Two events join the UTMB® World Series in 2027 opening new chapters in Japan and the south-eastern United States
UTMB World Series is delighted to welcome two new events to its 2027 calendar: Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® in Japan and Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB® in the United States. Both reflect the same vision of trail running offering an authentic experience shaped by the landscape, culture and local communities. With almost 53,000 runners holding a valid UTMB Index in the United States and more than 30,000 in Japan, the two countries have particularly engaged trail running communities within the UTMB World Series ecosystem. From 2025 to 2026, the number of runners with a UTMB Index increased by 26% in the US and 11% in Japan.
Florian Lamblin, executive director UTMB International: “The arrival of Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® and Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB® on the circuit reflects our commitment to supporting the development of trail running alongside passionate local communities. Both events have a strong identity, deeply rooted in their region. In Hiroshima it is expressed through its history shaped by peace and resilience; in Chattanooga it comes to life in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Together they embody the promise of the UTMB World Series: authentic experiences driven by the local community and open to anyone wishing to discover trail running.”
Two destinations, two identities, one ambition
In Hiroshima, as in Chattanooga, the course is an entry point to discovering the region. More than a race, each event invites runners to discover a strong local identity shaped by its history, its culture and the people that bring it to life.
Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® : Peace takes centre stage in Japan
In Japan, Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® offers a new way to experience a region marked by history. A city that has become a symbol of peace and resilience, Hiroshima offers a unique contrast between its heritage, mountains and views across the Seto Inland Sea. Created around the concept “Run Hiroshima’s History”, the event offers a race experience unlike any other, where runners will discover peace, history, culture and human connection through the act of running itself.
From 9 to 11 April 2027, the event will take runners from the heart of the city into the surrounding mountains with panoramic views across the Seto Inland Sea. With three race distances available – 100K, 50K and 20K – the event offers routes that combine urban heritage, mountains and coastal trails. From a single start location, runners will access two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) and the Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima. Runners will be immersed in rich Japanese culture and the warm welcome of the local community.
“More than just a race, Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® will be an experience that stays with you long after you cross the finish line. Come not just to run, but to immerse yourself in the culture of Hiroshima, get to know its people, and discover why so many fall in love with this unique city.” Mitsukuni Bunyu, Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® race director
Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB®: From an Industrial City to a Thriving Outdoor Community, the Circuit Arrives in the American Southeast
Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB®, the first ever UTMB® World Series event to take place in the south-eastern United States, celebrates a region where outdoor sport is part of the local identity. Once an industrial city, Chattanooga has transformed over the years into one of the country’s best known outdoor destinations, driven by the commitment of its community. Today, that same momentum invites runners to discover a region where nature, local culture and Southern hospitality are all part of the experience.
From 4 to 6 June 2027, Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB® will bring the River to Clouds concept to life, connecting the heart of Chattanooga with the spectacular landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains through three race formats: 100K, 50K and 20K. The 100K will take runners to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia, will offer a finish in the heart of one of the most iconic natural sites in the Southeastern United States.
The 50K and 20K formats will explore the trails around Chattanooga amid hardwood forests, scenic ridgelines and technical sections, showcasing the diversity of the landscapes of the south-eastern United States.
“Chattanooga has always been a city that reinvents itself,” said Ginny Smith, Race Director for Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB. “We’ve become recognized as one of the best outdoor cities in the country because our community believed in something better. That's what makes bringing the UTMB World Series here so exciting. Our trails are incredible; our river flows downtown, but what truly sets Chattanooga apart are the people. Ultra Trail Chattanooga is a true local effort driven by volunteers, nonprofit partners, land managers, businesses, and a community that always shows up. That's the experience we want the world to discover.”
Two events committed to their local regions
Beyond the sporting experience, Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB® and Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB® each place their local regions at the heart of their events, supported by concrete commitments to the environment, the local community and making trail running more accessible. In Hiroshima a contribution dedicated to trail maintenance is donated to the Hiroshima Wangan Trail Council, a volunteer association responsible for trail conservation. The event also encourages participants to use public transport services, promotes local produce at aid stations, and redistributes surplus food to local associations rather than throwing it away.
This commitment is also reflected in the strong involvement of local stakeholders. Residents, volunteers, local authorities, businesses and associations all contribute to making the event a showcase for Hiroshima and its history. Through the TrailFam programme, initiatives are organised to introduce young people to trail running, while specific measures make it easier for women and athletes with disabilities to participate, helping to make the sport increasingly inclusive.
Throughout the year, Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB® works alongside local organizations, including Lookout Mountain Conservancy, Lula Lake Land Trust, SORBA Chattanooga and Wild Trails, to support trail maintenance and preservation, as well as the protection of the Appalachian landscapes. More than just a race, the event aims to make a lasting contribution to the development of the region, strengthen its appeal as a leading outdoor destination, and showcase the welcoming spirit and commitment that define its community.
“Welcoming the UTMB World Series to Chattanooga and the Southeast for the first time is a tremendous opportunity for our community,” said Susan Harris, interim CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “Trail runners and their families from around the world will stay at our hotels, dine at our restaurants and experience everything Chattanooga has to offer. This event creates strong economic impact for local businesses while showcasing Chattanooga’s position as a premier outdoor destination.”
Priority registrations for UTMB Index holders will open on 18 August, with general registrations opening on 20 August on the official websites of each event: http://hiroshima.utmb.world / https://chattanooga.utmb.world
