What Is A Vertical Kilometer?
Vertical Kilometer Races are a common race concept in European mountain running – but one I had not heard of until I started researching and visiting the Alps for trail running.
So, what is a Vertical Kilometer…?
“an uphill mountain running race, which ascends approximately 1000 metres while covering a distance of no more than 5km”
The spelling is in the European format (‘kilometer’, as opposed to ‘kilometre’) and it is often referred to as a ‘VK’ or ‘VKM’.
While the broad definition specifies the distance is not normally any further than 5km, many vertical kilometer races are shorter, and some are occasionally longer (e.g. Transvulcania). The Chamonix Vertical Kilometer course we have run (but not raced), is less than 4km.
We love the concept of ‘running’ a Vertical Kilometer, as it is so simple: a maximal effort for as long as it takes to haul yourself up 1000m over mountain terrain – and you are rewarded with a fantastic view from the top of a mountain!
Related Reading:
Racing a Vertical Kilometer
Some of these races have ‘mass starts’ where everyone starts the race at the same time. Other VK races, such as the Dolomites VK, have small groups of people starting waves, and others, such as in Chamonix, have one runner starting every 30 seconds.
Each type of start has its advantages, with the intention of having one person start at a time being that congestion on the narrow single-track trails is mostly avoided (although you may still need to pass, or be passed, by the runners around you at some point).
Some of these races start at near-sea-level, but others, such as the Santa Caterina VK, start at a relatively high altitude.
With the combination of the maximal effort involved in climbing pretty much non-stop and the increase in altitude, be prepared to be working extra-hard, especially if you live and train closer to sea-level!
Vertical Kilometer races are typically held the same time as one or more other, longer races, including ‘Skyrunning’ races and mountain ultramarathons. A typical race weekend format goes something along the lines of:
- Friday afternoon/early evening: Vertical Kilometer race takes place
- Saturday: Ultramarathon race starts (ultras often start on a Saturday as they can take so many hours to complete!)
- Sunday: Skyrace takes place
This means that if your legs/body can handle it, you can visit an awesome mountain town, run the Vertical Kilometer on the Friday, and another race that weekend – with the Skyrace being the most likely option (I don’t think many people race a VK one day and toe the line at an ultramarathon the next morning, but maybe some do…).
UK Vertical Kilometer races
The UK has some gorgeous mountains, but not many that can accommodate a full 1000m of ascent in 5km or less.
The Glen Coe Skyrace event is an exception, and is the UK’s only Vertical Kilometer race: Their VK event, the Mamores VK, covers 1000m over 5km.
RELATED: Trail Running With Poles: Benefits, Disadvantages And Advice
European Vertical Kilometer races
In the European mountains, the home of Skyrunning and the Vertical Kilometer, you’re spoilt for choice. Here’s a selection of those that excite us the most!
- Chamonix, France (1000m over 3.8km)
- The Dolomites, Italy (1000m over 2.6km)
- Fully, Switzerland (1000m over 1.9km – the steepest!)
- Mt Olympus, Greece (1024m over 4.3km)
- Transvulcania, Canary Islands, Spain (at 1200m climbing over 7.6km, this race is longer than the ‘traditional’ definition of a Vertical Kilometer race – an even bigger challenge!)
- Tromso, Norway (1044m over 2.7km)
- Zegama-Aizkorri, Spain (1015m over 3km timed distance (with a 2.2km untimed section)
- Santana, Madeira, Portugal (1003m over 4.8km)
- Santa Caterina, Italy (1000m over 2.9km)
North American Vertical Kilometer races
As mountain running and European-style races become more popular, we will see more and more American and Canadian Vertical Kilometer races being introduced. Here are a few well-known races:
- Flagstaff, Arizona (1000m over 5km… including some descents to allow you to accumulate enough vertical gain in that distance)
- Lone Peak, Montana (1106m over 5km, at ‘The Rut’ race weekend)
- Whiteface Mountain, New York (1000m over 4km)
- Broken Arrow Skyrace VK, Squaw Valley, California (945m over 5km – Not strictly a VK but deserves a mention for its epicness)
RELATED: Broken Arrow Skyrace: Race Report, Photos & Advice
Japan Vertical Kilometer races
If you’re looking for a VK race in Asia, the Oze Iwakura Vertical Kilometer in Japan should do the trick! There’s a choice of 700m over 3km, or the full 1000m over 5km.
