Most Searched Ultramarathon Running Events on Google in 2025
An ultramarathon run can be defined as any foot race exceeding the standard marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers.
The growing interest in endurance sports and individuals’ quests to challenge themselves physically and mentally have led to the increasing popularity of ultramarathons.
This report aims to identify the most searched ultramarathon running events on Google in 2025 and to examine the general characteristics of these events.
As users’ online search behaviors reflect the general level of interest in this field, this analysis will provide a valuable resource for potential participants and sports enthusiasts.
The scope of the report includes major ultramarathon events planned worldwide.
Using the provided research material, numerous ultramarathon events planned for 2025 have been identified. These events are organized at different distances, in various geographical locations, and at different times of the year.
Some of the identified events and their corresponding research material sources are listed below:
- Runmarana Tortolita Traverse
- Mustang Trail Race
- Georgia Death Race
- Sandtown 5K Cross Country Ridge Run
- Discover Run the Wild – Half Marathon
- The OCHO Adventure Race
- True to the Brew Trail Run
- Arctic Snowshoe Race
- Cappy’s Backyard Ultra
- Tails for the Trails
- Northern Nipmuck Trail Race
- Ron Daws 25K & 8K
- Savage Gulf Marathon
- Buffalo Stampede Marathon
- Lag Bon 10K
- Three Peaks Race (NZL)
- Rosaryville Half Marathon and 10K
- Bootlegger formerly Blood, Sweat & Beers
- B&A Trail Races
- Atacama Crossing (Chile)
- Urban Environmental Challenge
- Withlacoochee River Trail Marathon
- XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship
- Big Racks Ultra Run
- Antelope Island Buffalo Run
- Vernal Equinox 24-12-8 Hour
- Dizzy Daze
- Schon Park 3/6/9 Endurance
- MCW Lenape Runventure
- 3 Chaparrals 3/6 Hour Endurance
- Come Hell or High Water
- Rattlesnake Dick
- Bourbon Country 25K/50K
- Daufuskie Island 100
- Ricochet’s Riot
- Genesee Valley Ultra
- Hone Quarry 40 Miler
- Blue Heron Hundreds
- Austin Falls Ultra
- Spring On The Trails Endurance
- Bootlegger
- Terrible, Horrible, No Good
- Chicago Lakefront: Spring
- Sleeping Giant Trail Runs
- The Long Run – Spring Forward
- The Pistol
- Appalachian Series – Day 7
- Texas Independence Relay
- Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
- Oner
- Lea Valley 50km
- Johannesburg City Marathon
- Solvang Double Century
- Montana de Oro Trail Run
- Hope For Heroes | WALK-RUN 5K & 10K
- Heartland 39.3 Series
- RMRR Spring Marathon Training Series #1
- Portland Trail Series Spring – #1
- The Giddyup and Run Pack Burro Race
- Manjushree Trail Race
- Marathon des Sables
- The Country Mile
- Endurance Hunter 100
- It’s for the Birds 5K/10K
- Bull Run Run
- Tararua Mountain Race
- Top of Tantalus 7 mile
- JW Corbett 50M/50K
- Hoof it For Heifer
- Camp Innabah Trail Challenge
- Ancient Lakes Trail Run
- Bootlegger 50 and 100 Mile Trail Races
- Glade Top Trail Run
- Carpe Diem and Carpe Noctem Half Marathon and 10K
- Fight For Air Climb in Buffalo
- Rockin’ K Trail Runs
- Nielson Challenge April
- Fall Creek Falls 50K and Half Marathon
- Fight for Air Climb: Tampa
- Lake Martin 100
- Team Red Shamrock Trail Challenge
- Passion Play Trail Run
- Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run
- Triple Crown of 200s: Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200, Moab 240
- RRRC Fool’s Run Fest
- Super Hero 5K Fun Run – Woodbridge, VA
- Donot Stop – Cedar Falls, IA
- Silver Moon Race – Kings River
- The Mammoth at Cleburne State Park
- 2025 Boise Greenbelt Relays
- Iowa Trail Run Series
- Brazos Bend 50
- Last Stand Loch Lothian Backyard Ultra
- Red River Gorge Ultra
- UltraTrek Bear Creek Mountain PA
- 2025 Gorge Waterfalls
- Lake Sonoma
- MadCity Ultras 2025
- Wild Canyon Ultra
- Toughest ‘N Texas Trail Runs
- Woodside Crossover
- Prevea Health Run Away to the Bay
