Published on 27/03/2026
The biggest event of the weekend is the Buffalo Stampede Festival in Bright, Victoria (March 27–29). Australia's original sky run draws over 3,000 trail runners to the alpine township at the foot of Mount Buffalo National Park. The flagship 100km — sold out for 2026 — features approximately 5,000 meters of elevation gain, starting in the dark early hours and climbing to the Horn, the highest point of the park. It also doubles as a Western States 100 qualifying race for 2027. The festival also features 42km, 20km, 10km, 5km, and junior 2km distances.
One of the most unique events in the trail running world kicks off on Saturday: the Mustang Trail Race, an 8-stage, 170km adventure through the culturally Tibetan trans-Himalayan region of Nepal (March 28 – April 9). Up to 30 runners will spend 12 days running northward toward Tibet behind the stunning 8,000m Annapurna Massif, at altitudes between 2,900m and 4,300m. This is a supported stage race — runners carry a light pack while everything else is transported for them, with nights spent in tea houses.
The Behind the Rocks Ultra on Saturday offers 50-mile, 50K, 30K, and 10-mile distances on a remote desert course through classic Moab scenery — sweeping red rock formations, rugged canyons, and exposed ridgelines. The 50-mile course is notoriously challenging, with the majority of the elevation gain concentrated in the second half.
In the heart of Europe, the Lake Züri 100 Endurance Run sends 180 runners on a 106km loop along the hills surrounding Lake Zurich on Saturday. With approximately 3,200 meters of elevation gain, participants must navigate via GPX track on an unmarked route — a true test of endurance and orienteering starting and finishing at Albisguetli in Zurich.
Belgium hosts the Escape The Watcher – Kempen Edition in Malle on Saturday, a creative format where runners must travel as far as possible from the start within 6 or 12 hours via a self-chosen route, earning bonus points at checkpoints throughout the Kempen region. Distances range from 65km to 120km.
In the south of France, the Trail de Mirmande (March 28–29) offers a festive weekend in one of France's classified Most Beautiful Villages. Saturday features a 14km mountain race and a 9km night run, while Sunday brings the main events: a demanding 40km trail and a scenic 29km option through the Drôme countryside.
The Clinton Lake Ultra features 30-mile and 10-mile distances on scenic single-track loops through forest, hills, and meadows, with about 1,500 feet of climbing per 10-mile loop.
Sunday's Trailbreaker Marathon celebrates its 33rd edition, offering both a flat paved-trail option and a rugged Lapham Peak course with 5 miles on the Ice Age Trail.
The Bluebonnet Trail Run offers distances up to 50K through the scenic Texas Hill Country.
A 50km ultra through the hills of Overberg in the Netherlands rounds out the European offerings.
The spring ultra season is in full swing worldwide. The next major UTMB World Series event is the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB in Fruita, Colorado (April 9–12), featuring a 100K that doubles as a Western States qualifier alongside 50K, 21K, and 10K distances.