The Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) has gone through several iterations. Starting in 2018, it was put together by the trail brand, Salomon. In 2019, the men’s title was won by trail running all-time-great, Kilian Jornet. To avoid being completely dampened by COVID, in 2020 the organizers put on a stage race in the Azores. GTWS in its current format, has existed since 2021, with a few modifications. This year it had 8 races:
In May was Zegama — Aizkorri, taking place in the mountains of Spain.
Zegama — Aizkorri, 2026 GTWS 1st race, Spain, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
Just a week later, Ledro Sky Trentino was run in the Italian Alps.
Ledro Sky Trentin, 2026 GTWS 2nd race, Italy, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
The Quebec Mega Trail in Canada followed in July.
Quebec Mega Trail, 2026 GTWS 3rd race, Canada, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
The series returned to the Alps again in August, this time for Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail in Austria.
Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail, 2026 GTWS 4th race, Austria, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
A week following and not far away was Sierre-Zinal in the Swiss Alps.
Sierre-Zinal, 2026 GTWS 5th race, Switzerland, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
In September, the series shifted to Asia, for Myoko Trail in Japan
Myoko Trail, 2026 GTWS 6th race, Japan, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
And then a week later, Jinshangling Great Wall Trail Race in China.
Jinshangling Great Wall Trail Race, 2026 GTWS 7th race, China, courtosy of ©GoldenTrailSeries®
The final will take place in South Korea for Muju Trail on October 24th. The top 30 athletes from men’s and women’s fields are invited to the final. The winner is determined by the an athlete’s 4 best finishes of the 8 possible races they could have competed in.
Photo of South Korean landscape by Jinhan Moon on Unsplash
The exact list of races that are part of the series have changed every year, as well as the final. Previous finals have taken place in Africa, Asia, Europe, and even on islands, such as the Azores.
