UTMB® World Series Confirms Seven New Events
UTMB® World Series confirms seven new events across the USA, Hong Kong, Andorra, Mexico, Italy and France for 2022, giving any ultrarunner around the world the chance to meet their extraordinary
— 15 leading international events now confirmed for the inaugural UTMB® World Series with more exceptional events to be revealed in coming weeks —
(Chamonix, France) 4th November, 2021 – UTMB® World Series today confirmed the newest seven world-class events in Hong Kong, Andorra, Mexico, Italy, France, and the USA that will join the inaugural circuit in 2022, including a mix of established and brand-new races. The announcement is the first of many over the coming months that will see around 30 of the world’s leading international trail running events confirmed for the ultimate trail running series.
As part of the UTMB® World Series commitment to offer quality events across the globe and improve accessibility for all trail runners, leading events Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run, La Sportiva® Lavaredo Ultra Trail® by UTMB®, TransLantau™ by UTMB®, Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB®, Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® as well as brand new events Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® and Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB® have been added to the Series which debuts in 2022. Earlier this year, eight events were confirmed in Spain, France, Thailand, China, Australia, and New Zealand giving more runners the chance to live an extraordinary adventure.
UTMB® World Series Events are the first step for runners to begin their quest to the UTMB® World Series Finals in Chamonix, France and are the only races where athletes can collect Running Stones for use in the UTMB® Mont-Blanc registration lottery for 2023 onwards. The UTMB® World Series Events will also be the only races where elites can qualify for the UTMB® World Series Finals.
Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run and UTMB® World Series join forces to offer elites the chance for a double-race qualification
Taking place on 25-26 June, 2022, the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains is one of the most coveted events in trail running and has now been confirmed as the first of many races in the USA to join the UTMB® World Series.
The oldest 100-mile race in the world, the event is known for its relentless challenge through high mountains and deep canyons. With more than 18,000 feet of climbing and 23,000 feet of descent, Western States 100 is one of the undisputed crown jewels of human endurance.
The race has a unique qualifying system for elite runners where HOKA Golden Ticket feeder races allow the top two male and female finishers to automatically qualify for entry into Western States. In an unprecedented evolution, elite athletes will now have the chance to double-qualify for UTMB® Mont-Blanc and Western States through the integration of select HOKA Golden Ticket races into the UTMB® World Series. In 2022, Tarawera™ Ultramarathon by UTMB® in New Zealand and UTMB® Mont-Blanc will both offer qualification to Western States. Beginning in 2023, four or more HOKA Golden Ticket Races are expected to also be part of the UTMB® World Series.
Registration for the general 2022 race lottery will be open from the 1st to the 21st of November on the race website.
Italy’s renowned race, La Sportiva® Lavaredo Ultra Trail® by UTMB®, invites runners to live the Dolomites experience in one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges
One of Europe’s most famed races, La Sportiva® Lavaredo Ultra Trail® by UTMB®, will in 2022 welcome runners from all over the world to Cortina d’Ampezzo, home of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Northern Italy, where the ever present and unique Dolomite mountains will provide a striking background.
Taking place from the 23-26 June 2022, with four distances including 20km, 48km, 80km, and 120km, approximately 5,000 runners from 70 countries are expected to traverse some of the most scenic parts of the Dolomites along mountain passes and forest tracks. Famed as some of the most beautiful mountains in the world the event begins with a spectacular night start.
Pre-registrations will be open for this sell-out event from the 15th to 25th of November on the official event website.
A brand-new event, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® to become the biggest trail running event in the Mediterranean basin
Taking runners from the serenity of the high mountains to the shores of the legendary French Riviera, the newly created Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® will host its first edition in 2022.
Supported by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of the City of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis, the event will take place as the summer season comes to a close from the 22-25 September. Across four distances ranging from 20km to 100 miles, runners will have the chance to discover the varied landscapes of the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis. From the Mercantour National Park – a renowned biodiversity hot spot with pristine glacial lakes dotting alpine valleys – to panoramic views of the French Riviera and a finish line at the heart of the City of Nice on the famous Promenade des Anglais, the event is set to enthral runners as it aims to quickly become the biggest trail running event in the Mediterranean basin.