How long should a Vertical Kilometer take me?
If you’re the Vertical Kilometer World Record holder, Kilian Jornet, or another super-hardcore uphill mountain runner, then you will be able to run a VK in less than 40 minutes! The current (as of 2017) men’s and women’s World Record holders are Urban Zemmer (29m42s!) and Christel Dewalle (34m44s) respectively, who both set these times on the steepest course, in Fully, Switzerland, in 2014.
For mere mortals, it’s still a great achievement to complete the course, and it may take you a couple of hours depending on the course, conditions, and your experience and fitness levels.
If you need tips to get up hills more efficiently, read our guide to running uphill for some great advice.
While it will be painful regardless of how long it takes, what will keep you going will be that sense of achievement and the epic views you’ll be able to take in as a reward!
Did we miss one!?
We’re always excited to learn about new and adventurous trail running routes and races. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any great Vertical Kilometer Races off our list and tell us a bit about them!
You missed the Vertical K in Åre, Sweden: https://fjallmaraton.se/en/arefjallen/vertical-k/
1000m over 4.9km
Hi Linus – thanks for introducing us to this race! Have you run it before? I’d love to hear more about it.
The North Logan Vertical Kilometer (Cache Valley Utah)
That sounds like an awesome race! Thanks for telling us about it!
-Alastair
Can you post a link? I’m a Utahn looking for the nearest VK, but can’t find info on this race. Thanks.
Yeah. You miss the one :
Vertical du Grand Serre. France. Near Chollonge Town. 1000+ 1,8 km. The shortest VK in the world?
Hi Gugu, I looked it up and agree! It has an average 55% gradient, super-steep! http://vgs.run/ fr /
Hello. There is the Vertical Kilometre in South Africa … George Peak, the second highest peak in the Outeniqua Mountain Range. A truely magnificent experience.
Hi Cathy, that sounds awesome! I found the website for anyone else who’d like to check it out – it’s amazing they’re offering this race for free! https://www.georgetrailrun.co.za
Mt. Mitchell (Burnsville), NC
Quest for the Crest 10k… it’s more like 7.6 miles and the first 5k is 1k vertical.
Hi Stephen, the race sounds great, and in a beautiful part of the States. For when just doing a vk is not enough 🙂
You missed the epic one.. BEI K3 from Susa to Rocciamelone, Italy. 3030mt over 9.7 km
Hey Beppe,
Although not technically a VK (hence it not being on our list ;)) it does look epic! We will have to add it as a bonus race! 🙂
Alastair
Got a new one for you… Quad Killer VK in Benton City, WA and it has a twist. Due to short hills around here, we introduced a roller coaster style, where you climb a steep trail 5 times and descend it 4 times. Total elevation gain is still 1km in 5km distance.
That sounds like a fun one! Thanks for the recommendation!
I made an immersive point of view short film about the Mamores VK to give people a feel of what it’s like to take part in one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujQWkrDhR7k
Great article! I think there used to be a VK in Aspen, and I’m pretty sure there is still one in the winter (“America’s Uphill”). I believe there also used to be one in Breckenridge, CO – would love to see one there again!
Finally, although not a VK, the Mount Marathon race in Seward Alaska ascends more than 3,000 ft in 1.5 miles, but runners also have to turn around and run back to town!
Kotor – Montenegro
Kotor Vertical Extreme is uphill mountain running race that climb for 1.007m over 2,8km. Starting from urban settlement of Kotor – UNESCO World Heritage!
https://www.facebook.com/KotorVerticalExtreme
Makarska – Biokovo – Croatia
http://absolute-biokovo-challenge.com/vertical-challenge/
http://absolute-biokovo-challenge.com/vertical-challenge/
There’s a VK race on Mt. Snowdon Wales and it 6km long
Ah yes, I’m familiar with the Mt Snowdon VK. Thanks for the mention of it ✌🏼
You forgot the Golden Ultra in British Columbia, the Audi Power of Four in Aspen, Colorado, and the Buff Epic in the Pyrenees
Hi Susan, pretty sure The Garmin Epic Trail (formally Buff Epic Trail) doesn’t have a VK, it certainly didn’t when I raced the even a few years ago.