By Katie Rosenbrock
TheActiveTimes.com

A great trail race promises incredible scenery, varying terrain and maybe even a little bit of an uphill challenge (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Every year runners in the U.S. have about 1,400 trails races to choose from, according to Runner’s World. Of course, the most popular take place amidst some of the country’s most celebrated landscapes and have something unique to offer for all types of trail runners.

The following trail races feature everything from rugged mountain trails and rolling ridge lines to lush forests and clear coastal views. And those are only a few of the highlights that make them worthy of being added to your racing bucket list.

Whether you're in search of a relaxed course that allows for the enjoyment of all that Mother Nature has to offer or you're after a relentlessly rugged challenge, these must-run races represent some of the most highly rated trail events across the United States.

Must-Run Trail Races

 

Golden Leaf Half Marathon, Colorado

Each year this 13.1-mile race is scheduled so that runners can race amidst the vibrant fall colors of Aspen’s foliage.

 

Golden Leaf Half Marathon, Colorado

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic races in the country, the Golden Leaf course takes runners from Snowmass Village, up Dawdler ski run and along the singletrack Government Trail, which outlines the mountainsides between Snowmass and Buttermilk. goldenleafrace.com

 

Red Hot 55k/33k, Utah

"Nothing beats the red rocks and canyons of Moab," says husband and wife running coaches and co-founders of Revolution Running, Ewen and Heather North. "For an ultra trail race, this is very doable because it’s not at high altitude. There's a lot of up and down without extreme long climbs which makes it fun and enjoyable to run. There are sections on jeep roads where you can actually get going fairly fast then over the second half you're running on slick rock which presents ...

 

Red Hot 55k/33k, Utah

its own challenge." They say the race is worthy of running, not only for its unbeatable scenery, but also because it's low-key and well-organized. "They also have a 33k so people can choose a shorter distance if they don’t want to run the full 55k," they added. grassrootsevents.com

 

Badger Mountain Challenge, Washington

Runners can choose to race 15k, 50k or 50 or 100 miles on Badger Mountain in Tri-Cities Wash., but no matter the distance, this popular long-distance trail event offers sprawling views of Candy and Rattlesnake Mountains and the Columbia and Yakima Rivers.

 

Badger Mountain Challenge, Washington

Not to mention, the course also tours runners through the heart of Washington’s wine country and race proceeds go to Friends of Badger Mountain, Washington Trails Association and Team in Training. badgermountainchallenge.com

 

Dirty Dog 15-K Trail Run, West Virginia

Expect to give Fido (and yourself, too) a good scrub if you bring him along to this popular but muddy trail race in the Kanawha State Forest. The 15k route includes a mix of singletrack mountain trails and rugged dirt roads with two long climbs and a few rolling ridge lines.

 

Dirty Dog 15-K Trail Run, West Virginia

Dogs are optional, but with rocks, roots and wet stuff along the way, all participants should expect to get a little dirty. wvmtr.org

 

Loon Mountain Race, New Hampshire

According to Runner’s World, this 6.6-mile challenge is one of the most competitive trail races in the country.

 

Loon Mountain Race, New Hampshire

The course finishes at the summit of North Peak via the mountain's black diamond trail, and, according to the race’s website, has an average grade of about 14 percent with some sections at more than 40 percent. acidoticracing.com

 

Harvest Stompede, Michigan

Yes, the draw of this 5k run/walk trail race includes the chance to trot through the Leelanau Peninsula’s charming vineyards, but runners also come for the self-guided wine tour that follows.

 

Harvest Stompede, Michigan

After the race participants are invited to taste wine and food from 23 wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. lpwines.com

 

XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, Hawaii

Outside Online listed this incredible trail race as part of their "trail running bucket list," and for good reason: The 13.1-mile course starts at Oahu’s grand Kualoa Ranch and features some of the most diverse and scenic terrain in the world including lush jungles, steep mountainsides and vibrant pastures.

 

XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, Hawaii

Plus, anyone can enter, just because it's been dubbed the "World Championship" doesn't mean you need to qualify. The race is simply the last stop of the XTERRA Trail Run Series. xterraplanet.com

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For the complete list of the 10 Must-Run Trail Races Across The U.S., go to TheActiveTimes.com.

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