UK’s Most Iconic Ultra Running Events
2026 Ultra Marathon Calendar
Ourea Events Annual Running Calendar: The Northern Traverse, The Cape Wrath Ultra, The Dragon’s Back Race, Salomon Skyline Scotland
Plan Your Next Adventure: Trail Running UK
The UK is home to some of the world’s most challenging ultra running events. From the remote wilderness of the Cape Wrath Ultra, to the rugged mountain stages of the Dragon’s Back Race, the coast-to-coast Northern Traverse challenge and the high-altitude trails of Salomon Skyline Scotland, Ourea Events brings you the most complete race guides, maps, training plans, and entry info for every level of ultra runner.
Upcoming Events: 2026
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The Northern Traverse
28th March - 1st April 2026
The Northern Traverse is a 300km coast-to-coast ultra running race across Northern England, following the iconic Wainwright route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay. This non-stop, multi-day ultra marathon crosses three National Parks — the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors — making it one of the most scenic and challenging endurance events in the UK. Runners searching for a UK 200-mile race, point-to-point ultra, or coast-to-coast ultra marathon will find the Northern Traverse offers full support, GPS tracking, and a true test of navigation, resilience and mountain endurance.
4 distances to choose from:
Northern Traverse | 300km | 3 National Parks
Lakes Traverse | 100km | Lake District National Park
Dales Traverse | 55km | Yorkshire Dales National Park
Moors Traverse | 80km | North York Moors
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The Cape Wrath Ultra
17th - 24th May 2026
The Cape Wrath Ultra is a multi-day ultra marathon through the remote Scottish Highlands, covering 400km of rugged trails, mountains and coastal wilderness. Often described as one of the most remote ultra running races in the UK, this fully supported staged event takes runners from Fort William to Cape Wrath lighthouse. With challenging terrain, significant elevation gain and ever-changing Highland weather, the Cape Wrath Ultra attracts endurance athletes searching for a Scottish ultra marathon, multi-stage ultra race, or extreme off-road running adventure.
2 distances to choose from:
The Cape Wrath Ultra | 400km/ 248 miles
The Cape Wrath 100 | 100 miles/ 160km
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The Dragon's Back Race
7th - 12th September 2026
The Dragon’s Back Race is widely regarded as the toughest mountain ultra marathon in the UK. This 380km multi-day race traverses the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, covering over 16,400 metres of elevation gain. Combining technical terrain, self-navigation, and demanding daily stages, it is a bucket-list event for experienced ultra runners seeking a UK mountain race, extreme endurance challenge, or iconic multi-stage ultra. The Dragon’s Back Race is synonymous with grit, adventure and world-class mountain running.
3 distances to choose from:
The Dragon’s Back Race | 380km/ 236 miles | 6 days
The Dragon’s Fire | 110km/ 68 miles | 2 days
The Dragon’s Tail | 137km/ 86 miles | 2 days
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Salomon Skyline Scotland
18th - 20th September
Salomon Skyline Scotland is Scotland’s premier technical mountain ultra, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Featuring world-class trail running routes including the Skye Trail and the iconic Cuillin Ridge skyline, this ultra marathon festival offers multiple race distances for elite and amateur runners alike. Athletes searching for a Scottish mountain ultra, Skye trail race, or technical trail running event will find Skyline Scotland delivers steep climbs, rugged terrain, and unforgettable Highland scenery.
7 distances to choose from:
Skyline Scotland 100M: 100 miles/ 180km with 4600m+ elevation.
Skyline Scotland 100K: 100km / 62 miles with 6000m+ elevation.
Grand Tour of the Ben 50M: 50 miles/ 80km with 2800m+ elevation.
Steall Ultra 50K: 50km/ 31 miles with 3100m+ elevation.
Ben Nevis Skyline 30K: 30km with 1900m+ elevation.
Aonach Mòr Anarchy 20K: 22km with 900m+ elevation.
