The Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) is basically trail running\u2019s short-course world tour, and 2026 will be its wildest year yet. The races are fast, steep and technical, with big crowds and the sport\u2019s biggest names\u2014thrilling for spectators and usually around the mountain marathon distance or less. While intimidating for fans at first glance, the formula is actually quite simple, and the series is a blast to follow. The Quebec Mega Trail 30K, set to take place at Mont-Sainte-Anne on July 5, is the series\u2019 only North American stop in 2026.<\/p>\n
The GTWS basics<\/p>\n
The series brings together a small group of major trail races around the world, chosen for their spectator atmosphere, difficulty and stunning scenery (for both crowds and runners). In 2026, the series includes eight stops across three continents, ending with the Grand Finale in Muju, South Korea. Runners collect points during the season, and their best results count toward the overall ranking before the final. The top 30 men and women after the seventh race are invited to the Grand Finale.<\/p>\n
Quebec Mega Trail joins prestigious Golden Trail World Series with new 30K event<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Races to know<\/p>\n Zegama-Aizkorri<\/a> in Spain, a race Kilian Jornet has won 11 times, is probably the race most people have heard of. The fanatical Basque crowds are part of the legend, especially on the steepest climbs, where runners pass through what\u2019s become known as the \u201cwall of noise.\u201d Sierre-Zinal in Switzerland is another classic, with a long history and a punishing course.<\/p>\n For Canadian fans, the big one is Quebec Mega Trail\u2019s 30K distance<\/a>, which is new to the calendar this year. As the third World Series stop, the QMT 30K race boasts 1,450 metres of climbing over 32 kilometres. Other races include Ledro Sky Trentino in Italy, Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail in Austria, Myoko Trail in Japan and Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race in China.<\/p>\n The stars<\/p>\n The series attracts many of the big names in the short-course trail world. Morocco\u2019s Elhousine Elazzaoui, <\/a>overall winner of the Golden Trail World Series in both 2024 and 2025, took top honours at the first race of the season, Zegama, last weekend, while Sweden\u2019s Tove Alexandersson <\/a>broke the women\u2019s course record there by more than eight minutes. Romanian runner Madalina Florea won the women\u2019s overall title in 2025,\u00a0and Patrick Kipngeno, Philemon Kiriago, Sara Alonso and Malen Osa are also fan favourites. Waterloo, Que.\u2019s\u00a0Remi Leroux<\/a> is among the Canadians who will toe the start line.<\/p>\n How to watch<\/p>\n The broadcast setup depends on the race (and your location), but the details on how to tune into each event can be found here<\/a>. The series has its second stop at Ledro Sky Trentino in Italy on Sunday, May 24.<\/p>\n