Upcoming events in March 2026
HOKA Xtrail Kenting by UTMB®: A new chapter on the Hengchun Peninsula
HOKA Xtrail Kenting by UTMB® will make its debut within the UTMB® World Series circuit from 6–8 March 2026 in the heart of Kenting, in Hengchun at the southernmost tip of Taiwan. In this region, where tropical coastline meets lush mountain terrain, runners will discover the spectacular landscapes of the Hengchun Peninsula. The course passes through Kenting National Park — a true natural gem — linking iconic beaches, sweeping grasslands, rivers and coral limestone gorges, and taking athletes from sea level all the way to the summits.
For its inaugural edition, the event features five race formats: 98km (100K), 50km (50K), 26km (20K), 11km and 2km. The Xtrail Kids Family Trail (2km) is specially designed for children, offering a first introduction to trail running. Sharing the same start line, the course follows the coastline towards the Dawan fields, providing an adventure tailored to young runners. Parents may accompany their children or meet them at the finish. While the race does not offer qualification for the circuit finals, it remains above all a memorable experience, combining pride, discovery and shared moments on the trails.
War Horse Ultra-Trail Xiamen by UTMB®: Four distances through China’s coastal mountains
From 14–15 March 2026, War Horse Ultra-Trail Xiamen by UTMB® returns for its second edition within the UTMB® World Series, in Xiamen — the jewel of China’s south-east coast. Centred around Fantian Cultural Square, the trails wind through the northern mountain roads, dense forests and sweeping sea views. Runners navigate terrain that alternates technical sections, flowing stretches and demanding climbs, while discovering the region’s distinctive cultural identity.
A sporting and cultural journey into the heart of Minnan
The event features four race formats: 10km, 29km (20K), 53km (50K) and 96km (100K). Each distance reveals a different aspect of Xiamen, from ancient heritage to extraordinary natural landscapes. The routes pass through De’an Fortress, open onto panoramic views from Mount Yunding, skirt the shores of Xidong Lake and test runners on the slopes of Beichen Mountain.
Beyond the sporting challenge, War Horse Ultra-Trail Xiamen by UTMB is rooted in a dynamic that unites sport and culture. Participants can discover Minnan folk traditions, sample local gastronomy, attend traditional opera performances or unwind in the region’s hot springs — a full immersion in the spirit of south-east China.
Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB® 2026: A world-class elite field and new “Leyendas Canarias” honoured
From 19–21 March 2026, Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB® returns to the island of Tenerife for its fourteenth edition — its third within the UTMB® World Series circuit — with a particularly competitive line-up in prospect. A total of 3,400 runners are expected on the start line, with women representing 25% of the field — up 2.84% on the previous edition.
Nicknamed “La Mágica”, Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB remains one of the few races in the world where athletes can run from the ocean to more than 3,000m above sea level. This singular vertical profile remains one of the event’s defining features. The programme includes five race formats: 24km (20K), 47km (50K), 73km (100K) and 110km (100M), alongside the Vertical Night Challenge — a 3.5km night race featuring 760m of elevation gain on the slopes of El Asomadero.
An exceptional elite field and a much-anticipated 50K rematch
The elite field for 2026 stands out for both its depth and quality across all distances. On the 110km (100M), Courtney Dauwalter (USA, UTMB Index 837) and Andreas Reiterer (ITA, UTMB Index 906) headline a line-up that promises racing of the highest calibre. The 73km (100K) is expected to produce an equally compelling contest, featuring a duel between Martyna Młynarczyk (POL, UTMB Index 788), reigning CCC champion, and Judith Wyder (SUI, UTMB Index 810), who will take on her very first 100K in Tenerife. Over the same distance in the men’s race, 2025 Maxi Race winner Hugo Deck (FRA, UTMB Index 891) will meet compatriot Yannick Noël (FRA, UTMB Index 887), runner-up at the 2025 Diagonale des Fous last October. However, the most anticipated clash may unfold over the 47km (50K), where Frédéric Tranchand (FRA, UTMB Index 932) and Manuel Merillas (ESP, UTMB Index 927) are set to meet again in a repeat of the Canfranc World Championships, where the Frenchman claimed gold ahead of the Spaniard. A rematch is on the cards — though Roberto Delorenzi (SUI, UTMB Index 921), keen to improve on last year’s eighth place, and Alain Santamaría Blanco (ESP, UTMB Index 911), winner of ETC 2025, could well challenge the expected script. In the women’s 50K, Sylvia Nordskar (NOR, UTMB Index 791) will line up against Spain’s Rosa Lara Feliu (ESP, UTMB Index 789) in what promises to be a wide-open contest.