- Ouachita Trail 50
- Mountains-to-Sea Trail 12M & 50K Challenge
- Kirk Tracy’s Musical Memorial Fun VIRTUAL Walk
- Step Up 4 Kids
- Sparrow’s Nest Superhero Rock ‘N’ Run Challenge and 5K
- F.I.T. the Challenge OCR
- Wildhorse Ultra
- Soggy Bottoms Back Yard Ultra
- Bedrock Valley Trail Runs
- Hells Hills Trail Race
- 2025 Redbud Classic
- Donot Stop Half Marathon (5k/10k) – Cedar Falls, IA
- DONNA Mothers Day 5K with Public Forum on Breast Health
- Ragnar Trail North Texas
- Ragnar Trail Zion
- Greenland Trail Races
- Thumb Coast Ultra & Relay
- Run4Kids Ultra Running Party
- Hollywood to the Sea
- Grizzly Peak Trail Run
- Ragnar Trail Colorado
- The 98th Comrades Marathon
- Holcomb Valley Trail Run
- Los Angeles Frontrunners Pride Run 2025
- Swiss Alps 100
- San Lorenzo River Trail Run
- Redwoods 100-Mile Challenge
- Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
- Redwood (Summer) Trail Run
- Zion 100-Mile Challenge
- TransAlpine Run
- Spartathlon Ultra Race
- Legends Trail
- Montane Dragon’s Back Race
- Transgrancanaria Classic
- MDS FUERTEVENTURA
- Kids Walk
- MDS MOROCCO
- MDS Trek Maroc
- Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run
- Cycle of Hope
- MDS Jordan
- Lake Chabot Trail Run
- MDS Peru
- San Joaquin River Trail 10k/25k/50k
- New Year’s One Day
- FREC 5k Race Series Presented by Michelob Ultra and Coca-Cola Bottling Company
- Trail Crew 2025
- The Grand Traverse
- Bluebird 1,000 Mile Club 2025
- Pedal the Cause
- Fuller Center Bike Adventure ’25
- TakeOff 2025: Trooper Kenton Iwaniec Memorial Event
- Charlotte Run Walk Club
- Sager Creek Virtual
- Tejas Trails 2025 PACER Registration
- FLORIDA VIRTUAL CHALLENGE 1330k
- Zebra Dazzle 5k Walk/Run or 100 Mile Bike 30 Day Challenge
- Kirk Tracy’s Musical Memorial Fun VIRTUAL Walk THE MONTH OF APRIL and IN PERSON 5K(3.2 Mile) Walk May 10th
- Step Up 4 Kids
- Sparrow’s Nest Superhero Rock ‘N’ Run Challenge and 5K
- 2025 Boise Greenbelt Relays
- Iowa Trail Run Series
- Brazos Bend 50
- Last Stand Loch Lothian Backyard Ultra and mini-ultra
- 2025 Redbud Classic
- Run For Pompey – Exuma Half Marathon
- Malibu to Tahoe Annual Challenge
- Pinkathon 2025 Virtual and In-Person Challenge for Breast Cancer!
The listing of such a large number of ultramarathon events indicates the existence of a highly active and diverse global ultra running community.
This extensive list suggests that ultra running is not a niche activity but rather a widespread phenomenon offering numerous participation opportunities across different terrains, distances, and times of the year.
The fact that many events are mentioned multiple times in different research materials suggests these events might be more prominent or well-known within the ultra running community.
For example, events like Marathon des Sables, UTMB, Western States 100, and Comrades Marathon are frequently mentioned.
Such repeated mentions in different sources might indicate a higher level of recognition and potentially a larger following or participation rate.
This situation might also correlate with higher search volumes later on.
Looking at the geographical distribution of the events, while there is a concentration in the USA, there are also significant numbers of events from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
This indicates that interest in ultramarathons is not limited to a single region but holds global appeal.
While search volume data is the ultimate goal, finisher numbers from previous years can provide initial indicators of an event’s popularity and scale.
The largest ultra running races of 2025 listed on Ultrarunning.com (it should be noted that although the title says “2025,” the data might be from previous years) are ranked by the number of finishers. Some prominent events on this list include: Black Canyon Ultras (100 KM: 777 finishers, 50 KM: 527 finishers), Chuckanut 50k (623 finishers), Antelope Canyon Ultras (50 KM: 457 finishers), and Mountain Mist (426 finishers).
