The UTMB World Series has confirmed that its first ever Asia-Pacific Major event has been moved from TransLantau by UTMB in Hong Kong, and will now take place around Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, at the newly rebranded Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB, from 8-11 December 2022.
Billed as a pinnacle trail-running event on each continent, a UTMB World Series Major must be able to welcome a strong international field, with each ‘Major’ granting additional qualification chances for the UTMB World Series Finals at UTMB Mont-Blanc.
The top 10 male and female runners gain automatic access to the UTMB World Series Finals, and all race finishers are granted double the number of ‘Running Stones’ compared to other World Series events, which are used as entries in the Finals lottery.
The continued impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Hong Kong, and the ongoing uncertainty regarding Hong Kong’s ability to welcome international runners, has forced the decision to change the host country.
Marie Sammons, UTMB World Series Sports and Regeneration Director, said “UTMB World Series Majors are a real draw for international runners and the elite community due to the additional access they grant to the UTMB World Series Finals.
“It is important runners can plan their seasons; and unfortunately due to the continuing uncertainty around international travel to Hong Kong, we have had to change the destination to Thailand. We took this decision before entries open for both races to ease that change.
“TransLantau by UTMB is an extraordinary event, and we are fully committed to it and to Hong Kong as a destination. We can now move forward with more certainty knowing with confidence that Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB is an exceptional event for the first Asia-Pacific Major.”
With a new name to reflect its location in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB was selected to host the Major based on the organizer’s ability to host a world-class event over the last three editions of the race. The Thai event features unique trails and is positioned as an iconic global destination, with strong local government support and accessibility to athletes from across the globe.
‘Each UTMB World Series Major is also broadcast live, and Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB’s ability to create a spectacular event and generate outstanding images will lend itself perfectly to its Major status.’
Based around Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, the event takes runners to the ‘rooftop of Thailand’. Located in the north-west of the country, it allows runners to get off the beaten track and experience adventure, crossing rivers, chasing hidden waterfalls, passing royal burial grounds, and meeting local people. Entries for the vent will open mid-May.
While organizers continue to monitor the situation in Hong Kong with optimism for later in the year, entries for TransLantau by UTMB, will open on April 15th. Taking place from 4-6 November, it is a leading race in Hong Kong that gives runners of all abilities a chance to escape the city and connect with nature on Hong Kong’s wildest island, Lantau.
Anticipation is building around the inaugural UTMB World Series, which will officially get underway at Istria 100 by UTMB, Croatia’s biggest trail-running race, with the event weekend running from 7-10 April.
Over 1,000 runners will take to the start line in Croatia, in what will be the first chance to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals in the OCC, CCC and UTMB races at UTMB Mont-Blanc 2023.