Full elite start list here.
Celebrating the pillars of Canary Island trail running
True to its strong regional roots, Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB continues to honour Canary Island identity and its local trail community through initiatives that are now firmly embedded in the event’s landscape. Among them, the “Leyendas Canarias” trophy recognises trail running legends across the archipelago. This year, Eugenia Castro — seven-time podium finisher in her category over 110km (100M) — Isidro Perdomo, who has competed in Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB ten times, and Roberto Sacramento, founder of Club Top Trail Canariasand still racing at 63, will be honoured. All three will be recognised for their resilience, their sporting journey, their spirit and their contribution to the development of trail running in the Canary Islands. The ceremony will take place on 19 March at 18:00 in the Ultra Trail Village near Playa Martiánez.
Another key initiative reflects the event’s ongoing commitment to inclusion through its support of the Women’s Trail Camp, led by ultra-runner Aroa Sío. From 30 January to 1 February, around twenty women — beginners and experienced runners alike — took part in an immersive and inclusive weekend of training, learning and shared experience, designed to build confidence, develop skills and further strengthen women’s access to trail running.
Official event website. Watch live here.
Ushuaia Fin Del Mundo by UTMB® 2026: Setting course for the Andes
The UTMB® World Series heads to Argentina from 18-22 March for the third edition of Ushuaia Fin Del Mundo by UTMB — the only country in South America to host two events on the circuit. With 2,200 runners expected, participation is close to parity with women accounting for 45% of the field and men 55%. Notably, women form the majority in the 13km and 22km formats, representing 60% of participants in those distances.
A challenge at the “end of the world”
The event offers six race formats: 126km (100M), 88km (100K), 50km (50K), 34km (20K), 22km (20K) and 13km. For the first time in 2026, two distances will start from Cerro Castor, one of South America’s most prestigious ski resorts. The 22km and 34km courses will feature no urban sections, with the start and finish located at the same venue. Known as the “Fin del Mundo”, the route delivers a singular experience in the extreme south of Patagonia, between the sea and the Andes mountain range. Glacial valleys, peatlands and ancient forests shape the landscape. True to the event’s DNA, it is an epic challenge set within a preserved natural environment.
A strong South American presence
The 2026 elite field is wide open and highly competitive, with South American athletes strongly represented across all formats. Of the 49 confirmed elites, 38 are South American (78%), including 26 Argentinians. On the 126km (100M), Luis Lobos (CHI, UTMB Index 806), winner of Torrencial Chile by UTMB 2025 and now qualified for the CCC 2026, will headline alongside Diego Tabes (BRA, UTMB Index 792) and Argentinians Julio César Molina (UTMB Index 749) and Franco Isorna (UTMB Index 728). In the 88km (100K), the focus will be on Anabel Oviedo Zelarrayán (ARG, UTMB Index 684), Argentina’s top-ranked athlete on the UTMB Index. She returns after winning the 85km here last year and is entered for OCC 2026. The 50km (50K) presents Joaquin Narváez (ARG, UTMB Index 849) with a chance to go one better after finishing second in 2025.
Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB® 2026: Eight years of history in the heart of Tuscany
From 20–22 March 2026, Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB® returns to Radda in Chianti, between Florence and Siena. Created eight years ago, it will stage its third edition within the UTMB® World Series, confirming its status as a must-do event in Tuscany.
This year, 5,200 runners are expected, with women representing 23.46% of the field. The programme features five race formats — 120km (100M), 73km (100K), 46km (50K), 21km (20K) and 10km — taking runners past 25 castles and medieval fortresses along the way. At the centre of it all is Radda in Chianti, where an international atmosphere blends seamlessly with the Tuscan art of living.
A continued commitment to sustainability and accessibility
Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB continues its environmental commitment through collaboration with Alleanza Siena Carbon Neutral, in partnership with the Province of Siena, embedding the event within a long-term sustainability strategy to measure and reduce CO₂ emissions.
The event also pursues its commitment to inclusion by supporting athletes with disabilities, including visually impaired runner Ivan Cappellari, while an Adaptive Italy Team project is under development to further enhance accessibility within the UTMB World Series. In addition, Charity Bibs have been introduced to support the Diversamente Eroici association, which works with vulnerable young people.
Official event website. Watch live here.
