Albania · Shkodër County (Fushë-Arrëz Municipality)
Migrant Trail Race
Distance
40 km
Date
August 8, 2026
Entry fee
25 EUR
€ / km
€0.63
Albania’s rugged race started in 2025: remote ridgelines, raw mountain culture, and a true adventure-logistics ultra.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
1249m
D+/KM
31.23m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
10.4%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-10.2%
Uphill gradient distribution
Route Profile
Analysed 2026-05-02Terrain breakdown
Terrain
Climbs
Top climbs
8.6 km · 486 m gain
starts km 14 · avg 5.6% · max 53.9%
9.3 km · 374 m gain
starts km 1 · avg 4.0% · max 35.3%
4.3 km · 244 m gain
starts km 29 · avg 5.6% · max 38.9%
Top descents
7.7 km · 465 m drop
starts km 21 · avg -6.0% · max -37.0%
3.6 km · 340 m drop
starts km 33 · avg -9.4% · max -29.6%
3.4 km · 287 m drop
starts km 11 · avg -9.0% · max -31.9%
What Is the Migrant Trail Race -- Albania's Newest Ultra, the Kryeziu Waterfall Trail, and Why This €25 Race Is Worth the Journey to Fushë-Arrëz
Q: What is the Migrant Trail Race? A: The Migrant Trail Race is a multi-distance trail running event based in Fushë-Arrëz, Shkodër County, in Albania's Albanian Alps (Bjeshkët e Namuna -- the Accursed Mountains). It was founded in 2025 and offers distances from 10km to 100km. The 40km distance is named the Kryeziu Waterfall Trail, after the scenic waterfall that serves as the course's defining landmark. The race carries a cultural and social mission connected to Albania's migration history and mountain heritage. 2026 is its second edition.
Course Profile -- Two Long Ridge Climbs, the Kryeziu Waterfall, and 24.9% Flat in the Albanian Alps
Q: How hard is the Migrant Trail Race 40km? A: Accessible by European mountain trail standards. The course gains 1,249m D+ over 40km (31.2 m/km) with a distance-weighted average uphill gradient of 10.36% and 24.9% flat terrain. The three main climbs are long and gradual (4-9km each, averaging 4-5.6% gradient) rather than steep and explosive. DTR database ranks: AvgUphill 255/~390 (mid-lower tier), AvgDownhill 132/~390 (gentler half). It suits trail runners with solid aerobic fitness who may not yet have extensive technical mountain experience. The August heat and the remote Albanian terrain add adventure difficulty that the gradient data alone does not capture.
€25 for a Mountain Ultra in the Accursed Mountains -- the Value Case for the Migrant Trail Race 40km
Q: How much does it cost to enter the Migrant Trail Race 40km? A: €25 standard entry (€0.625/km) -- one of the most affordable mountain trail races in Europe. No additional administrative fees were noted in the registration process. Registration is open and not sold out for the 2026 edition (August 8, 2026).
Who Should Run the Migrant Trail Race 40km?
Q: When is the Migrant Trail Race 40km? A: August 8, 2026. The start time for the 40km is unconfirmed -- the 60km distance starts at 05:00; the 40km may have a later start. Verify on the official site at migranttrailrace.run before booking travel. The race is based in Fushë-Arrëz, Shkodër County, Albania.
Race files
Logistics
Nearest airport
Tirana (TIA)
Notes
Start: ~3–3.5 hrs drive to Fushë-Arrëz / Public transport: limited; likely bus toward Shkodër/Pukë + taxi last-mile. PENDING OUR INTERVIEW, we will verify the last-mile logistics, and look at recommendations for accommodation in the small guesthouses/hotels in the Fushë-Arrëz/Pukë area.
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.
