The 2024 race season is proving to be one of the greatest yet, with some of the world’s best runners set to return to our favourite races, beat records and make history.
Races like the Grossglockner Ultra Trail are gearing up for another successful year as participant numbers increase and more runners attempt mountain challenges and ultra distances.
We present a short list of some great races to look out for over the next six months, who might be attending and what you can expect from these races. Are you ready to be inspired?
January
January saw two of the most anticipated races of the year, certifying an exciting beginning to the 2024 race season. Jack Scott became a running legend overnight, shaving 10 hours off the previous record on only 54 minutes of sleep.
Mark Darbyshire also broke records at the Arc of Attrition, smashing the 19-hour record he set in 2022, coming in at 18:51:54.
He said in an interview with us, “I thought I would win, but I’d started pushing for the sub-19 then. So you still had something to aim for, which will help, and you need something to keep you going at the end of the ultra, especially the 100 miles.”
February
Sponsored by The North Face, Transgrancanaria has five races, with the pinnacle ‘Classic’ race featuring some well-known athletes worldwide. Running from 21st-25th February 2024, the series has boasted that this year will feature almost 5000 participants, representing one of their most diverse races yet.
The 2023 Classic race saw American athlete Courtney Dauwalter make her inaugural appearance in Gran Canaria, coming first in the female race and 7th overall.
Dauwalter will return this year to defend her title, speaking to the event team she said: “Transgrancanaria is a big adventure. Crossing a beautiful island with only our feet, snacks, and the energy from people cheering is such a cool experience.”
Other athletes set to join Dauwalter in Gran Canaria include Hugh Chatfield, Mark Darbyshire, Emma Stuart and Josh Wade.
March
The Chester 50 marks the first ultramarathon held by GB Ultras. The route links trails along the North Cheshire Way, incorporating favourites like Helsby Hill, Delamere Forest and Frodsham. The course records haven’t been beaten since 2019 and currently stand at 6 hours 33 minutes (Jonathan Palmer) and 7 hours 42 minutes (Sally Ford).
April
The Marathon Des Sables is returning for another exceptional year, covering 250km over six days. Known as one of the toughest footraces in the world, racers have to battle against the Moroccan desert with heats as high as 40 degrees celsius.
In 37 editions, more than 25,000 people have joined the adventure with over 50 nationalities represented, with an average age of 51 years old. The Marathon Des Sables is a self-sufficient adventure. During the whole week in the desert, the competitors must carry all their equipment and food, except the water and the tent, which are provided by the organization.
May
The much-awaited Ultra Trail Snowdonia will return on the 10th-12th of May, featuring racers across four distances, including top runners like Ryan Smith, Jon Shield, Georgina Lewis, Gavin Dale and Rachel Fawcett.
In 2023, we loved watching Josh Wade push himself to victory in the unprecedented hot weather.
June
South Downs Way Ultra will begin on the 8th of June and is a point-to-point race covering 100 miles down the South Downs Way. Organised by Centurion, the race covers a varied terrain and is seen as a staple in the ultramarathon calendar.
Top runners who will be on the starting line include Sam Skinner, Mike Seaman, Simon Johnson, Simon Atkin, Dave Phillips, and Rosie Williams.
July
The Grossglockner Ultra Trail, set in the Austrian Alps, crosses three provinces, seven valleys, and six municipalities; runners cross the Alps twice, running along 14 glaciers, surrounded by around 300 mountains higher than 3,000m.
Named in regard to Grossglockner Mountain, the race traverses the trails on and around the area. Race Director Hubert Resch created the race almost ten years ago, with over 30 years of mountain running and outdoor events experience: “As trail running began to arrive in central Europe, we found the idea exciting and decided to make a trail ultramarathon around Austria’s highest mountain.”
The race includes a combination of technical climbs and stunning views, with much of the race happening above 2000m. The race has always been a qualification event for the Western States, inviting a diverse cast of racers to its trails.
August
The Race Across Scotland covers 215 miles on the Southern Upland Way. Taking in around 7,282m (23,891ft) of elevation, racers must contend with the ever-changing weather, sleep deprivation, and mixed terrain to reach the end and grab their belt buckle.
September
Autumn will bring the Ring O’Fire Coastal Ultramarathon. The Ring O’ Fire is a coastal ultra marathon that takes runners on an extraordinary 135-mile journey around the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, over three days.
Now on its 13th edition, the Anglesey coastline is set against the backdrop of Snowdonia, with the first of the three races available to run singularly.
This is only a small selection of the incredible races we have to look forward to this year. American races have made their name in the UK with events like Western States, Tahoe 200, Badwater 135 and the Barkley Marathons inspiring many to push themselves to new distances.
The 2024 Race Season Preview is sponsored by
Grossglockner Ultra Trail
