Greece · Epirus
Distance
60 km
Date
Entry fee
€33
€ / km
€0.55
New date pending
This race has already occurred. A new date for next year’s edition is pending.
Zagori Mountain Running TeRA 60km: Europe's Steepest 60km Race, Measured
Zagori Mountain Running Challenge -- TeRA 60km -- is a 60km mountain ultra held annually in mid-July in the Zagori region of Epirus, northwestern Greece. The 2026 edition is the 15th, a measure of the event's deep roots in one of Greece's most celebrated mountain landscapes. The course gains 3,950m D+ over 60km (65.8 m/km elevation density, among the highest in the DTR database), with a 15-hour time limit and a 05:00 start designed to keep runners out of midday heat. UTMB Index 100K and entry at 33 EUR (0.55 EUR/km) make it one of the most affordable qualified ultras in Europe.
The gradient profile is among the most extreme in the DTR database for any 60km race: 17.9% distance-weighted average uphill gradient and -19.3% DW average downhill -- both UPPER tier (15%+), and both the highest in this processing batch. Only 11.7% of the course is flat, the lowest flat percentage in this batch. The race opens with a 1,262m cold-start climb from km 0, then at km 18.48 delivers the Vradeto Steps -- a medieval stone staircase rising 662m at 26% average gradient, the steepest named section in this batch.
The Zagori landscape is genuinely exceptional: UNESCO-recognised Vikos Gorge (one of the deepest gorges in Europe), traditional stone-arch bridges, Dragon Lake at 1,970m, and Vikos-Aoos National Park. In 2024, 2,800+ athletes from 35 countries came for race weekend -- the largest mountain running event in Greece. For runners who want the steepest gradient numbers in this processing batch, a legendary course landmark, and a deeply cultural Greek setting, TeRA 60km delivers all three at 0.55 EUR/km.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
3,950m
D+/KM
65.8m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
17.9%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-19.3%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 4.4 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 5.1 km | |
| 10–15% | 3.8 km | |
| 15–20% | 2.6 km | |
| 20%+ | 7.7 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 45.7% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 11.7% | Flat |
| 42.7% | Downhill |
Terrain
Zagori Mountain Running Challenge – 60 km 60km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 9.9 km · 1,262 m gain starts km 0 · avg 12.8% · max 49.2% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.6 km · 662 m gain starts km 18 · avg 26.0% · max 75.1% |
| 3 | 3.8 km · 277 m gain starts km 46 · avg 7.3% · max 45.4% |
Top descents
| 1 | 5.4 km · 1,031 m drop starts km 13 · avg -19.2% · max -59.7% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 8.9 km · 679 m drop starts km 37 · avg -7.6% · max -71.2% |
| 3 | 2.9 km · 617 m drop starts km 10 · avg -21.0% · max -74.0% |
Zagori Mountain Running 60km: The Greek Ultra Built Around Stone Villages and Gorges
What is the Zagori Mountain Running Challenge?
▼
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.
Extreme Gradients on Both Axes: The Zagori Mountain Running Challenge 60km Difficulty Profile
How hard is the Zagori TeRA 60km?
▼
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.
Is Zagori Mountain Running TeRA 60km a UTMB Qualifier?
Is Zagori Mountain Running TeRA 60km a UTMB Qualifier?▼
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.
Race Date and Affordable Entry: The Zagori Mountain Running TeRA 60km
When is the Zagori TeRA 60km and how much does it cost?
▼
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.
Getting There -- Ioannina Airport and the Drive Into Zagori
How do I get to Tsepelovo for the Zagori Mountain Running start?
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Ioannina Airport (IOA) is the practical nearest airport at approximately 45-75 minutes by car to the Zagori start area -- the right choice for most international runners. Corfu Airport (CFU) is an alternative but requires a ferry crossing and adds significant journey time (~2.5-4 hours total). Thessaloniki (SKG) is approximately 3.5-4.5 hours by car. A rental car is strongly recommended; public transport into the Zagori villages is extremely limited. Accommodation in Tsepelovo, Papingo, and Monodendri is limited to small guesthouses -- book well in advance, as July is peak Zagori tourism season for non-runners too.
Zagori Mountain Running Challenge – 60 km 60km GPX
Getting to Zagori Mountain Running Challenge – 60 km
Nearest airport
Ioannina (IOA) / Corfu (CFU) / Thessaloniki (SKG)
Notes
Start: ~0.75–1.25 hrs (IOA) / ~2.5–4.0 hrs (CFU incl ferry) / ~3.5–4.5 hrs (SKG); base is Zagori (Tsepelovo/Papingo area) / Public transport: limited; car recommended / Accommodation: strong guesthouse scene but limited inventory; book early (July)
FAR
It’ll possibly take 3+ hours from the closest large airport to arrive. Plan your adventure accordingly, take an extra day for those after-race beers or Curranz.
