Mestia Ultra 2026

Mestia Ultra is a trail running event combining multiple races along the mountains and forests of Mestia, Georgia.

Race distances

Fun Race: 6km, 300+m gain

Trail: 21km, 1,000+m gain

Mountain Marathon: 42km, 2,400+m gain

Mestia Ultra: 71km, 4,500+m gain

Mestia 100K: 100km, 5,900+m gain

Start and finish location

The start and finish of ALL the distances of Mestia Ultra is located in the center of Mestia.

Start Time

06:00, 18.07.2026 – 42km, 70km and 105km races

09:00, 18.07.2026 – 6km and 21km races

Qualifier race

Mestia 100K / Mestia Ultra / Mestia Trail Marathon are included in the UTMB® World Series Qualifiers (https://utmb.world/) and
certified by ITRA (https://itra.run/)

• Mestia 100K – UTMB 100M, ITRA 5
• Mestia Ultra – UTMB 100K, ITRA 4
• Mestia Trail Marathon – UTMB 50K, ITRA 2
• Mestia Trail Race – UTMB 20K, ITRA 1

The event is open to anyone who meet certain criteria:

– Adult (18+ y/o)

– In good physical condition

– Medical history without major health problems that will have a negative effect on the performance during the race and could lead to health complications during or after the race .

No qualifying races are necessary to register. However previous experience of similar activities is recommended. And for 62k and 100k races preapproval is needed using the dedicated application form.

It is the participant’s responsibility to acknowledge race’s specialties, length and difficulty and  be physically and mentally well-prepared for the event

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

Only registered runners can participate in the event.

Registration is only possible online through tkt.ge/mestia2026

Exceptions may apply on team registrations

By registering the participant accepts all the race rules and regulation.

REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fees are tiered based on registration date and are as follows:

Early registration until 31st of January

• Mestia 100k – GEL350
• Mestia Ultra 70k – GEL280
• Mestia Mountain Marathon – GEL190
• Mestia Mountain Race – GEL120
• Mestia Fun Run – GEL50

Standard registration starting the 1st of February until 31st of May

• Mestia 100k – GEL375
• Mestia Ultra 70k – GEL300
• Mestia Mountain Marathon – GEL210
• Mestia Mountain Race – GEL135
• Mestia Fun Run – GEL60

Late registration starting the 1st of June until 15th of July

• Mestia 100k – GEL390
• Mestia Ultra 70k – GEL320
• Mestia Mountain Marathon – GEL230
• Mestia Mountain Race – GEL150
• Mestia Fun Run – GEL75

The registration fee includes:

• Race BIB
• Assistance and refreshments along the route and at the finish line
• Starters pack
• Unique finisher’s medal
• Free photos

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

Registration closes at 18:00 on July 15, 2026 (Tbilisi time)

CANCELLATION
The registration fee will be refunded (excluding commissions) within 2 weeks if a registration is cancelled before June 30, 2026. There will not be any refunds after this date.

Cancellation of the registrations can only be made by notifying the organization by email to run@traillab.ge

REGISTRATION TRANSFER
Registration transfer to another person can be requested only by email (on run@traillab.ge), until June 30, 2026 Requests in any other form are not accepted

To collect race bib numbers, participants must present a valid identity document (ID card or passport or driving license) and exhibit all
the mandatory equipment. Spot checks will be carried out.

Race BIBs for all the distances will be distributed at the following locations and schedule:

• Start location (Seti Square), Friday, July 17, 2026: 12:00 – 18:00

Participants of 100k and 70k races will be able to check-in their resupply at this time.

And we will thoroughly check the mandatory equipment at this time.

Participants of the 6km and 21km races who are unable to collect their BIBs on Friday will have an additional opportunity to get the BIBs on race day at the starting line just before the race from 07:30 to 08:30.

For participants of the 100km and 70km distances, a special technical briefing will be held on July 17th at 17:00 in the hall of the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. Attendance is mandatory.

We will cover lots of essential and useful details during the briefing that will be highly beneficial for you.

MANDATORY AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Mestia 100K Ultra

• Race backpack to carry mandatory equipment
• hat or bandana
• warm and waterproof gloves
• waterproof trousers
• long sleeved shirt/Thermo
• cell phone switched on with emergency numbers stored
• waterproof jacket with an integrated hood, made with a waterproof membrane like Goretex with minimum 10,000 Schmerber, designed to withstand bad weather in the mountains. (It is the runner’s responsibility to bring a jacket that respects these criteria. In case of a check during the race, the steward or judge will decide if the jacket respects the criteria outlined in the official race regulations)
• water reserve of at least 1 litre
• Race bib number visible during the entire duration of the race
• emergency thermal blanket 
• whistle
• headlamp with spare batteries or two headlamps with batteries
• footwear appropriate for running on Svaneti Trails (stones, rocks, gravel)
• energy bars or solid food
• First aid kit (elastic bandage, pain killers, adhesive plaster, salt pills)
• Soft cups/Foldable cups for water

