Top 11 'Vertical-Kilometer' Mountain Running Routes to start for taking your fitness to new heights in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
Are you tired of pounding the same flat pavement? Does the thought of another 10k road race leave you feeling uninspired? If you've been searching for a challenge that will not only shred your leg muscles but also elevate your spirit (quite literally), then it’s time to look up. Way up. Welcome to the world of the Vertical Kilometer.
The 'VK' is the brutal, beautiful, and utterly addictive discipline of mountain running. The concept is devastatingly simple: gain 1,000 meters of vertical elevation (that's 3,280 feet) in the shortest distance possible, usually under five kilometers. It’s a lung-searing, quad-burning test of pure uphill power, mental fortitude, and your ability to embrace the pain. This isn't just running; it's a battle against gravity.
But don't be intimidated. While the pros make it look like a superpower, the VK is an accessible challenge for any determined runner or hiker ready to take their fitness to the next level. In 2025, forget setting horizontal distance goals. It’s time to think vertically. Here are 11 incredible VK-style routes around the world perfect for getting you started on your upward journey.
1. The Kilometer Vertical de Fully, Switzerland
Let’s start with the legend. The VK de Fully is to vertical running what the Nürburgring is to motorsport—it's the hallowed ground where records are shattered. This course follows the path of an old funicular railway line, shooting straight up the side of a mountain with an average gradient of over 38%. It's relentlessly steep, unforgiving, and iconic.
While it might be the world's fastest VK course for elites, it's also a fantastic (if brutal) introduction for aspiring mountain runners. Because it's a straight shot, you don't have to worry about complex navigation. It's just you, the track, and the mountain. Conquering Fully is a rite of passage and an unforgettable experience that will recalibrate your definition of "steep."
Pro Tip: This is not a running course for most mortals; it's a power-hiking masterpiece. Invest in a good pair of lightweight, foldable trail running poles and practice using them. Your arms will become your second set of legs, helping to propel you upward and save your quads from total annihilation.
2. KMV du Mont-Blanc, Chamonix, France
If you want to combine your VK challenge with an electric, world-class race atmosphere, look no further than the Vertical Kilometer of Mont-Blanc in Chamonix. As part of the legendary Marathon du Mont-Blanc week, this course is a 3.8km journey that takes you from the bustling town center of Chamonix straight up to the Planpraz cable car station, with the breathtaking Mont-Blanc massif as your backdrop.
The trail here is more varied than Fully's straight line, featuring switchbacks through forests, rocky steps, and open grassy slopes. The constant roar of cowbells and cheering spectators will give you a massive adrenaline boost when the lactic acid starts to build. It’s the perfect goal for someone who thrives on community energy and wants to experience the heart of European trail running culture.
Pro Tip: Register early, as this event sells out in minutes. In your training, focus on practicing quick transitions between running on flatter sections and power-hiking the steep parts. Agility and the ability to change gears are key here.
3. Dolomites VK, Canazei, Italy
For sheer, jaw-dropping beauty, it's hard to beat the Dolomites. The Dolomites VK is a race that feels like running through a postcard. The course starts in Alba di Canazei and winds its way up to the summit of Crepa Neigra. The final section is a notoriously steep, scree-filled gully that requires an all-out scramble.
What makes this a great starter VK is the journey. The initial forested sections allow you to find a rhythm before the terrain opens up to reveal the magnificent, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites. It's a route that rewards you for every ounce of effort with ever-expanding, world-class views. This is where the pain of the climb truly meets the pleasure of the mountains.
Pro Tip: Work on your ankle strength and confidence on loose terrain. The final scree slope can be intimidating, so practice running and hiking on gravel or rocky trails to prepare your body and mind for the challenge.
4. Manitou Incline, Colorado, USA
Known as the holy grail of high-altitude workouts, the Manitou Incline isn't technically a full VK, but it is one of the most famous and accessible uphill challenges in the world. This beast consists of roughly 2,744 steps made from old railway ties, gaining nearly 2,000 feet (about 610 meters) in just under a mile. The average grade is 45%, with sections hitting a dizzying 68%.
It's the perfect training ground for anyone with VK aspirations. The defined path means you can focus purely on your physical output without worrying about navigation. Many athletes use it for repeats to accumulate vertical gain. Completing the Incline is a badge of honor in the American running community and will give you the confidence to tackle a full 1,000-meter course.
Pro Tip: The altitude is a major factor here, starting at 6,600 feet. If you're coming from sea level, give yourself a few days to acclimate before attempting the climb. Hydrate well and go at a steady, controlled pace—this is a marathon, not a sprint.
5. Grouse Grind, Vancouver, Canada
Dubbed "Mother Nature's Stairmaster," the Grouse Grind is a beloved and notoriously difficult trail in British Columbia. It’s another "VK trainer" that packs a massive punch, climbing 800 meters (2,624 feet) over just 2.5 kilometers. The trail is a mix of rugged dirt paths and hundreds of wooden steps, winding its way up through a beautiful temperate rainforest.
The Grind is incredibly well-maintained and popular, making it a safe and motivating environment for your first major vertical challenge. There's a real sense of shared suffering and camaraderie on the trail. The reward at the top is a stunning panoramic view of Vancouver and a gondola ride back down (the trail is for uphill traffic only), which your knees will thank you for.
Pro Tip: Pacing is everything. The Grind is divided into four marked quarters. It's easy to go out too hard in the first quarter. Find a sustainable rhythm early on and focus on steady, deliberate steps.
