UTMB WORLD SERIES PARTNERS WITH LESSEAU TO ENHANCE RUNNERS’ HYGIENE EXPERIENCE AT AID STATIONS AND MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

UTMB® World Series is proud to announce an exclusive three-year partnership with LESSEAU®, a Dutch company dedicated to enhancing hygiene standards with plastic-free packaging and innovative block soap dispenser systems. As the official soap dispenser supplier, LESSEAU will provide runners with a clean, convenient hygiene solution at key locations — including aid stations and finish areas — across 12 UTMB World Series European events in 2025, with a full rollout planned for all events by 2027.

A practical partnership, tailored to runners' needs

The partnership between LESSEAU and the UTMB World Series is rooted in shared values — a passion for nature, adventure, and performance, paired with a strong commitment to reducing their environmental impact. For UTMB World Series participants, cleanliness is a key concern during races — something Marcel Magermans, CEO of LESSEAU and an avid ultra-trail runner, experienced firsthand during the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB 100M. After more than 170km of muddy terrain, a refreshing wash, wellness treatment, and well-earned rest were essential — all without compromising the natural environment. LESSEAU provides a natural, practical solution with solid, hygienic, and biodegradable soaps — perfectly designed to meet runners' needs after hours of exertion in the mountains.

Innovation for hygiene and the environment

Innovation has always been a driving force for UTMB Group. The partnership with LESSEAU — a brand recognised with two major awards at Interclean 2024, alongside the Red Dot Design Award and IF Design Award — reflects this commitment. Together, they're introducing practical, sustainable solutions to enhance the experience of runners and volunteers, while supporting UTMB Group's core 2025 goal of reducing environmental impact. Founded in 2016, LESSEAU (short for ‘less water’) developed an innovative bar soap dispensing system that cuts water use by over 98% compared to liquid soap and eliminates plastic packaging — a significant step toward eco-friendly hygiene. As part of this collaboration, UTMB Group and LESSEAU will launch special editions of the affordable, efficient soap dispensers, available on both websites. UTMB World Series participants will also experience the system firsthand at key aid stations — especially on long-distance routes where hygiene is essential.

“UTMB World Series and LESSEAU quickly realised they have a perfect fit, said Marcel Magermans, CEO of LESSEAU. We both are concerned about our planet, but also deeply love nature and this wonderful world of surprises and beauty.”

Céline Prevost, UTMB Group Sales Director, said: “This partnership is, above all, answering a mutual need to improve on sustainability and hygiene — the ability to wash our hands during races — with an innovative solution. Whether for hygiene or well-being after hours of running, the presence of LESSEAU dispensers at the UTMB World Series will be a valuable addition to our events. In addition to testing the solution at our events, runners will also have access to purchase these dispensers.”

Which UTMB World Series events will feature LESSEAU solutions in 2025?

• Chianti Ultra trail by UTMB® (March 20-23)
• Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB® (April 25-27)
• Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB® (May 15-18)
• Ultra-Trail Snowdonia Eryri by UTMB® (May 16-18)
• Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® (June 13-15)
• HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB® (02-06 July)
• Trail Verbier Saint-Bernard by UTMB® (July 11-13)
• Monte Rosa Walserwaeg by UTMB® (July 18-20)
• HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc (August 25-31)
• Wildstrubel by UTMB® (September 18-21)
• Nice Côte d'Azur by UTMB® (September 25-28)
• Mallorca by UTMB® (October 31 - November 02)