Latvia · Vidzeme (Gauja National Park)
Distance
86 km
Date
Entry fee
€149
€ / km
€1.73
New date pending
This race has already occurred. A new date for next year’s edition is pending.
Gauja Trail by UTMB 86km: Latvia's Baltic Forest Race, Measured
Gauja Trail by UTMB 86 km is a trail race held on August 1–2, 2026, in Gauja National Park, Vidzeme region, Latvia — part of the official UTMB World Series circuit.
The course covers 86 km with 2,000 m of gain (23.3 m/km) through Baltic pine forest, sandstone gorges, riverside trails, and past medieval castle ruins in the Gauja river valley. This is one of the flattest major ultras in the DTR database: 47.6% of the course is flat terrain, with the biggest single climb rising just 76 m. The race demands sustained aerobic running rather than technical mountain skills. Entry costs €149 standard (€1.73/km) — note the UTMB registration platform adds €11.92 per participant (€161 effective).
Riga (RIX) airport is 114 minutes by road; direct trains from Riga to Sigulda and Cēsis make this unusually accessible by public transport. Launched in 2020 and now a UTMB World Series qualifier for UTMB Mont-Blanc, drawing 195 finishers in 2024. It suits endurance-focused trail runners who want UTMB qualifying points in a summer forest setting without the technical hazards of alpine terrain.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
2,000m
D+/KM
23.3m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
7.9%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-7.9%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 9.6 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 7.4 km | |
| 10–15% | 2.6 km | |
| 15–20% | 1.6 km | |
| 20%+ | 1.3 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 26.3% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 47.6% | Flat |
| 26.1% | Downhill |
Terrain
Gauja Trail by UTMB – 86 km 86km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 1.4 km · 76 m gain starts km 17 · avg 5.3% · max 21.7% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.7 km · 76 m gain starts km 4 · avg 2.0% · max 23.1% |
| 3 | 1.7 km · 72 m gain starts km 80 · avg 4.2% · max 18.7% |
Top descents
| 1 | 1.4 km · 79 m drop starts km 0 · avg -5.7% · max -19.9% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 0.4 km · 77 m drop starts km 20 · avg -21.4% · max -31.6% |
| 3 | 0.4 km · 73 m drop starts km 10 · avg -19.0% · max -27.4% |
Gauja Trail 86km by UTMB: Europe's Flattest UTMB Race and Its Relentless Forest Aerobic Challenge
How hard is the Gauja Trail by UTMB 86km?
▼
Physically demanding in the way any 86km race is, but not technically difficult. The course is 47.6% flat, the biggest single climb rises just 76m, and there is no alpine terrain. The challenge is aerobic — sustained running effort through forest for 10–15 hours. Runners who struggle with technical descents or altitude will find this far more manageable than most European ultras of similar distance.
Is the Gauja Trail by UTMB a UTMB qualifier?
Is the Gauja Trail by UTMB a UTMB qualifier?▼
Yes. The 86km is an official UTMB World Series event, awarding UTMB Mont-Blanc qualifying points. It is one of the Baltic region's primary entry points to the UTMB qualification system.
Gauja Trail 86km Entry Fee: Base Price Plus the UTMB Surcharge
How much does it cost to enter the Gauja Trail by UTMB 86km?
▼
€149 standard entry — €1.73 per kilometre. Note that the UTMB registration platform adds €11.92 per participant on top, bringing the effective cost to approximately €161. This is standard for UTMB series events.
August 1, 2026: The Gauja Trail by UTMB 86km Race Date
When does the 2026 Gauja Trail by UTMB 86km take place?
▼
August 1–2, 2026. The 86km starts on August 1.
Riga Airport with Direct Trains to Sigulda: Gauja Trail Access
Which airport should I use for the Gauja Trail by UTMB?
▼
Riga (RIX) is the primary airport, approximately 114 minutes by road to the race area. Direct trains from Riga run to both Sigulda and Cēsis — making this one of the most public-transport-accessible trail races in the DTR database.
Gauja Trail by UTMB – 86 km 86km GPX
Getting to Gauja Trail by UTMB – 86 km
Nearest airport
Riga (RIX)
Notes
Start: ~1–2 hrs — Sigulda/Cēsis/Līgatne remain the confirmed host towns / Public transport: easy trains and buses from Riga to Sigulda/Cēsis/Līgatne / Accommodation: good in Sigulda and Cēsis; limited in small villages; book early