6. Lone Peak VK, Utah, USA
Part of the world-renowned Cirque Series, the Lone Peak VK is a true American beast that showcases the rugged beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. This is a no-nonsense, raw, and challenging course that ascends Big Sky Resort. It’s a pure test against the mountain, with steep grassy slopes, rocky sections, and an unforgettable ridgeline finish.
This is an excellent goal for those who want to test themselves on a wilder, more technical course than some of its European counterparts. The Cirque Series events have a fantastic, grassroots feel that celebrates mountain culture. Proper gear is non-negotiable, something my colleague Goh Ling Yong always emphasizes in his training guides—invest in good trail shoes with aggressive lugs and consider lightweight poles.
Pro Tip: This course is at altitude. Spend time training in the mountains and incorporate "hands-on-knees" power hiking into your routine. This technique is often more efficient than using poles on the steepest pitches and is a staple for North American mountain runners.
7. Mamores VK, Kinlochleven, Scotland
If you crave a raw, wild, and truly Scottish mountain experience, the Mamores VK is for you. Part of the Skyline Scotland weekend, this route takes you up a brutally steep hillside in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Forget manicured trails; this is a boggy, heathery, and rocky ascent that requires grit and determination.
The unpredictable Scottish weather adds another layer of challenge and adventure. But the views from the top, looking out over the dramatic glens and lochs, are worth every single muddy step. This is a fantastic choice for UK-based runners looking to step up from fell running into a pure vertical challenge.
Pro Tip: Waterproof shoes with deep, aggressive lugs are a must. Scottish trails are famously wet and boggy. Also, be prepared for any weather—pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, even if it's sunny at the start line.
8. KV Bitihorn, Beitostølen, Norway
Experience the unique beauty of the Scandinavian mountains with the Bitihorn VK. Located in the stunning Jotunheimen National Park region, this route offers a different flavor of mountain running. The terrain is less about sharp, rocky peaks and more about sustained, steep climbs over tundra-like landscapes.
The course ascends the iconic Bitihorn peak, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. It’s a fast, runnable course for the elites but a challenging and incredibly scenic power hike for mere mortals. It’s a great way to explore the Norwegian outdoors and push your vertical limits in a truly spectacular setting.
Pro Tip: The terrain can be soft and uneven. Focus on maintaining a high cadence with shorter steps to stay efficient and reduce the risk of tripping as you navigate the grassy, heathery slopes.
9. Uphill Challenge Großglockner, Austria
Immerse yourself in classic Austrian alpine culture with this fantastic uphill race. While the main event is the Großglockner Ultra-Trail, the Uphill Challenge offers a concentrated dose of vertical pain and glory. The route climbs from the village of Heiligenblut up towards the iconic Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak.
This is a route that blends pastoral charm with high-alpine seriousness. You'll run through charming meadows with grazing cows before the trail kicks up and gets rocky and exposed. It offers a complete alpine experience in a manageable, VK-style distance, making it a perfect destination race for 2025.
Pro Tip: Practice your uphill running on varied terrain. This course isn't just one single gradient; it changes from runnable dirt tracks to steep, rocky hiking paths. Being able to adapt your technique on the fly is crucial.
10. Mount Fuji (Subashiri Trail section), Japan
Why not combine your VK goal with a pilgrimage to one of the world's most iconic mountains? While climbing all of Mount Fuji is a much longer endeavor, you can create your own VK challenge on its slopes. The Subashiri Trail, starting from the 5th Station (around 2,000m), is an excellent candidate.
The challenge here is to climb 1,000 vertical meters up the volcanic scree and rock. The thin air will be your biggest adversary, forcing you into a slow, rhythmic "rest-step" pace. The reward is the profound sense of accomplishment and the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred volcano. You'll be sharing the path with pilgrims from all over the world, creating a unique and shared experience.
Pro Tip: The official climbing season is July to early September. Go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. Focus on pressure breathing (exhaling forcefully) to combat the effects of altitude and maintain a steady, sustainable pace from the very beginning.
11. Mount Taranaki Summit Track, New Zealand
For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the majestic volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki offers a world-class vertical challenge. The main summit route from the North Egmont Visitor Centre is a relentless, 1,600-meter climb, but the section from the bush line through the scree and up the rock lava "Lizard" provides a perfect, 1000m+ vertical segment.
This is a serious mountain route that demands respect. The trail transforms from wooden steps to treacherous, energy-sapping scree slopes, culminating in a steep rock scramble to the summit crater. It is a true test of mountain skill and endurance, with the reward of unparalleled views across the North Island on a clear day.
Pro Tip: This is not a race course; it's a serious alpine tramp. Check the weather forecast obsessively, as it can change in an instant. Tell someone your plans, carry warm layers, extra food, and water. The scree section is two steps forward, one step back—stay patient and find a solid rhythm.
Your Ascent Begins Now
The Vertical Kilometer is more than just a physical challenge; it's a mental one. It teaches you to break down a monumental task into manageable steps, to find comfort in discomfort, and to keep moving forward when every fiber of your being wants to stop. The fitness you'll build is incredible, but the resilience you'll discover is transformative.
So, for 2025, pick a peak. It could be one from this list or a steep hill in your own backyard. Start training, embrace the climb, and get ready to see the world—and your own potential—from a whole new altitude.
Which of these routes is calling your name? Have you already conquered a VK or a similar challenge? Share your stories, goals, and training tips in the comments below! We'd love to hear about your journey.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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