“Our role is to create events rooted in their local communities” Alejandro Ochoa, Director of the Latin America region at UTMB Group

As head of the development of the UTMB World Series circuit in Latin America, Alejandro Ochoa oversees a region where trail running is experiencing rapid growth. Between logistical challenges, sometimes unstable environments, and the importance of local integration, Alejandro explains how trail running goes far beyond sport to become a true driver of social, cultural, and human impact.

1. What is your role within UTMB Group?

I am responsible for the development of the UTMB World Series circuit in Latin America. I joined UTMB Group almost five years ago with the goal of structuring and expanding the circuit across the region. We notably launched the Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB event, whose fourth edition was recently held. Today, the circuit includes seven events across Latin and Central America, spread between Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, and Mexico.

2. What does a typical day look like in your role?

My daily routine is quite atypical, mainly because of the time difference. Based in France, I organise my days in Annecy between long-term strategic work related to the circuit’s development and more operational exchanges with the teams in Latin America. Those conversations usually happen later in the day when activity starts there. It creates a rather unique rhythm, balancing strategic coordination and field operations.

3. What motivates you the most in your day-to-day work?

What motivates me the most is the human and cultural dimension. Every country has its own realities, and it is essential to understand them to build meaningful e remaining faithful to the DNA of the UTMB World Series. But above all, it is a event. The challenge lies in adapting the circuit to these contexts while bout showing that trail running can generate strong social, environmental, and human impact for local communities.

4. How do you concretely work towards creating strong local experiences?

Everything starts with the choice of local organisers, who are already deeply committed and highly aware of the cultural, social, and environmental challenges of their territories. Their knowledge of the field is essential, and they naturally lead many local initiatives, whether social projects, environmental actions, or community support. On our side, we are mainly there to support them whenever needed, share resources, or help certain projects gain greater scale. The aim is for every event to have a meaningful impact beyond the race itself.

5. Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB recently faced several challenges in Mexico. How do you handle this kind of situation as an organiser? How do you adapt to guarantee safety, experience, and continuity?

It was a real challenge. We had to postpone the event by a month and a half to guarantee optimal safety conditions, working closely with local authorities. The priority has always been the safety of runners, teams, and volunteers. What was particularly striking was the reaction of the community, which showed tremendous resilience. Despite the constraints, the atmosphere on site remained extremely positive. Participants managed to focus on the experience itself, almost putting past difficulties aside.

6. More personally, how did you experience this situation?

Knowing the region well, I understand that certain realities such as insecurity are locally integrated, even if they may appear more alarming internationally. In this specific case, local populations and tourists were not directly affected, but external perception inevitably had an impact. Our role is therefore also to reassure people, explain the situation, and make responsible decisions.

7. How do you see the evolution of trail running in Latin America?

There is still so much to build, and that is what makes the region so exciting. Trail running is less developed there than in Europe or the United States, which creates the opportunity to establish strong foundations from the outset, with high standards and a sustainable approach. In some countries such as Mexico or Argentina, the discipline is already well established, but elsewhere, everything still must be built.

8. In 2025, you completed the UTMB. How does your experience as a trail runner influence the way you work today and your vision of sports event management?

My experience as a runner greatly influences the way I work. I am convinced that you cannot design a complete experience without having lived it yourself. That is why I regularly take part in races, even shorter formats, to test the courses, aid stations, and safety measures. This field feedback is essential and complements data analysis and surveys.

9. If you had to summarise in one sentence what trail running represents for you?

Trail running has the power to transform a life. It is a balance between body and mind, a moment of connection with nature, but also a daily source of energy and well-being.