The UTMB World Series has today confirmed its seven newest events in Hong Kong, Andorra, Mexico, Italy, France, and the USA. These will join the inaugural circuit in 2022, and include a mix of established and brand-new races.
According to a release from IRONMAN, which is partnering with UTMB on the new series… ‘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.’
Earlier this year, eight events were confirmed in Spain, France, Thailand, China, Australia, and New Zealand giving more runners the chance to participate.
Now, the 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.
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.
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.
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.
Craig Thornley, Race Director of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, said “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 endeavour.
“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 at La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB, said “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.”
