The UTMB World Series has confirmed that two new events in China and Mauritius will join the global ultra running circuit. From 2024, international series will be made up of 38 events across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Africa… ‘with more announcements still to come.’
From June 22-23, 2024, the newly created Mauritius by UTMB will become the second UTMB World Series event in Africa, and in September 2024, Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB will welcome runners to the popular Chinese province of Shanxi.
Mauritius by UTMB
A newly created event for 2024, Mauritius by UTMB, will become the second UTMB World Series event in Africa, alongside Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB in South Africa.
Taking place on June 22-23, 2024, the Indian Ocean Island race should offer up cool temperatures and sunny skies. Priority registration for UTMB Index holders will open on the 3 October 3, 2023, with General Registration opening on October 5, 2023.
Across four race distances, the event weekend offers an experience for all runners from the ever-growing Mauritian trail running community as well as international runners who want to explore the local scenery.
As a green tourism destination, UTMB notes that Mauritius has a commitment to develop sustainable activities and leisure, with a multitude of green zones on the island including forests, parks, beaches and nature reserves, where runners and visitors can discover the fauna and flora of the island.
Race distances include:
- Black River Piton 100M: 135km / 6100m+ elevation
- Charamel 100K: 97km / 4400m+
- Bel Ombre 50K: 55km / 2000m+
- Le Morne 20K: 22km / 890m+
Starting in the village of Bel Ombre in the south of the island and finishing at the Le Morne mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site, runners can expect some steep climbs and technical trails as they traverse the island’s mountainous interior.
The organising team note that runners will climb craggy peaks, run through crystal clear waterfalls, pass by sugar-cane fields and around azure-blue lagoons. Some of the key landmarks of the race include the Ebony Forest conservation area, and the highest point on the island, the Piton De La Rivière Noire.
Race Director Gael Mainard said “We are very excited to join the UTMB World Series. Mauritius by UTMB will offer a brand-new experience in the ultra-trail running world.
“By participating in Mauritius by UTMB runners from all over the world will have the opportunity to experience a paradisiac ultra-trail event with breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean. Mauritius by UTMB will take runners to tracks out of the ordinary.”
Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB
Taking place in September 2024 (with an exact to be confirmed in due course), runners at Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB will be able to explore the local landscape as well as the cultural and historical legacies of the area.
Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB is the second Chinese event to join the UTMB World Series, with Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB taking place in the Zhejiang province on the country’s east coast in April.
China’s running community and elites have long been attracted to the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc – the home of the UTMB World Series Finals – with 182 Chinese athletes taking part in 2023. Now with two events in the country for runners to collect qualifying Running Stones, Chinese representation on the start line is expected to get even stronger.
At Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB, four distances will be on offer, including races in the 100K, 50K and 20k categories as well as a shorter distance.
Highlights include the imposing Jade Emperor Tower, one of the buildings in the Mount Yun range that sits at the peak at an altitude of 1,629m, and the ancient village of Ta’erpo, which is known for its cave dwellings.
Runners will also experience the many cultural influences of the region, from the different religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, to the local Bun food scene.
Race Director Sean Qian said “We are delighted to be part of the UTMB family. The trail running of Mount Yun combines Chinese culture with the beauty of nature, offering runners numerous ancient architectural wonders.
“This unique race is not only a journey of challenge, where runners can surpass themselves, but also a cultural discovery allowing runners to immerse themselves in the local culture.”
UTMB World Series events are the only place where runners can qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals, held annually at the world’s biggest trail running event, Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc. 38 events across five continents have currently been confirmed for the 2024 season so far with more announcements to come, giving runners around the world a chance to gain a UTMB experience at an event closer to home.
UTMB World Series 2024 calendar (as at August 31, 2023)
- Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB, New Zealand (17-18 February 2024)
- Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB, Italy (22-24 March 2024)
- Istria 100 by UTMB, Croatia (4-7 April 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB, China (April 2024)
- Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB, USA (13-14 April 2024)
- The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, USA (26-27 April 2024)
- Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB, Thailand (2-5 May 2024)
- Valhöll Argentina by UTMB, Argentina (9-12 May 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB, UK (10-12 May 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB, Australia (18-19 May 2024)
- Trail Alsace Grand-Est by UTMB, France (17-20 May 2024)
- Mountain Ultra Trail by UTMB, South Africa (24-26 May 2024)
- Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB, France (14-16 June 2024)
- Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB, Andorra (14-16 June 2024)
- Mozart 100 by UTMB, Austria (15-16 June 2024)
- Mauritius by UTMB, Mauritius (22-23 June 2024)
- La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB, Italy (26-30 June 2024)
- Western States 100 Endurance Run, USA (29 June 2024)
- Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB, Switzerland (5-7 July 2024)
- Val d’Aran by UTMB, Spain (3-7 July 2024)
- Eiger Ultra-Trail by UTMB, Switzerland (17-21 July 2024)
- Speedgoat by UTMB, USA (19-20 July 2024)
- Restonica Trail by UTMB, France (July 2024 TBC)
- KAT100 by UTMB, Austria (August 2024)
- Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland (26 August – 1 September 2024)
- Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB, Slovenia (September 2024)
- Wildstrubel by UTMB, Switzerland (September 2024)
- Grindstone Trail Running Festival by UTMB, USA (September 2024)
- Paraty Brazil by UTMB, Brazil (September 2024)
- Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, France (September 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB, China (September 2024)
- TransJeju by UTMB, South Korea (October 2024)
- Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB, USA (October 2024)
- Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB, Mexico (November 2024)
- Kullamannen™ by UTMB, Sweden (November 2024)
- Translantau by UTMB, Hong Kong (November 2024)
- Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB, Australia (December 2024)
- Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB, Thailand (December 2024)
