Gauja Trail by UTMB
Gauja Trail by UTMB — 100K
Sigulda → Cēsis
Race guide
Updated 29 June 2026
The Gauja Trail by UTMB 100K is a 91 km point-to-point journey from Sigulda to Cēsis through the heart of Latvia's Gauja National Park. With only 1670 m of total climbing and a high point of just 114 m, this is not an alpine suffer-fest — but do not mistake low elevation for low difficulty. The course threads relentlessly through river valleys, sandstone bluffs and dense forest, rewarding runners with technical, rooty terrain and constantly changing footing rather than big mountain passes. The sheer distance, the cumulative nature of the rolling Baltic landscape and the mental demands of a largely flat-to-undulating 91 km make this a race that punishes anyone who treats the opening kilometres carelessly.
Course & Terrain
Starting at Jaunā pils in Sigulda (97 m), the route follows the Gauja river corridor all the way to the finish at Rozu laukums in Cēsis (103 m). Five aid stations — Ziedinkalns at 22.1 km, Jaunsaimnieki at 39.5 km, Ligatne at 54 km, Zvartes iezis at 70 km and Raksi ZOO at 77.2 km — punctuate the course at logical intervals, with crew access available at Jaunsaimnieki and Ligatne. The terrain is characteristic of the Gauja valley: packed forest singletrack, rooty riverside paths, sandy bluffs and occasional boardwalked sections across boggy ground. Elevation change is modest but never absent — the course rolls continuously, and the sandstone gorge sections demand short, sharp climbs and careful descents on loose or wet soil. Expect to cover significant stretches in dense canopy where pace feels deceptively controlled.
Where the Race Is Won and Lost
Because the climbs are short and the elevation gain spread evenly across 91 km, no single ascent breaks the field the way a high mountain col would. Instead, the race is decided by accumulated fatigue across the second half — particularly the 40 km stretch from Jaunsaimnieki to the finish. The section between Ligatne (54 km) and Zvartes iezis (70 km) is where legs that went out too fast begin to unravel: the terrain stays technical, the distances between checkpoints lengthen, and there is nowhere to hide. The final 13 km from Raksi ZOO into Cēsis can feel deceptively manageable on paper but arrives after roughly 77 km of continuous effort, making every root and sandy descent feel far more significant than the elevation profile suggests.
Pacing & Race Strategy
The most important tactical decision in this race is made in the first 22 km. The valley corridors out of Sigulda flow freely and the body is fresh — this is exactly the trap. Running the early sections at a 'comfortable' pace that is actually 10–15 % too fast is the most common mistake. A patient, even social first half is not a weakness; it is the deposit that funds a strong second. Treat the stretch to Jaunsaimnieki (39.5 km) as a warmup, not a race. Once you bank that patience, the back half of the course — where most runners fade — becomes your window. Break the closing kilometres into small, manageable segments: checkpoint to checkpoint, two sections at a time. Managing the distance in bite-sized resets prevents the psychological weight of 'still 30 km to go' from compounding physical fatigue.
Fuelling & Checkpoint Strategy
With five aid stations and a maximum gap of roughly 17 km between checkpoints, fuelling logistics are manageable but require discipline. Arrive at each checkpoint with a plan, not a crisis. Take on real food and fluids at Jaunsaimnieki (39.5 km) and Ligatne (54 km) where crew can meet you — these are your two most important resupply points. Between checkpoints, aim to consume calories consistently rather than reactively; the relatively flat terrain makes it easy to forget to eat until the energy debt surfaces. Hydration needs will vary significantly with weather: summer editions can bring genuine heat, and the forest cover offers only partial relief. Carry enough fluid to cover each leg comfortably and use every crew or checkpoint opportunity to top up ice or cold water if temperatures are elevated.
Conditions to Expect
The Gauja valley climate is temperate but unpredictable. Summer races can deliver warm, humid conditions — temperatures in the high teens to low twenties Celsius are common, and the enclosed forest sections trap humidity effectively. Rain transforms the sandstone paths and rooty forest singletrack into slippery, muddy terrain that slows pace considerably and increases ankle-roll risk. Trail shoes with aggressive grip and some rock-plate protection for the sandstone sections are advisable. Nights are relatively short in a Baltic summer, so headtorch time may be limited, but carry one regardless given the dense forest sections where light fades early under canopy. The only fixed cut-off is at the finish in Cēsis: Day 01:00, giving runners a firm outer limit to plan against.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
✓ Course data verified against the official source (2026-07-05) · official source
0 km · 96 m · —
21.9 km · 99 m · Sat 11:00
38.3 km · 48 m · —
53.8 km · 50 m · Sat 16:15
69.9 km · 45 m · Sat 19:00
81.2 km · 105 m · Sat 22:15
90.6 km · 104 m · Sat 23:59
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