Greece · Central Macedonia (Pieria)
Distance
71 km
Date
Entry fee
€80
€ / km
€1.13
New date pending
This race has already occurred. A new date for next year’s edition is pending.
Why the Olympus Ultra Is One of the Most Extreme Races in Europe (78.2m/km, 19% Average Uphill, 9.2% Flat)
Olympus Ultra 71 km is a high-alpine trail race held on June 27, 2026, starting at midnight from the Archaeological Park of Dion and finishing in Litochoro at the foot of Mount Olympus, Greece. The course covers 71 km with 5,550 m of gain (78.2 m/km) — more elevation per kilometre than UTMB Mont-Blanc (57 m/km) or Mestia Ultra (61.8 m/km) — reaching Skolio peak at 2,910m.
Only 9.2% of the course is flat; the distance-weighted average uphill gradient is 19.2%, with 13.2 km above 20% gradient. Entry costs €80 (€1.13/km) — exceptional value for a Skyrunner World Series race. Thessaloniki (SKG) is 83 minutes by road. Running since 2018 with field growth from 62 finishers (2023) to 209 (2025).
Qualification required: foreigners must have completed at least one 80km+ race in the last three years. It suits experienced mountain ultra runners prepared for near-constant scrambling terrain, a midnight start, and a temperature swing of 15–20°C between valley and summit.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
5,550m
D+/KM
78.2m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
19.2%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-20.4%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 4.4 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 6.5 km | |
| 10–15% | 5.4 km | |
| 15–20% | 4.4 km | |
| 20%+ | 13.2 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 47.7% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 9.2% | Flat |
| 43.1% | Downhill |
Terrain
Olympus Ultra – 71 km 71km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 9.2 km · 1,612 m gain starts km 41 · avg 17.6% · max 62.5% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 8.2 km · 1,383 m gain starts km 8 · avg 17.0% · max 71.8% |
| 3 | 5.4 km · 896 m gain starts km 27 · avg 16.7% · max 91.1% |
Top descents
| 1 | 9.3 km · 1,903 m drop starts km 50 · avg -20.5% · max -140.4% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 6.1 km · 908 m drop starts km 16 · avg -14.9% · max -79.5% |
| 3 | 4.6 km · 672 m drop starts km 67 · avg -15.0% · max -71.9% |
Skyrunner World Series Status and the UTMB Index: Olympus Ultra 71km
Is the Olympus Ultra a Skyrunner race?
▼
Yes. The Olympus Ultra is part of the Skyrunner World Series. It is also listed on the UTMB Index (Running Stones points) but is not a UTMB series qualifier race.
Exceptional Value for a World Series Race: Olympus Ultra 71km Entry Cost
How much does it cost to enter the Olympus Ultra 71km?
▼
€80 standard entry — €1.13/km — exceptional value for a Skyrunner World Series race. The late registration window (€90) closed May 31, 2026. Check the official site for current 2026 availability.
2026 Race Date, Midnight Start, and the Archaeological Park of Dion: Olympus Ultra 71 km
When does the 2026 Olympus Ultra 71km take place?
▼
June 27, 2026, starting at 00:00 midnight from the Archaeological Park of Dion. The race finishes in Litochoro. Transport from Litochoro to the start in Dion is provided by the race organisation.
Thessaloniki Airport and the Road to the Olympus Ultra 71km Start
Which airport should I use for the Olympus Ultra?
▼
Thessaloniki (SKG) — approximately 83 minutes by road to the Litochoro/Dion area. Train and bus connections to Litochoro are possible with a short taxi for the last mile. Accommodation is strong in Litochoro; Thessaloniki also works as a base.
Olympus Ultra – 71 km 71km GPX
Getting to Olympus Ultra – 71 km
Nearest airport
Thessaloniki (SKG)
Notes
Start: ~1.0–1.5 hrs; start at the Archaeological Site of Dion (Litochoro/Dion area) / Public transport: train/bus to Litochoro + taxi; doable without car / Accommodation: strong in Litochoro; Thessaloniki also works; book early (summer)
