MULTIDAYRUNNING
🌙 48-HourIAUBeginner Friendly

International Ultramarathon Festival — Loutraki

The 21st edition of this World Cup festival on a 400m tartan track. Features 48-hour, 24-hour, and 12-hour races in a supportive Mediterranean setting.

Official WebsiteBack to Events

Event dates, entry rules, qualification standards, and course details can change. Always verify current information on the official event website before registering or booking travel.

Event Overview

DateOct 22-24, 2026
Location🇬🇷 Loutraki, Greece
Format48-Hour
TerrainTrack
RegionEurope
Cutoff48 hours for the headline listing; shorter fixed-time races are also listed.
SanctioningIAU
HighlightsWorld Cup Event, 21st Edition

Course & Terrain

Fixed-time ultramarathon festival centered on a 400 m tartan track.

Key course features to know before comparing this race:

  • 48-hour, 24-hour, and 12-hour race options
  • 400 m tartan track
  • Mediterranean fixed-time racing setting

The track removes navigation and climbing, so the race becomes a pure test of pacing, foot care, sleep decisions, and aid efficiency.

Late October in Greece can be mild, but runners should still prepare for rain, wind, and cooler overnight hours.

Entry & Logistics

QualificationRunners should confirm entry requirements, federation rules, and event options with the organizer before travel.
Support modelTrack-ultra festival format with frequent aid access, official lap counting, timing, and multi-distance race operations.
Logistics noteInternational entrants should verify the current event bulletin, accommodation suggestions, and exact race schedule before booking travel.

Why This Race Matters

International Ultramarathon Festival — Loutraki is a useful reference point for runners comparing 48-hour events. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.

Best Fit

  • Track-ultra runners seeking a European 48-hour race
  • Athletes who want frequent aid and a controlled course
  • Runners building experience beyond 24-hour racing

Planning Notes

  • Plan at least one sleep strategy before race week. A 48-hour race usually turns on how well you manage the second night.
  • Flat, repetitive surfaces make pacing simple but increase repetitive-load stress. Rotate shoes and schedule foot checks before problems become visible.
  • This event is marked beginner-friendly in the directory, but first-timers should still verify cutoffs, support rules, and crew access on the official site.
  • Track repetition can be mentally demanding by the second day
  • International travel logistics should be handled early
  • The event may include multiple starts, so verify your exact race schedule

Event FAQs

What is the main format at the Loutraki Ultramarathon Festival listing?

The directory lists the 48-hour race, with 24-hour and 12-hour options also noted.

Is Loutraki a trail race?

No. The listing describes a track-based fixed-time ultramarathon festival.

Sources

  1. Official Ultramarathon Greece site — https://ultramarathon.gr
  2. Multiday Running event directory data, last reviewed June 2026.