*to reduce plastic consumption, disposable tableware (cutlery, beakers, plates, bowls) will not be handed out at refreshment stations or life bases, thus athletes must bring their own cutlery and containers if they wish

*to reduce plastic consumption, disposable tableware (cutlery, beakers, plates, bowls) will not be handed out at aid stations, thus athletes must bring their own cutlery and containers if they wish

Recommended:

• long trousers or tights
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• a third layer (fleece, quilted jacket etc.) in case of particularly cold weather
• Trekking poles are permitted
• crampons

Mestia 70K Ultra

• race backpack to carry mandatory equipment
• hat or bandana
• warm and waterproof gloves
• waterproof trousers
• long sleeved shirt/Thermo
• waterproof jacket with an integrated hood, made with a waterproof membrane like Goretex with minimum 10,000 Schmerber, designed to withstand bad weather in the mountains. (It is the runner’s responsibility to bring a jacket that respects these criteria. In case of a check during the race, the steward or judge will decide if the jacket respects the criteria outlined in the official race regulations)
• water reserve of at least 1 litre
• race bib number visible during the entire duration of the race
• emergency thermal blanket
• whistle
• cell phone switched on with emergency numbers stored
• headlamp with spare batteries or two headlamps with batteries
• footwear appropriate for running on Svaneti trails (stones, rocks, gravel)
• energy bars or solid food
• First aid kit (elastic bandage, pain killers, adhesive plaster, salt pills)
• Soft cups/Foldable cups for water

*to reduce plastic consumption, disposable tableware (cutlery, beakers, plates, bowls) will not be handed out at aid stations, thus athletes must bring their own cutlery and containers if they wish

Recommended:

• long trousers or tights
• sunglasses
• warm long-sleeved sweatshirt
• sunscreen
• a third layer (fleece, quilted jacket etc.) in case of particularly cold weather
• Trekking poles are permitted
• crampons

Marathon

• race backpack to carry mandatory equipment
• hat or bandana
• Gloves
• water reserve of at least 1 litre
• waterproof jacket with an integrated hood, made with a waterproof membrane like Goretex with minimum 10,000 Schmerber, designed to withstand bad weather in the mountains. (It is the runner’s responsibility to bring a jacket that respects these criteria. In case of a check during the race, the steward or judge will decide if the jacket respects the criteria outlined in the official race regulations)
• race bib number visible during the entire duration of the race
• emergency thermal blanket 
• whistle
• cell phone switched on with emergency numbers stored
• footwear appropriate for running on Svaneti trails (stones, rocks, gravel)
• energy bars or solid food
• elastic bandages 
• Soft cups/Foldable cups for water

*to reduce plastic consumption, disposable tableware (cutlery, beakers, plates, bowls) will not be handed out at aid stations, thus athletes must bring their own cutlery and containers if they wish

Recommended:

• long sleeved sweater
• long trousers or tights
• waterproof trousers
• mineral salts
• sunglasses
• warm long-sleeved sweatshirt
• sunscreen
• a third layer (fleece, quilted jacket etc.) in case of particularly cold weather
• Trekking poles are permitted

Bag drop
There will be a bag deposit at the starting area. Bags must clearly exhibit the sticker with a runner’s BIB number, which will be handed out at the registration desk.

Participants are advised NOT to place objects of value in their bags. Organizers accept no liability for any theft, loss or damage
to bags or their contents.

Mestia Ultra races take the following routes:

Mestia 100k: https://www.strava.com/routes/3509446531444070246

Mestia 70k Ultra: https://www.strava.com/routes/3509458649773471590

Mestia Mountain Marathon: https://www.strava.com/routes/3359068898139980778

Mestia Mountain Race: https://www.strava.com/routes/3318531251814756950

Mestia FunRun: https://www.strava.com/routes/3509826108719705940

Organizers reserve the right to change any parts of the course, places of aid stations, checkpoints or modify the time and location
of the start without prior notice due to severe weather conditions or other unexpected reasons.
Any changes will be announced to the participants before the race, or at refreshment points during the race.

Most of the route is on trekking paths and rocky ground on certain sections. Participants are strongly advised to have experience
in running on such terrain. The route will be marked with reflective bands and other means. Participants should strictly adhere to the marked race route and
avoid taking shortcuts or cutting out sections of the route.

Any departures from the official route will lead to disqualification and shall be at the sole risk of participants.

There will be aid stations along the race routes. Passages on these stations will be checked and various refreshments will be available.
Some checkpoint has a time limit listed below. Participants who arrive at a checkpoint after the designated time limit will not be
allowed to continue.