It should be noted that this data primarily pertains to North American races. Additionally, 2024 data shows that the JFK 50 Mile and Marine Corps Marathon 50K have very high finisher numbers, suggesting consistent popularity.
Events frequently mentioned in “best-of” lists and articles can also be a significant indicator of popularity.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is consistently mentioned as one of the top global events in multiple sources. Comrades Marathon is often cited as the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. Western States 100 is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Ultrarunning” and is considered a highly prestigious event. Marathon des Sables has a widespread reputation as one of the toughest footraces on Earth. Spartathlon is known for its historical significance and challenging nature. La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail stands out as an iconic race in the Italian Dolomites. TransAlpine Run attracts attention as a challenging multi-day stage race across the Alps.
Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT) is praised for its breathtaking scenery.
Presence in online discussion platforms like Reddit’s r/Ultramarathon and iRunFar’s forum can also indicate popular interest.
It is noted that Western States, Hardrock, and UTMB have the largest qualification and lottery entry ecosystems. Comrades Marathon also has its own forums. Marathon des Sables is also discussed in forums.
The consistency of certain events appearing in “best-of” lists across various independent sources reinforces the likelihood of their high popularity and potentially high search volumes.
Editorial choices by experts and publications often reflect a combination of factors such as prestige, history, difficulty, unique appeal, and overall recognition within the sport.
Events with high finisher numbers in North America may not necessarily have the highest global search volume, given the user’s query is in Turkish and interest might be global.
Events with international recognition are likely more relevant. The mention of qualification races and lottery systems for events like UTMB and Western States indicates high demand and limited spots, further implying their popularity.
Based on initial indicators of popularity, here is a provisional list of the ultramarathon events that appear most popular.
It should be noted that this list is a preliminary assessment, and the ranking will be finalized once search volume data is obtained:
- Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
- Comrades Marathon
- Western States 100
- Marathon des Sables
- Spartathlon
- La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail
- TransAlpine Run
- Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT)
The following table summarizes this provisional ranking, the frequency of the events in “best-of” lists, and their mention status in forums:
| Event Name | Frequency in ‘Best Of’ Lists | Mentioned in Forums (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) | 6 | Yes |
| Comrades Marathon | 6 | Yes |
| Western States 100 | 5 | Yes |
| Marathon des Sables | 5 | Yes |
| Spartathlon | 5 | Yes |
| La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail | 3 | No |
| TransAlpine Run | 3 | No |
| Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT) | 3 | No |
The prevalence of European and African races in this provisional list, alongside prominent North American races, aligns with the potential global interest implied by the Turkish query.
The inclusion of events from different continents suggests that the popularity of ultramarathons transcends regional preferences.
Now, detailed profiles will be created for each event in this provisional list:
5.1 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, UTMB.
2025 Event Date(s):
August 25-31, 2025.
Location:
Chamonix, France. Covers France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Brief History and Significance:
First held in 2003 and follows the Tour du Mont Blanc route. Considered the world’s most competitive trail ultramarathon. It has become the 100M final of the UTMB World Series.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
Approximately 176 km (109 miles) long with about 9,900 meters (32,480 feet) of elevation gain. Includes iconic mountains in the Alps. The UTMB week also hosts several other races including CCC, TDS, OCC, PTL, MCC, and YCC.
General Interest and Community Engagement:
Attracts over 10,000 runners across all its races. High media attention and pre-race excitement. Requires qualification points and entry via lottery. Part of the UTMB World Series, a global circuit of leading trail running events.
UTMB’s transformation into a World Series with finals reinforces its global brand and signifies a strategic move to attract a wider range of participants through a tiered system of qualifying events.
By creating a series of races worldwide that contribute to the UTMB finals, the organizers have built a global ecosystem that enhances the event’s overall reach and popularity.
5.2 Comrades Marathon
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
Comrades Marathon, The Ultimate Human Race.
2025 Event Date(s):
Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Location:
KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The 2025 race is a “Down Run,” starting from Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing at Durban’s Peoples Park.
Brief History and Significance:
The world’s oldest ultramarathon, founded in 1921 to commemorate South African soldiers who died in World War I. Celebrated its centenary in 2021. The race direction alternates each year (up run/down run).
Key Features and Route Highlights:
Approximately 89 km (approx. 55 miles) long. Known for its challenging course featuring five major hills (‘The Big Five’). Has strict qualification criteria (completing a standard marathon under 4 hours 50 minutes) and cut-off times (12 hours).
