If you’re craving adventure, endurance, and a serious test of grit, the next year has a line up of incredible obstacle course races, ultra marathons, and trail running championships around the world. Each of these races offers stunning landscapes and unique challenges that will push you to your limits. From remote wilderness to urban battlegrounds, here’s a look at some of the coolest destinations for endurance events in the upcoming year.

1. True Grit Victoria (Australia)

📅 16 & 17 November 2024
📍 Glenmaggie, Victoria

Australia’s ultimate military-inspired obstacle race heads to Victoria for the first time! True Grit VIC offers a 10km course with over 30 insane obstacles built into the rugged wilderness of Glenmaggie. Participants will tackle everything from dense forests to muddy swamps and rocky outcrops. After you cross the finish line, the fun doesn’t stop—every participant gets a free ticket to Beerfest 2024, and there’s a bus straight from the course to the beer festival. It’s the perfect way to celebrate conquering one of the toughest obstacle races in Australia.

👉 Details and tickets

2. Spartan Race – Killington Beast (USA)

📅 September 2025
📍 Killington, Vermont

The Spartan Beast at Killington is a legendary race that takes place in one of the most challenging and beautiful settings in the OCR world. Set in the mountains of Vermont, this 21km course includes 30+ brutal obstacles, extreme elevation changes, and unpredictable weather. Killington’s rugged terrain is as mentally tough as it is physically demanding, making it a bucket-list race for Spartans everywhere. If you’re looking for a true test of endurance with breath taking mountain views, this race is for you.

👉 Details and tickets

3. Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) – (France/Italy/Switzerland)

📅 August/September 2025
📍 Chamonix, France

The UTMB is one of the world’s most famous ultra trail races, circling Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. This 170km race takes runners through France, Italy, and Switzerland, navigating steep mountain passes, alpine trails, and stunning valleys. With more than 10,000 meters of vertical gain, this race isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s the pinnacle of ultra-trail running, attracting elite athletes and adventurous trail runners from around the globe. The scenery is jaw-dropping, making every grueling kilometre worth it.

👉 Details 

4. Transgrancanaria Ultra Marathon (Spain)

📅 February 21–25, 2025
📍 Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Looking for an ultra marathon with sunshine and sea views? The Transgrancanaria Ultra is a 128km trail race across the spectacular landscapes of Gran Canaria. Runners cross volcanic terrain, steep mountain trails, and coastal cliffs, with dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout the course. The race offers multiple distances, but the full ultra marathon is the ultimate challenge, requiring mental toughness, stamina, and the ability to endure through the night. It’s a true paradise for ultra runners seeking adventure in a warm, exotic location.

👉 Details and registration

5. The Great Wall Marathon (China)

📅 May 17, 2025
📍 The Great Wall of China

Running on one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, The Great Wall Marathon offers a race like no other. Runners tackle the steep stone steps of the ancient wall, traversing over 5,000 steps along the way. It’s a physically and mentally demanding marathon, but the experience of running on this UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by panoramic views of the Chinese countryside, is truly unique. For anyone seeking a race with cultural immersion and jaw-dropping scenery, this is a must.

👉 Details and registration

6. Lavaredo Ultra Trail (Italy)

📅 June 25-28, 2025
📍 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy

Set in the majestic Dolomite Mountains, the Lavaredo Ultra Trail is an ultra marathon that’s as beautiful as it is challenging. Covering 120km with over 5,800m of elevation gain, this race takes you through some of the most stunning alpine scenery in Italy. The course winds through towering rock spires, lush green valleys, and past crystal-clear mountain lakes. It’s a dream for any trail runner who craves epic mountain views and a tough but rewarding course.

👉 Details and registration

7. OCR European Championships (Portugal)

📅 June 2025
📍 Jamor, Portugal

The OCR European Championships brings together the best obstacle course racers from across Europe for an intense weekend of competition. Taking place in Jamor, Portugal, this event features multiple race formats, including a 15km standard course, team relays, and endurance challenges. The obstacles are varied and demanding, from high walls and monkey bars to water crossings and heavy carries. It’s a great opportunity to test your skills against Europe’s top racers while enjoying the picturesque city of Jamor.

👉 Details and registration

Whether you’re into obstacle course racing, ultra marathons, or trail running, the next year has some incredible races lined up in some of the most epic locations on earth. From tackling the rugged mountains of Vermont in the Spartan Beast to conquering the legendary Great Wall of China, these races promise adventure, endurance, and unforgettable experiences.

So lace up your shoes, mark your calendars, and get ready to take on some of the toughest—and most beautiful—courses the world has to offer!

**Please note the information shared in this blog is only as accurate as it was at the time of publishing. Dates and links may have changed following posting, please go directly to the company website of the races we have shared**