Races & Destinations - Trailia

Race preparation guides and the best trail running destinations: course guides, lotteries, cutoffs, crewing and race-day checklists.

22 guides. Each one is available as Markdown by appending .md to its URL.

• Best Trail Running Destinations in Germany (2026 Guide) (9 min read) From the Zugspitze's alpine ridgelines to Saxon sandstone canyons, these seven regions cover every terrain type German trail runners need.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in France: 6 Regions to Run (8 min read) From Chamonix to Corsica's GR20, discover 6 French regions for trail running, with terrain, seasons, and difficulty for every runner.
• UTMB Lottery and Running Stones: How Entry Actually Works (6 min read) The UTMB lottery explained without the jargon: what Running Stones are, how the index gates each race, how the draw weights you, and how to improve your odds.
• CCC and OCC Race Guide: UTMB's Sister Races Explained (6 min read) CCC and OCC compared: distances, elevation, cutoffs, entry requirements and training plans for the two Mont-Blanc races most runners should target before UTMB.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in the UK and Scotland (6 min read) Where to go trail running in the UK: the West Highland Way, Cairngorms, Lake District and Eryri, plus the access rights that decide where you can legally run.
• Hardrock 100 Race Guide: Course, Lottery and Altitude (6 min read) The Hardrock 100 explained: 33,000 feet of climbing at 11,000 feet average altitude, how the two-pool lottery works, and what qualifying actually demands.
• Western States 100 Race Guide: Course, Cutoffs and Entry (6 min read) A complete Western States 100 guide: the canyons, the 30 hour cutoff, how the lottery and qualifying really work, and a 20 week preparation outline.
• Zegama-Aizkorri: Race Guide to Europe's Toughest Skyrace (6 min read) Zegama-Aizkorri explained: 42 km with 2,736 m of climbing, how the February lottery works, and a 16 week plan for the Basque Country's most brutal marathon.
• Cutoff Times Explained: How Ultra Race Timing Really Works (6 min read) Ultra marathon cutoff times are a sequence of gates, not one deadline. How organisers set them, how to read a cutoff table, and how to build a plan that holds.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in Japan: A Runner's Guide (6 min read) Where to go trail running in Japan: the Japanese Alps, Mount Fuji, Tokyo day trips by train, plus bears, huts, seasons and the races worth travelling for.
• How to Crew an Ultramarathon: The Complete Crew Guide (6 min read) How to crew an ultramarathon properly: the aid station routine, what to say and never say, warning signs to watch for, and how to handle the 3am quit request.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in California (2026 Guide) (9 min read) From Marin redwoods to Sierra altitude and Yosemite permits, here's where to run trails in California by region, season, and skill level.
• Trofeo Kima 2026: Course Guide, History, and How to Train (11 min read) The 52km Trofeo Kima crosses seven 2,500m+ Alpine passes on exposed granite with fixed ropes. Here's the full course guide and how to train for it.
• Ultramarathon Drop Bags: What to Pack, With a Checklist by Distance (9 min read) What a drop bag is, what to put in it for a 50K, 50-mile or 100-mile ultra, and how to pack and label it so you are in and out of aid stations fast.
• Trail Race Categories Explained: From 10K to 100 Miles (9 min read) Not sure which trail race distance is right for you? This guide breaks down every category from 10K to 100 miles, with training timelines, key demands, and how to pick your next goal.
• How to Pace Your First Ultra Marathon: A Beginner's Guide (8 min read) Conquering your first ultra marathon isn't about speed, it's about smart pacing. Learn how to manage effort, tackle hills, and finish strong on the trails.
• Lavaredo Ultra Trail: A Complete Race Guide and Preparation Plan (8 min read) Conquer the iconic Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120k. This complete guide covers the course, elevation, training tips, gear, and race strategy for this epic Dolomites adventure.
• The Ultimate Trail Race Day Checklist: Run with Confidence (7 min read) Nail your next race with our ultimate trail race day checklist. From essential gear and nutrition to logistics and mental prep, we cover everything you need.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in the United States for 2026 (9 min read) Discover America's premier trail running destinations, from Rocky Mountain high-altitude trails to Pacific Coast technical terrain. Expert guide to planning your next running adventure.
• Guide to Choosing Your First Trail Running Race: Everything You Need (8 min read) Ready for your first trail race? This complete guide helps you select the perfect distance, terrain, and timing to set yourself up for success on the trails.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in Italy: 10 Epic Locations (10 min read) Explore Italy's top trail running destinations from the Dolomites to Sicily. Expert guides on terrain, seasons, and Italian mountain culture.
• Best Trail Running Destinations in Europe: 12 Must-Visit Locations (9 min read) Discover Europe's most spectacular trail running destinations, from the Alps to Scottish Highlands. Expert guides to terrain, difficulty, and travel tips.

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