Zagori Mountain Running Challenge

Q: What is the Zagori Mountain Running Challenge? A: Zagori Mountain Running is an annual multi-distance trail running event based in Tsepelovo and the Zagori region of Epirus, northwestern Greece. The 2026 edition is the 15th. The flagship distance is the TeRA 60km, a UTMB Index 100K race gaining approximately 3,950m D+ with a 15-hour time limit. In 2024, the full event drew 2,800+ athletes from 35 countries across all distances -- the largest mountain running event in Greece. The course passes through Vikos Gorge, the Vradeto Steps, Dragon Lake (1,970m), and the Vikos-Aoos National Park.

Q: How hard is the Zagori TeRA 60km? A: Extremely demanding by any measurable metric. At 17.93% distance-weighted average uphill gradient and -19.29% average downhill gradient, TeRA 60km is UPPER tier on both axes -- the steepest DW uphill and downhill averages in this processing batch. Only 11.7% of the course is flat. The race opens with a 1,262m cold-start climb from km 0, then delivers the Vradeto Steps near km 18 (662m, 25.97% average gradient -- a near-vertical stone staircase). The men's course record is 6:08:31 (Dimitris Seletis, 2024); the 15-hour time limit accommodates a wide range of finishing times.

Q: Is Zagori Mountain Running TeRA 60km a UTMB qualifier? A: Yes. The TeRA 60km is a UTMB Index 100K race, awarding UTMB Index points to finishers toward qualification for UTMB events in the 100K and higher categories. Verify current points allocation at utmb.world before registering, as UTMB Index point values may vary by edition.

Q: When is the Zagori TeRA 60km and how much does it cost? A: The 2026 edition starts at 05:00 on July 18, 2026, from Tsepelovo High School; the event weekend runs July 17-19. Entry is 33 EUR (0.55 EUR/km) -- one of the most affordable UTMB Index races in Europe. The race does not sell out; 300 places are available for the TeRA. Registration is through zagorirace.gr; registrations were still open as of May 2026.