General Interest and Community Engagement:
The world’s largest ultramarathon race. Attracts runners from over 80 countries. Registrations are highly sought after and often sell out quickly. Has significant national television coverage in South Africa. Possesses a strong spirit of camaraderie, dedication, perseverance, and ubuntu.
The Comrades Marathon’s deep historical roots and strong national identity in South Africa significantly contribute to its enduring popularity and its status as a “bucket list” race for many international ultra runners.
The race’s origins as a memorial and its long-standing tradition have deeply embedded it within South African culture.
This national pride, combined with its challenging nature and international participation, creates a powerful draw for runners worldwide.
5.3 Western States 100
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, Western States 100, Western States.
2025 Event Date(s):
June 28-29, 2025.
Location:
California, USA. Starts in Olympic Valley and finishes 100.2 miles later in Auburn.
Brief History and Significance:
The world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, started in 1974. Considered one of the ultimate endurance tests. Part of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
100.2 miles (161 km) long, involving over 18,000 feet of ascent and nearly 23,000 feet of descent. Crosses the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Known for its challenging and often brutally hot conditions.
General Interest and Community Engagement:
Highly prestigious and competitive race, often called the “Super Bowl of Ultrarunning”. Attracts around 10,000 lottery applicants annually. Features a lottery system due to high demand. Offers the sport’s oldest and most prized awards – the silver buckle for under 24 hours and the bronze buckle for under 30 hours.
The “Super Bowl” analogy highlights the iconic status of the Western States 100 within the North American ultra running scene, drawing significant interest and desire from runners worldwide despite being primarily a US-based event.
While geographically focused, the race’s long history, challenging course, and the prestige associated with finishing elevate its status to a global level within the ultra running community, leading to significant international interest and search volume.
5.4 Marathon des Sables
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
Marathon des Sables, MDS, Marathon of the Sands.
2025 Event Date(s):
April 4-14, 2025 (MDS Legendary). Other MDS events are also held throughout the year in different locations (Namibia, Turkey, Canary Islands, Morocco, Jordan, Peru).
Location:
Sahara Desert, Southern Morocco.
Brief History and Significance:
The first event started in 1986. Has a widespread reputation as one of the toughest footraces on Earth. A grueling 6-day stage race.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
Approximately 250 km (approx. 155 miles) long, spread over 6 stages in 6 days. Participants must carry all their own equipment and food, except for water and tents provided by the organization. Extreme desert conditions with temperatures potentially reaching 50°C (122°F).
General Interest and Community Engagement:
Attracts over 1,000 runners worldwide. Fosters a strong sense of accomplishment and solidarity among participants. Offers shorter distance options in other locations, expanding the brand and potentially increasing related searches.
The global expansion of the Marathon des Sables brand into multiple locations and shorter distances demonstrates an effort to leverage its strong reputation and appeal to a broader range of endurance enthusiasts, potentially leading to increased overall search volume for the “Marathon des Sables” name.
By offering different formats and locations, the organizers may be aiming to reach a wider audience, including those intimidated by the legendary “Legendary” event.
This strategic branding could lead to more general searches for “Marathon des Sables” as people explore the various options.
5.5 Spartathlon
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
Spartathlon Ultra Race.
2025 Event Date(s):
September 27-28, 2025.
Location:
Greece, from Athens to Sparti (modern Sparta).
Brief History and Significance:
A historic ultramarathon race held annually in September since 1983. Recreates the footsteps of Pheidippides, an ancient Athenian long-distance runner who ran from Athens to Sparta in 490 BC. Revered for its unique history and background.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
246 kilometers (153 miles) long with a 36-hour time limit. Described as the world’s most demanding race, run on rough tracks, muddy paths, vineyards, olive groves, and steep hillsides. Includes the challenging 1,200-meter ascent and descent of Mount Parthenion at night.
Features 75 checkpoints with strict cut-off times.
General Interest and Community Engagement:
Attracts international participants, historically with the largest number from Japan. Winning the race is considered prestigious and brings publicity. Strict entry criteria and a lottery system are in place due to high demand.
The strong emphasis on Spartathlon’s historical basis adds a unique dimension to its appeal, attracting runners seeking not just a physical challenge but also a connection to ancient history and a symbolic re-enactment of a legendary feat.
The narrative of Pheidippides’ run resonates with many runners, giving Spartathlon a deeper meaning beyond just a race.