Mestia 100K

Aid stationDistanceWhat to expect?Time limitKoruldi6kmwater, snacks, fruit, first aid3 hours 30 minutesKavsheti21kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid6 hours 30 minutesHeshkili25kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, warm meal, first aid, accessible for crew members Zuruldi29kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid, accessible for crew members (only with cable car)9 hours 30 minutesTsvirmi 40kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid Ughviri47kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid Tetnuldi51kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid, warm meal, ambulance, access to resupply, accessible for supporters14 hours 30 minutesAdishi58kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid15 hours 30 minutesTetnuldi74kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, warm meal, first aid, ambulance, access to resupply, accessible for supporters19 hoursCholashi82kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid Ghvebra 91km water, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid Finish100 kmwater, ambulance27 hours

Mestia Ultra 70K

Aid stationDistanceWhat to expect?Time limitKoruldi6kmwater, snacks, fruit, first aid3 hours 30 minutesKavsheti20kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid6 hours 30 minutesHeshkili25kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, warm meal, first aid, accessible for supporters  Zuruldi29kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid, accessible for Supporters  (only with cable cars) 9 hours 30 minutesTsvirmi40kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid Ughviri47kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid Tetnuldi51kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, warm meal, first aid, ambulance, access to resupply, accessible for supporters13 HoursCholashi58kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid Banguriani68kmwater, fruit Finish71kmwater, ambulance20 hours

Trail Marathon

Aid stationDistanceWhat to expect?Time limitHeshkili7kmwater, snacks, fruit, first aid, accessible for Supporters  Zuruldi11kmwater, snacks, fruit, first aid, accessible for Supporters (only with cable car) Ughviri22kmwater, snacks, carb drink, fruit, first aid, accessible for Supporters  Tetnuldi27kmwater, snacks, warm meal, fruit, carb drink, first aid, ambulance6 hoursCholashi35kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid Banguriani44kmwater, fruit Finish46kmwater, ambulance11 hours

Mestia Trail

Aid stationDistanceWhat to expect?Time limitHeshkili7kmwater, snack, first aid Zuruldi11kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid Finish21kmwater, ambulance5 hours 30 minutes

Fun Run

Aid stationDistanceWhat to expect?Time limitAid station3.5kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, first aid  Finish7kmwater, snacks, fruit, carb drink, ambulance 2 hours

The following infringements will lead to disqualification from the race:

• Failing to pass a check point
• Taking a major shortcut or using a vehicle.
• Insulting or threatening staff or volunteers
• Not obeying the decisions given by the medical personnel or organization.
• Rejecting the mandatory equipment check by the organization (where applicable)
• Failing to help a participant in difficulty.
• Throwing away rubbish or harming the natural habitat.

• Participants need to independently cover the distance between the aid stations without external aid. Throughout the race, participants are not allowed to receive outside assistance (including food, water, equipment, pacing, etc.). Meals are provided only by the organizers at specially designated points.

• The disqualified participant will not be allowed to continue the race.

All other cases not discussed above will be judged by the organizers.

Penalties or disqualification can be appealed by an email to run@traillab.ge within 24 hours from the publication of race results.

Once you are in Georgia you have a couple of options for getting to Mestia:

By Train and then Minibus:

1. Train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi: Take a train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi. The journey takes around 6 hours and costs about 16 GEL.

2. Minibus from Zugdidi to Mestia: From Zugdidi, catch a minibus to Mestia. The ride takes about 4 hours.

By Direct Minibus:

1. Direct minibus from Tbilisi to Mestia: There’s a direct minibus that leaves from Samgori Bus Station in Tbilisi at 7 AM and takes around 10 hours to reach Mestia. Tickets cost around 50 GEL.

By Plane:

1. Flight from Tbilisi to Mestia: There are flights available from Tbilisi (Natakhtari local airport) to Mestia Airport. This is the quickest option but might be more expensive. You can check the option on the website.

By Car:

1. Drive from Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Zugdidi: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and drive from Kutaisi or Zugdidi to Mestia. The new road from Kutaisi to Ushguli and Mestia via Lentekhi is quite scenic.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ July 18 – Race Day!
(Location: Seti Square)
🏁 06:00 – Start for distances: 100 km, 70 km, and 42 km 🏔️
🏁 09:00 – Start for distances: 21 km and 6 km ⛰️

🗒️ On July 17 and 18, you will be able to check out, try on, and purchase Aonijie running gear and TRAILLAB merch in the surrounding area.

🏆 July 19 – Final Day
(Location: Seti Square)
🎉 12:00 – Award Ceremony
⚽ 🏆 23:00 – World Cup Final screening on the big screen!