Trail Runs

With our running calendar for trail runs, you'll always be up to date in 2025! Find the best trail runs in Germany and Europe and add them directly to your watch list.

293 Trail Runs found

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Trail running - running through beautiful nature

Do you like running off the beaten track and through the heart of nature? Then trail running is just the thing for you.

Trail runs are long-distance runs over forest, meadow or gravel paths and an enhanced form of cross-country running. They usually involve covering a few metres in altitude in rough terrain far away from civilisation. Unlike marathons, the route is not cordoned off and there are no spectators on the sidelines. It does not run along paved paths, but often simply cross-country and over hills and mountains.

As a result, the strain is varied and far more demanding on the body than a run on tarmac. The different ground structure trains the deep muscles. The ankles are strengthened and the likelihood of twisting an ankle is reduced.

The different types of trail running

There are 4 types of trail running, depending on the type of terrain and the intensity of the run:

Cross running

This run starts at your front door and is therefore also known as ‘from door to trail’. You first cover a certain distance on tarmac until you reach the terrain from your front door.

It is important to make sure that your shoes are suitable for both tarmac and off-road terrain. In particular, they should have good cushioning.

The big advantage is that you can start this run directly from home and don't have to travel anywhere first. In big cities, of course, it is usually more difficult to get off-road quickly. This type of trail running is particularly recommended for beginners.

Cross Adventure

This category of trail running takes place in alpine terrain. You make your way over natural obstacles such as branches and streams. This type of run also involves ascents and descents.

However, the unpaved paths naturally also increase the risk of injury. So you shouldn't start with a cross adventure if you want to discover trail running for yourself. The profile and good stability of your shoes are particularly important here.

This run takes you through 100 % nature and strengthens your entire core through the strain of the uneven ground and overcoming obstacles. However, the routes are not always so easily accessible and you should also know your way around. Never start a cross adventure anywhere if you don't know how long you can last and can easily lose your bearings. This type of trail running is suitable for experienced trail runners.

Cross Trail

These runs take you through the countryside, but on paths. Field and forest paths are used. This means there is less risk of getting lost in the middle of the terrain. Here you need an all-round shoe that impresses in terms of both cushioning and stability. A deeper profile is also an advantage. This gives you confidence when the paths are wet.

Of course, you don't have as much variety on a cross trail as you do on a cross adventure. However, if you are a beginner, this type of trail running is a great way to get started.

Cross Speed

Cross speed are competitions in the field of trail running. The runners try to get from the start to the finish line as quickly as possible. There is no precisely prescribed route, but each runner makes their own way to the finish line.

Of course, it is often not the easiest route that is chosen, but the shortest, even if it leads over obstacles and difficult passages. Such an event is not recommended for inexperienced runners, as you can easily overestimate yourself.

When it comes to shoes, it is important to choose a lightweight model that gives you plenty of stability. The fit should be perfect in order to have the best conditions for the run.

This is very intensive training with a competitive character. Cross speed runs are for very experienced trail runners who are looking for a new challenge and want to test their own limits.

The equipment for trail running

It is particularly important to have the right equipment for trail running. Footwear is the be-all and end-all. As explained above, you should pay close attention to the type of trail running you want to do. As a rule, stability is always extremely important. Cushioning, on the other hand, is more important when running over dirt tracks and should be more pronounced than when running over unpaved terrain. Here, too much cushioning robs you of too much energy and energy transfer is reduced.

Clothing should be functional, lightweight and, above all, breathable. For trail runs through forests, it is advisable to wear long running clothes to avoid abrasions and scratches from trees, branches and the like.

A GPS watch is recommended for a trail run. You can also use it to download maps to help you find your way and never lose your bearings.

You should protect yourself from the sun, especially if you are out and about in the mountains in summer. A running cap is recommended for summer. This will prevent you from being unnecessarily dazzled and sunstroke.

However, as you should be prepared for all weather conditions, it makes sense to take a windbreaker or a thin rain jacket with you. The running jacket can simply be stowed away in a running rucksack if you don't need it.

Running rucksacks are ergonomically shaped so that they hardly get in your way while running. You can also take something to drink with you, which is particularly important on longer trail runs.

There are many trail runners who use trail running poles. These can be useful as additional running equipment on extreme inclines and slopes and give you more support.

Training for a trail run

The most important prerequisite for a trail run is good basic endurance. Your deep muscles and especially your foot muscles should be well trained. As your body has to adapt to uneven ground with every step, your foot muscles are extremely important to minimise twisting your ankle and the risk of injury.

So if you are new to trail running, start by training your basic endurance through normal jogging on paved paths. Once you have done this, then choose routes from which you can always make detours into open terrain, but can also easily return to the paved path. This will allow you to slowly feel your way up to the load.

You can strengthen your foot muscles by running barefoot. Strengthen your deep muscles, especially in the core area, by doing exercises on a balance board. This is the perfect complement to running training.

Always adapt your running pace to the surface. As trail running uses all the muscles in your body, it is also clear that you will not be travelling as fast as on a paved running track. Don't overdo it and manage your strength wisely so that you can complete the trail run without injuring yourself. If your muscles tire too quickly, there is a high risk of spraining yourself or stumbling.

The 5 most famous trail runs in Europe

We have listed all the trail runs for you at the top of the page. There you will find a compact summary of all the information about the runs. However, we present the 5 best-known runs in more detail here.

Endurancelife in South Devon (England)
This trail run takes you along the beautiful coast of South Devon in the UK. It takes place in February and you can choose between 4 distances. There is a 10km run, a half marathon, a marathon and an ultramarathon, which is a full 55km long.

Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival (Austria)
This trail run through mountainous terrain in Austria offers beautiful panoramic views along the route. The event takes place in May and offers 5 distances: 15, 25, 42, 65 or 85 km. The Ultra Trail, with its 85 km and 3,600 metres of altitude to cover, demands a lot from even trail running pros.

Sachsentrail (Germany)
A breathtaking route through the Ore Mountains, which is otherwise exclusively for mountain bikers, is conquered by runners on this trail run. Steep climbs in a beautiful running scenery have to be mastered. The event takes place in July and you can choose between 4 distances. There is the FunTrail with 9.4 km, the QuaterTrail with 19 km, the HalfTrail with 34.4 km and the UltraRun with a whopping 70.3 km and 1,800 metres of altitude. There are also 2 runs for children, the KidsTrail with a distance of 900 m or 2.5 km.

Glacier Trailrun (Austria)
This trail run in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in Austria starts at an altitude of 2,000 metres. A technically demanding route leads runners through the beautiful terrain of the Ötztal in July. There are 3 distances on offer and you can decide whether you want to complete 12 or 22 kilometres or even a marathon course.

Scenic Trail (Switzerland)
This is one of the best trail runs in Europe and is held in Tesserete in Switzerland. It was named Trail Run of the Year at the Swiss Ultra Trail Awards and is a run for absolute professionals. The course is extremely challenging and involves covering extreme metres in altitude. The 4 distances, 4 km, 27 km, 54 km or 113 km are a real challenge. The K27 already has 2,200 metres of elevation gain and the K113 has an incredible 7,400 metres of elevation gain.

If you are an experienced trail runner, please rate the runs you have already completed in the list of all trail runs. This will help beginners to find the right run for them.

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