Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba by UTMB: Indonesia’s Epic Debut
New UTMB World Series Event to Debut in Indonesia: Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba
The UTMB World Series is expanding into Indonesia with the introduction of Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba by UTMB, scheduled for October 17-19, 2025. This marks the first time the UTMB experience will be held in the country, bringing a major international trail running event to the local community.
The event will take place on Samosir Island, a volcanic island situated in Lake Toba. Organizers are highlighting the unique cultural and geological landscape of the region as a significant draw for participants.
Growth of Trail Running in Asia
The addition of Trail of the Kings reflects the continued growth of trail running, particularly in Asia. In 2024, nearly 170,000 individuals from Asia, including over 6,500 Indonesians, held a valid UTMB Index. Across Asia, UTMB World Series events saw 23,500 participants in 2024, indicating strong regional interest in the sport. This new event aims to improve accessibility for trail runners in Indonesia and provides another opportunity for athletes to collect Running Stones.
Event Focuses on Local Heritage
Beyond the competition, Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba by UTMB is designed to honor the local Bataknese heritage. The name itself references the ancestral kings of the region, who established communities by navigating the challenging jungle and mountainous terrain. Runners will compete across five distances – 5K, 10K, 28K, 60K, and 100K – following routes that acknowledge these historical paths.
The course is set against the backdrop of Lake Toba’s natural beauty, featuring varied terrain and dense forests around the world’s largest volcanic lake. The event is expected to incorporate local community involvement, with volunteers participating at aid stations, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the area.
As is standard for UTMB World Series events, all finishers will earn Running Stones, which can be used to enter the lottery for the UTMB World Series Finals.
Entries for the 2025 Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba by UTMB will open to UTMB Index holders on 14 July, while general registrations open to all runners on 16 July as the event welcomes runners to come and ‘Live your legend at Lake Toba’.
Links
UTMB Website: UTMB
Trail of the Kings
