About This Event
Set within Latvia's stunning Gauja National Park, this UTMB World Series event showcases the Nordic beauty of Northern Europe's most diverse landscape. The race takes runners through ancient river valleys carved by the Gauja River, past medieval castles, and along forested ridgelines that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. As part of the prestigious UTMB World Series, Gauja Trail offers runners the opportunity to earn Running Stones while experiencing the unique terrain of the Baltics. The event celebrates the region's natural heritage, combining challenging trail running with cultural immersion in one of Europe's most pristine national parks. The race attracts both international runners seeking UTMB qualification points and local trail enthusiasts drawn to explore their own backyard from a new perspective. With multiple distance options, the event welcomes runners of varying experience levels to discover the true Nordic character of this remarkable landscape.
Choose Your Distance
11K
The perfect entry point for runners new to trail running or the UTMB World Series. This shorter distance provides a taste of Nordic trail running while remaining approachable for recreational runners. Offers stunning park scenery without the physical demands of longer distances.
27K
The route follows the Gauja River valley through Gauja National Park, passing through beech and pine forests interspersed with exposed sandstone formations. Runners encounter a mix of smooth forest paths, technical root sections, and occasional rocky passages near the valley's signature red sandstone outcrops. The course connects historical sites including Turaida Castle and Gutman's Cave, with trails alternating between shaded woodland and open riverside sections.
45K
The route winds through Gauja National Park's signature landscape, moving between river valley sections and forested ridges. Runners encounter mixed terrain throughout, with sections ranging from smooth forest paths to more technical passages across exposed sandstone and through ancient valley systems. The course passes several of Latvia's notable landmarks, including medieval castle complexes and natural rock formations that have drawn visitors for centuries. The varied surface—combining forest trail, occasional gravel sections, and natural terrain—demands adaptable pacing and attention to foot placement. Runners who thrive on technical variety will find the course engaging, while those newer to trail running will appreciate that no single section requires advanced mountain skills. The 45K distance provides enough challenge to feel like a significant accomplishment without the navigation complexity or exposure risks of high alpine racing.