Aonach Mòr Avalanche 4K: Downhill race.
Northern Traverse – FAQ
How long is the Northern Traverse?
The Northern Traverse is approximately 300km (around 200 miles), running coast-to-coast across Northern England from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Is the Northern Traverse non-stop or staged?
The Northern Traverse is a non-stop ultra marathon with a generous cut-off time. Runners manage their own pacing and rest strategy while using official checkpoints for support.
What terrain does the Northern Traverse cover?
The route follows the Wainwright coast-to-coast trail across the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, including mountain trails, moorland, rocky paths and runnable sections.
Is navigation required?
Yes. While the route is GPX-supported and all participants are given a bespoke Harvey Map for the race, runners must be confident navigating remote terrain in potentially challenging UK weather conditions.
Who is the Northern Traverse suitable for?
It is ideal for experienced ultra runners looking for a 200-mile UK race, a point-to-point ultra, or a challenging coast-to-coast endurance event.
The Cape Wrath Ultra – FAQ
How far is the Cape Wrath Ultra?
The Cape Wrath Ultra covers approximately 400km (250 miles) over multiple days through the Scottish Highlands. 8 days for the full course, and 3 days for thr 100 mile version.
Is the Cape Wrath Ultra a staged race?
Yes. It is a fully supported multi-day ultra marathon with daily stages, campsite accommodation, medical support, and logistics provided.
How difficult is the Cape Wrath Ultra?
The race is considered one of the most remote and challenging ultra marathons in the UK due to its rugged terrain, significant elevation gain, and unpredictable Highland weather.
Do I need mountain experience?
Yes. Runners should have prior ultra-distance experience and be comfortable running on technical trails in remote environments.
What makes the Cape Wrath Ultra unique?
Its remote wilderness setting, dramatic coastal finish at Cape Wrath lighthouse, and immersive Highland journey make it one of the most iconic multi-stage ultra races in Europe.
Dragon's Back Race – FAQ
How long is the Dragon’s Back Race?
The Dragon’s Back Race is approximately 380km (236 miles) with over 16,400 metres of elevation gain across Wales.
Why is the Dragon’s Back Race considered the toughest UK ultra?
The combination of steep mountain terrain, technical descents, self-navigation, and demanding daily cut-offs makes it one of the hardest mountain ultra marathons in the UK, dubbed “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race”.
Is the Dragon’s Back Race fully supported?
Yes. It is a multi-day staged event with campsite support, medical teams, and checkpoints, but runners must be self-sufficient between checkpoints, no outside support is allowed.
What mountains are included in the route?
The course traverses major Welsh mountain ranges, including Eryri (Snowdonia), the Cambrian Mountains and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
Who should enter the Dragon’s Back Race?
Experienced ultra runners and mountain athletes seeking a multi-day mountain challenge with significant elevation and technical terrain. This race should be on every ultra runners bucket list race.
Salomon Skyline Scotland – FAQ
Where does Salomon Skyline Scotland take place?
The event takes place in the Nevis Range in the Scottish Highlands, near Fort William, in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain - Ben Nevis.
What distances are available at Skyline Scotland?
The running festival includes seven race distances, including ultra marathon and shorter trail options, catering to elite mountain runners and ambitious amateurs.
Is Skyline Scotland a technical race?
Yes. All seven race routes include steep climbs, rocky Scottish ridgelines, exposed terrain and technical descents, making them some of the most technical trail races in Scotland.
When is Salomon Skyline Scotland held?
The event typically takes place in late summer in September, taking advantage of long daylight hours in Scotland. 18th - 20th September 2026.
What level of experience is required?
Participants should be confident in technical mountain terrain and prepared for rapidly changing Scottish weather conditions.
Will the Skyline Scotland races be a Golden Trail Series qualifier race?
The Ben Nevis Skyline race was a Golden Trail Series qualifier race in 2025, it is likely to be a qualifying race every year.
