New challenge for UTMB World Series runners in 2025 at Torrencial by UTMB

Trail runners from South America and beyond have an exciting new challenge to look forward to in 2025 as Torrencial by UTMB® joins the UTMB® World Series for the first time in its ninth edition. Set in the host city of Valdivia in Southern Chile, the event will take place between 19-21 June and showcase Chile's stunning coastal mountains, unique biodiversity and community spirit.

Local runners are ready to seize the opportunity to race on home soil and challenge themselves against international talents over six exciting race distances - 100K Pilolcura - 96 km | D+ 3500 m, 50K Oncol - 50 km | D+ 1700 m, 20K Quitaqui - 36 km | D+ 1100 m, 20K Quitaqui - 22 km | D+ 430 m, Cau Cau - 12 km | D+ 300 m and Saval - 6.5 km | D+ 150 m. With qualification spots for the UTMB World Series Finals and Running Stones also on offer, South American athletes will not only be chasing their dreams close to home but be focused on claiming their spot on the global stage.

Race Director, Nicolás Nazal said, “Torrencial has a well-established team with 10 years of mountain race organization experience, backed by local authorities and private sector support. This strong foundation has enabled Torrencial to join the world's premier trail running circuit: the UTMB World Series.”

A dive into the world's southernmost temperate rainforest and the traditions of the communities that inhabit it

The event also coincides with an important cultural celebration for the local Mapuche people - We Tripantu, or the Mapuche New Year. Runners will have the opportunity to witness and honor the Mapuche traditions, from gathering around fires to share food, drink and ancestral stories, to visiting rivers for cleansing rituals that wash away the past year's negativity.

The tough weather is rewarded with one of the most unique biodiversity hotspots. Covering less than 10% of the Earth's land, the temperate rainforest is a sanctuary for a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including the canelo -a sacred tree in Mapuche culture. Identified as one of only 35 biodiversity hotspots worldwide, this sanctuary is also home to the Chilean pudú (the world's smallest deer), puma and an array of native birds, who's call will follow runners as they traverse across the technical trails.

Strong links with young people and local schools

The event's organizing team has also cultivated a strong community connection through various initiatives, including offering entries to students and teachers from Los Pellines Rural School, eliminating plastic with sustainable alternatives, collaborating with the Cifán children and youth orchestra to perform and be part of the event and working closely with residents of the coastal areas in the development of the event. Additionally, over 400 boys and girls from seven Valdivia schools are invited to experience the event, thanks to local government support. In response to community demand, a new 3km walk was also introduced in 2023 to welcome participants of all abilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Torrencial by UTMB to the UTMB World Series circuit, bringing us closer to the vibrant community of Valdivia—a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, unique biodiversity, and welcoming spirit. Between the great Valdivian selva jungle and the Pacific Ocean, this is a unique opportunity to discover the region and local traditions alongside our partners at Corporacion Deportiva Nimbus and those who have shaped this event over the past 8 editions into the success it is today. Trail running is growing fast in Chile, with exceptional athletes like Nicolás Ignacio Benavides (CHL, UTMB Index 828), recent winner of the 50K at Valhöll Argentina by UTMB® and Paraty Brazil by UTMB® in 2024, emerging on the scene. We're delighted to offer Chilean runners the UTMB experience and the chance to qualify for the finals close to home.” said Florian Lamblin, Executive Director - UTMB International.

For more information, visit https://torrencial.utmb.world.