rossland 50K option with a mountain trail feel. Good for runners who want a tougher BC race.
Elk Valley Ultra
Fernie 50KA Fernie 50K option listed for 2026. Good for runners looking for a mountain town ultra.
Buckin' Hell
North Vancouver 50KA North Vancouver 50K option for runners who want steep, technical North Shore style trail running.
Dirty Feet Heartbreak
Kamloops ultraA Kamloops race with 50K and 100K options listed for 2026.
The Stoked Ultra
Revelstoke 50KA Revelstoke 50K option for runners who want a mountain town race in interior BC.
Walk in the Park
Kamloops 50KA Kamloops 50K listed for 2026. Useful for runners looking for a September BC ultra.
Frosty Mountain
Manning Park 50KA Manning Park 50K option for runners wanting a BC mountain trail race.
Freaky Creeky 50
Vernon 50KA Vernon 50K listing for runners searching for an Okanagan area ultra.
Whistler by UTMB
Whistler UTMB styleA Whistler race weekend listed with 50K and 100K distances for 2026. Use the official page to confirm the current format.
Whistler 50
Whistler relay and ultraAn October Whistler 50K listing. Good for runners who want a late season BC ultra option.
How to Pick the Right Ultra Marathon
The best race is not always the most famous one. If this is your first ultra, your goal should be to finish well, learn the distance, and avoid choosing a course that turns the day into a survival test.
Choose a local 50K if you want your first ultra
- You can train without a huge travel budget.
- You can test shoes, fuel, and gear before race day.
- You do not need to handle overnight running.
- A local race is easier for family support.
Choose a destination ultra if you want an experience
- Mountain races make the trip feel special.
- Famous races often have better atmosphere.
- You may need a lottery, qualifier, or early registration.
- Travel adds stress, so plan extra time before the race.
Use This Ultra Marathon Finder First
This page is designed to be your starting point when you search for an ultra marathon near you. Instead of dropping you into a huge calendar, the finder above gives you a smaller list of well known races that are easier to compare by region, distance, month, and difficulty.
How to use this guide
- Start with your region if you want a race close to home.
- Choose 50K if this is your first ultra.
- Use the difficulty filter to avoid jumping into a mountain race too soon.
- Search by race name, city, province, state, or terrain.
- Open the race website only after you have a short list.
What to check before signing up
- Cut off time and the average pace you need.
- Course surface, climbing, altitude, and weather risk.
- Aid station spacing, drop bag rules, and crew access.
- Entry method, refund policy, and deferral rules.
- Required gear, especially for mountain or night races.
Not sure what distance to choose?
Start with the distance guide first. It explains how 50K, 50 miles, 100K, 100 miles, timed races, and backyard ultras actually feel for normal runners.
Read the ultra distance guide