Event details will be revealed during a press conference organized in Nice in the coming weeks. Entries will open in December 2021.
From the mountains to the ocean, the newly created event, Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB®, embraces an authentic Mexican spirit
Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, will host a brand-new event in October, 2022. A city defined by the natural charm of its beaches which are surrounded by the remarkable Sierra Madre mountains, Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB® will highlight the best the region has to offer. Taking runners on a journey from the deep pine mountain forests through impressive jungle and ancient colonial towns, while following endless rivers to the beautiful bay of Puerto Vallarta, this new event will have an authentic Mexican spirit across 55km, 100km, and 100-mile distances.
Details of the courses will be revealed, and entries will open in December.
TransLantau™ by UTMB® to give runners of all abilities the chance to escape the city and connect with nature on Hong Kong’s wildest island
TransLantau™ by UTMB® – a leading race in Hong Kong and hugely popular amongst international runners with 43 different nationalities represented at the last edition – has been confirmed as the latest event in Asia to join the UTMB® World Series.
Taking place in November 2022, the event will offer three races on Lantau Island including 25km, 50km and 100km distances, giving runners the chance to experience the wildest island of Hong Kong.
The demanding course is on trails for 80% of the race, covering two country parks. Participants get to connect with nature as they push their limits and immerse themselves in a landscape of undulating hills and long coastline, untouched by the urbanization of Hong Kong. The course takes runners on an authentic journey, past iconic locations including Tai O fishing village, Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
Entries will open in March 2022 with event details available on the event website.
A unique adventure at Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® for runners to immerse themselves in the magnificence of the Pyrenees mountains
>From 24-26 June, 2022, Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® will allow runners to completely immerse themselves in the beauty of the Pyrenees mountains. Situated between Spain and France, the event will offer runners a unique adventure on the canopy of Andorra – one of the smallest countries in the world that 2019 UTMB® winner Pau Capell described as, “a paradise to enjoy the mountain and its landscapes.”
Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® will have distances for everyone to experience the serenity of the ever-evolving Pyrenean terrain, with a shorter 7.5km race for those new to the sport, to complement the 21km, 50km, and 105km races which will be part of the UTMB® World Series.
Entries will open on the 10 November.
Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® to take runners on a cultural and spiritual journey through south-central France
The standard for beautiful terrain in European trail racing is incredibly high, and the stunning course of Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® is no exception. Held in Haute-Loire, a lush, green destination shaped by volcanoes and rivers in south-central France, Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® has deep roots in the history of its territory. Runners undertake an exceptional journey along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, before finishing at the foot of the famous Le Puy-en-Velay cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
An event that is well-known for its inclusivity, four races including 17km, 43km, 72km and 123km will take runners through magnificent, unspoilt landscapes on 11 June 2022.
Registrations open on November 19th.
A revolution for the sport
The UTMB® World Series is a revolution that will bring the trail running community together through a new, integrated sports system that is open to all. Four race categories – 20K, 50K, 100K, and 100M – have been defined based on the km-effort standard and all UTMB® World Series Events must offer at least one race in one category.
Runners can enter UTMB® World Series Events directly, however those with a valid UTMB® Index will have privileged access to register.
The UTMB® Index is based on the sport’s first-ever ranking system and can be achieved by completing at least one UTMB® World Series Major, one UTMB® World Series Event, or taking part in one of thousands of UTMB® World Series Qualifier races across the world within the last 24 months.
Runners can now find their UTMB® Index at UTMB.World to evaluate and compare their performance level.
To date, 15 unique events have now been confirmed as part of the inaugural UTMB® World Series debuting in 2022, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. To receive the latest news, ultrarunners and those interested in the Series can sign up now.