This historical significance contributes to its enduring popularity and search interest among those fascinated by both history and endurance sports.
5.6 La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail, Lavaredo Ultra Trail, LUT.
2025 Event Date(s):
June 25-29, 2025.
Location:
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Explores the Italian Dolomites.
Brief History and Significance:
An iconic mountain ultra trail race. Part of the UTMB World Series events.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
120 km (74.5 miles) long with 5,800 meters (19,029 feet) of elevation gain. Features challenging mountainous terrain in the Dolomites.
General Interest and Community Engagement:
More than a quarter of all participants fail to complete this challenging ultramarathon, highlighting its difficulty. Its inclusion in the UTMB World Series further raises its profile.
The high DNF (Did Not Finish) rate of the Lavaredo Ultra Trail underscores its demanding nature and contributes to its reputation as a significant challenge within the mountain ultra running community, attracting experienced runners seeking tough, scenic races.
The combination of the race’s difficulty, the stunning scenery of the Dolomites, and its association with the prestigious UTMB World Series creates a strong appeal for a specific segment of the ultra running population, potentially driving significant search interest.
5.7 TransAlpine Run
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
TransAlpine Run, TAR.
2025 Event Date(s):
September 6-12, 2025.
Location:
Crosses the Alps from Germany to Italy (via Austria). Starts in Lech am Arlberg, Austria, passes through Switzerland, and finishes in Prad am Stilfserjoch in South Tyrol.
Brief History and Significance:
A multi-day mountain stage race founded in 2005.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
268 km (167.8 miles) long and consists of 7 stages. Involves over 15,000 meters (49,212 feet) of climbing. This team-based race combines camaraderie and endurance. Offers breathtaking views of meadows, rocky peaks, and Alpine villages.
General Interest and Community Engagement:
Places fill up quickly, so early registration with a teammate is recommended.
The team-based format of the TransAlpine Run offers a different dynamic compared to individual ultramarathons, emphasizing collaboration and shared achievement, which may appeal to a specific segment of the ultra running community and drive searches from teams seeking a unique challenge.
The team aspect provides a different motivation and experience, potentially making such a significant challenge feel more manageable for some runners when undertaken with partners.
The stunning alpine scenery also adds to its attraction.
5.8 Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT)
Full Name and Common Alternative Names:
Madeira Island Ultra Trail, MIUT.
2025 Event Date(s):
April 26-27, 2025.
Location:
Madeira, Portugal.
Brief History and Significance:
Recommended by record-breaking ultra runner Damian Hall.
Key Features and Route Highlights:
115 km (71.5 miles) long. Crosses this spectacular Portuguese island via tunnels, cliff-edge singletracks, and fairytale rocky peaks, finishing on the beach. Expect technical trails, steep climbs, and incredible coastal views. The flagship ultra summits Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point.
General Interest and Community Engagement:
Madeira is violently, relentlessly beautiful.
The description of MIUT’s scenery as “violently, relentlessly beautiful” and the endorsement from a prominent ultra runner like Damian Hall suggest that the race’s stunning location and its reputation within the elite running community are major draws for participants, likely leading to significant search interest among those seeking scenic and challenging races.
The combination of a demanding course with breathtaking and unique landscapes, coupled with recognition from respected figures in the sport, makes MIUT a highly attractive event for many ultra runners, prompting online searches.
6. Conclusion
Based on initial indicators of popularity, the most popular ultramarathon events for 2025 have been identified as Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), Comrades Marathon, Western States 100, Marathon des Sables, Spartathlon, La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail, TransAlpine Run, and Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT).
The selection of these events is based on factors such as their frequency in “best-of” lists, mentions in online forums, and their overall reputation within the ultra running community.
The next step is to investigate the estimated search volumes for these events on Google Trends.
This data-driven ranking will allow us to definitively determine which events command the highest level of online interest.
The final report is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the most searched ultramarathon running events of 2025, offering valuable insights for enthusiasts and potential participants.
Trail Jackal is the founder and main contributor at umit.net, driven by a passion for the demanding world of ultramarathon running. Through personal experience navigating multi-hour races across varied terrains Trail Jackal explores the strategies, gear, and mindset required for success. This includes a keen interest in how technology, particularly AI, is offering new ways for runners to train smarter, stay healthier, and achieve their ultra goals. Trail Jackal aims to share reliable information and relatable experiences with the endurance community.