Bali Trail Running (BTR Ultra) 2026

Bali Trail Running (BTR Ultra) 2026: Bali’s Volcanic Trail Running Weekend

Bali Trail Running (BTR Ultra) 2026 is scheduled for May 15–17, 2026 in Kintamani (Mount Batur area), Bali, with key on-site activities centered around Batur Natural Hot Spring as the race venue. It’s one of the island’s most iconic endurance weekends, combining volcanic trails, caldera views, and a community race atmosphere that feels distinctly Balinese from sunrise starts to post-race recovery.

Bali is famous for temples, surf, and beach clubs, but the island’s interior is where you feel its raw power. Kintamani sits high above sea level, with dramatic views over Lake Batur and Mount Batur’s volcanic landscape, and BTR Ultra is built to put you right inside that scenery. For runners who travel for terrain, this event offers a rare mix: runnable sections and steep volcanic climbs, humid jungle-like stretches, and cooler highland air that can change quickly as you move.

BTR Ultra also matters culturally because it’s not “just a race weekend.” In Bali, sport events often intersect with place and community, and the Kintamani setting gives BTR Ultra a grounded, local feeling that’s hard to replicate in city marathons. If you want a Bali trip with purpose, structure, and a story you earn, BTR Ultra is the kind of event you plan your whole island itinerary around.

Confirmed 2026 Dates and Location

Asia Trail Master news confirms that the 2026 edition of BTR Ultra in Bali is scheduled for the weekend of May 15–17 and will again feature 100 km and 60 km distance categories. A Bali event listing also states the event takes place 15–17 May 2026 in the Mount Batur area of Kintamani, Bali.

While race-week operations can include pre-event logistics, a schedule reference indicates activities begin on Thursday, May 14, 2026 with race kit collection at the race venue, Batur Natural Hot Spring, leading into the main race days. For travel planning, that means arriving in Bali early enough to handle bib pickup calmly is a smart move, especially if you’re coming from overseas and dealing with time zones.

The Race Venue: Batur Natural Hot Spring as the Hub

BTR Ultra’s schedule references Batur Natural Hot Spring as the “Race Venue” for key on-site activities, including race pack collection and multiple race start times (flag-offs) and briefings. This is a practical advantage: it concentrates the race experience in one clear hub, making it easier for runners, crews, and spectators to coordinate.

It also fits the Bali-trail-running vibe perfectly. A hot spring venue naturally supports recovery culture, which is a huge part of any ultra weekend, especially in volcanic terrain where legs take a beating. Even if you don’t soak immediately post-race, being near thermal waters adds an “only in Bali” touch to the entire event setup.

Distances and the Challenge Profile (What’s Confirmed)

BTR Ultra 2026 is confirmed to feature at least 100 km and 60 km categories again. The event ecosystem around BTR Ultra also includes shorter options (commonly 7K, 15K, and 30K in other editions), but the most verified confirmation in 2026 coverage is the return of the ultra distances.

For many runners, the draw is not only distance but environment. Kintamani’s Mount Batur region delivers real elevation changes and volcanic underfoot conditions, which can feel very different from forest ultras or mountain ridge races elsewhere. If you’re used to technical rock, you’ll find some sections fast and dusty; if you’re used to flat road running, the climbs and heat management will be the real test.

Race-Week Flow: What the Weekend Typically Feels Like

Even without a fully published 2026 minute-by-minute timetable in a single accessible source, BTR’s schedule format shows a classic multi-day structure: bib pickup, briefings, staggered race starts, and award ceremonies. The confirmed May 15–17 weekend frame makes it easier to plan travel, work leave, and accommodation without guessing.

A practical approach for runners traveling to Bali:

• Arrive in Bali at least 2 days early to adjust to climate and time zone.
• Spend one night in the south (Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran) if you want comfort and supplies, then move to Kintamani.
• Treat the day after your race as recovery: hot springs, gentle walking, and a big meal.

Why BTR Ultra is a Great Bali Trip for Spectators Too

BTR Ultra is runner-focused, but the setting makes it spectator-friendly compared to some remote ultras. With race activity centered around a clear venue at Batur Natural Hot Spring, support crews can anchor themselves and still enjoy a travel experience in Kintamani. And because Kintamani is a major scenic area, non-running companions can fill their day with viewpoints, cafés overlooking the caldera, and cultural stops rather than waiting in a single isolated aid station.

If your group is mixed fitness levels, the shorter-distance options that often exist at trail festivals can make the weekend feel inclusive. (Confirm the final 2026 distance list when registrations and race guides publish the year’s official categories.)

Travel Tips: Planning Kintamani Like an Island Highland Adventure

Where to Stay

Staying in Kintamani keeps logistics easy on race mornings, particularly for early start times and on-site briefings. Many runners prefer being close to the venue to avoid pre-dawn drives on winding roads.

Getting There from the Airport

Most international arrivals land in Denpasar (DPS), and Kintamani is inland. Plan for a private driver or pre-arranged transport, especially if you’re carrying race gear and want a predictable schedule. (If you’re used to island travel, this is similar to moving from a resort coast to a mountainous interior base.)

What to Pack for a Volcanic Trail Race Weekend

• Sun protection: volcanic terrain can be exposed.
• A light rain layer: highland weather can shift fast.
• Headlamp: essential for early starts or long-course night running.
• Electrolytes: humidity plus exertion can drain you quickly.

Registration and Pricing (What’s Available)

A publicly visible BTR site page shows pricing examples by participant type (local vs foreigner) for BTR Ultra and indicates the event promotes BTR Ultra 2026 as a “brutal trail race,” but pricing can vary by distance category and registration phase. Because entry fees can change with early-bird tiers and add-ons, it’s best to confirm your exact category pricing directly through BTR’s official registration channels before purchasing.

Verified Information at a Glance

Item: Confirmed details

Event Name: Bali Trail Running (BTR Ultra) 2026

Event Category: Trail running / ultramarathon event

Confirmed 2026 Dates (Main Weekend): May 15–17, 2026

Confirmed General Location: Kintamani (Mount Batur area), Bali, Indonesia

Confirmed Race Venue Hub: Batur Natural Hot Spring (listed as “Race Venue” for key activities)

Confirmed Distance Categories: 100 km and 60 km return in 2026

Pricing: Pricing varies by category and participant type; confirm in official registration channels (example pricing shown on BTR site).

If you want to see Bali from its wild, volcanic side in 2026, set your sights on Kintamani for May 15–17, plan a few extra days for acclimatization and recovery, and come ready to run through one of the island’s most dramatic landscapes, because BTR Ultra is the kind of race that turns a Bali trip into a personal landmark you’ll remember long after you leave the caldera behind.