UTMB® World Series 2022 confirmed Events (As of 4 November 2021)
Tarawera™ Ultramarathon by UTMB® (New Zealand), 12 February
Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB® (Australia), 12-15 May
Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® (France), 11 June
mozart 100 by UTMB® (Austria), 18 June
La Sportiva® Lavaredo Ultra Trail® by UTMB® (Italy), 23-26 June
Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® (Andorra), 24-26 June
Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run (USA), 25-26 June
Val d’Aran by UTMB® (Spain), 7-10 July
Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® (France), 22-25 September
Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB® (Mexico), October
Thailand by UTMB® (Thailand), 10-13 November
TransLantau™ by UTMB® (Hong Kong), November
Panda Trail by UTMB® (China), dates TBC
Gaoligong by UTMB® (China), dates TBC
UTMB® World Series Finals ; UTMB® Mont-Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland), 22-28 August.
QUOTES:
Craig Thornley, Race Director Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run
“The Western States Endurance Run is proud to be part of the UTMB® World Series. For many years our sport has attempted to connect the most prestigious, challenging and historic events in a meaningful and transformative way – one that demonstrates how runners from across the globe can experience the highest levels of human endurance endeavor. The UTMB® World Series promises to do this in a very unifying and welcoming way. We are also excited to share a reciprocal agreement with UTMB® World Series in that the sport’s finest athletes can qualify for both WSER and UTMB® World Series through the HOKA Golden Ticket race series. We welcome the strong sense of collaboration and the promise for shared excellence for runners of all abilities that underpins this new and exciting development in our sport.”
Simone Brogioni and Cristina Murgia, Race Directors La Sportiva® Lavaredo Ultra Trail® by UTMB®
“We are proud to be part of the UTMB® World Series in 2022. It’s an important step and a great recognition for the La Sportiva® Lavaredo Ultra Trail® by UTMB®, which after 15 years of hard work has become one of the most important races on the international scene. The beauty of the running in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws athletes from around the world each year and we look forward to continuing our efforts to bring the best of trail running in Italy to the global community.”
Clément Dumont, Race Director TransLantau™ by UTMB®
“UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group have joined forces to continue developing the sport of trail running. UTMB® World Series brings an elevated race experience to trail runners around the world. We are thrilled to have TransLantau™ by UTMB® as part of the UTMB® World Series to let runners discover the unique environment of Hong Kong, a combination of a fast-paced city and remote country parks. TransLantau™ by UTMB® team is now eager to put all their efforts to deliver an event inspired by the high-quality standards from the pinnacle event of UTMB® Mont-Blanc. A dream that becomes reality for the Hong Kong trail running community.”
Agustí Pérez, Regional Director, Southern EMEA for The IRONMAN Group
“We are delighted that Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® will be joining the 2022 UTMB® World Series. Offering runners an unforgettable trail running experience that allows them to explore the mountains, scenery and culture of Andorra is at the heart of our event values. Joining the UTMB® World Series is an important milestone and we are excited to showcase Trail 100 Andorra on the global stage alongside the world’s greatest trail running races.”
Alejandro Ochoa, Director of Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB®
“The first edition of Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB® will take place at one of the most representative areas encompassing the Mexican soul and land at its purest. Runners will find all kinds of terrain and weather, from steep technical climbs and downhills to the complex single tracks of the jungle mud and agave plantations, open dirt trail and so many different ecosystems. We are looking forward to welcoming runners from all parts of the globe to the world-renowned destination for tourism of Puerto Vallarta, where the jungle meets the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Runners will have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the root of ancient Mexican and Wixárika heritage.”
Patrick Dufour, Race Director Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB®
“We know and appreciate the work done by UTMB Group for many years. The integration of Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB®, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021, into the new UTMB® World Series was a natural fit. The worldwide renowned Saint-Jacques brand, linked to the beauty of the mountain courses, is full of history, and the organization and hospitality of the territory will position this French event as a solid asset of the Series.”
###
About UTMB® World Series
The UTMB® World Series is a revolution for the sport, that will bring the trail running community together through a new, integrated sports system that is open to all. Inspired by the high standards of UTMB®, runners will be able to take part in the most beautiful events on the planet, and the UTMB® World Series will be the only place where runners can begin their quest to Mont-Blanc, France, where the prestigious UTMB® World Series Finals will be held. In-line with the rapid growth of the sport, events will be held across six continents, giving all runners more opportunities to live the UTMB® experience on a global scale. For more information, visit www.utmb.world.
