UPCOMING EVENTS IN OCTOBER
October is set to be another action-packed month across the UTMB® World Series, with six events taking place around the globe. From Europe to Asia and the Americas, runners will take on a wide range of iconic landscapes, challenging courses and unique local environment. Here’s what to look forward to this month. All these events can be followed live at live.utmb.world
Chihuahua by UTMB®: Discovering the Sacred Lands of the Rarámuri
From October 1st to 3rd 2026, Chihuahua by UTMB® returns for its second edition, bringing together 1,100 runners, including 31% women. The event has a strong local dimension, with nearly 90% of participants coming from Mexico, supported by the presence of iconic local athletes from the Rarámuri community, considered pioneers of the discipline.
Six race distances will be offered: 9K, 21K, 39K, 58K, 93K and 118K, allowing runners to discover or rediscover the sacred lands of the Rarámuri in the heart of the iconic Copper Canyon.
Equity, sharing and support for local communities
In line with the commitments of the UTMB World Series circuit, Chihuahua by UTMB® has implemented several initiatives to best support runners throughout the event and contribute to the local community. The organization pays particular attention to the representation of women, ensuring equal media coverage of female and male athletes. Women Kits will also be available at aid stations, alongside dedicated toilets located throughout the courses.
The event also supports the local community by enabling more than 100 Rarámuri athletes to take part in the race. Their entry fees are fully covered, and mandatory equipment is provided, ensuring they can participate under the same conditions as all other runners.
Athletes to watch across the different distances
On the 100M, among the men to watch, Cristofer Clemente (ESP, 831 UTMB Index) is set to bring strong international competition to the front of the race. On the women’s side, the field will be particularly competitive, with HOKA athlete Kimino Miyazaki (JPN, 695 UTMB Index), who finished 3rd at Mozart 100 by UTMB® last May. She will be joined by Americans Alexa Romano (USA, 629 UTMB Index) and Maghan Macardy (USA, 615 UTMB Index).
On the 100K, Reid Burrow (CAN, 715 UTMB Index) will be making his first appearance at Chihuahua by UTMB®. He will be joined by Ignacio Moreno Carrillo (MEX, 620 UTMB Index), a Rarámuri athlete who finished 10th in the 100K last year. On the women’s side, Jenifer Yañes Cruz (MEX, 528 UTMB Index), a Rarámuri athlete and CCC finisher, returns after securing 2nd place in the 100K Chihuahua by UTMB® in 2025. Jamila Dionisio (POR, 522 UTMB Index) will complete the field.
On the Akáa 50K, Carlos Baeza (MEX, 739 UTMB Index) and Silverio Ramirez Lopez (MEX, 728 UTMB Index) will be among the athletes to watch, after finishing 2nd and 4th respectively in the race last year. On the women’s side, Maria Guadalupe Fregoso Nieves (MEX, 583 UTMB Index) and Ximena Vizcaino Menendez (MEX, 514 UTMB Index), who finished 11th in 2025, will also take the start.
TransJeju by UTMB®: Discovering Jeju Island
From October 2nd to 4th 2026, TransJeju by UTMB® will bring together 5,400 runners for its 11th edition, the fourth since joining the UTMB World Series. Among them, 32% will be women. Four race formats are available: 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M.
The different race formats give runners the opportunity to discover Jeju’s forests, villages, rural landscapes and volcanic terrain, while the longer distances will take them to Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea.
An event rooted in Jeju’s natural environment
Crossing Hallasan National Park, the event is organised in close collaboration with the park authorities to define the trails and raise runners’ awareness of environmental protection through clear guidelines. These measures include a ban on single-use plastic tableware, including cutlery, cups and bowls, in order to reduce plastic use and waste. Runners must also carry a single-use plastic bag to keep their waste with them and prevent it from being left on the trails. Members of the organisation will also be present at aid stations to ensure that these rules are respected. In addition, the organisation monitors the event’s environmental impact before and after the race in order to assess the effectiveness of the measures implemented. In line with the values and development pillars of the UTMB World Series, including Leave No Trace, this approach aims to preserve Jeju’s natural environment while allowing runners to discover the island’s unique landscapes.
A gathering of local trail runners
On the 100K, Terunobu Kurokawa (JPN, UTMB Index 862) will be one of the men to watch, holding the highest UTMB Index among the field over the distance. After a strong 100K season, he will be looking to confirm his form on this race. Zhengqiang Xiong (CHI, UTMB Index 818) will also be one to watch. Following several strong results over 50K, including a third-place finish at the JD Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB®, he will step up to the longer distance this time. Among the women, Wenjing Yin (CHI, UTMB Index 674), winner of the HLA POW Beijing Trail Challenge 100K in mid-September, and Gayoung Kang (KOR, UTMB Index 631), winner of the 100K at the Oxfam Trailwalker 2026 in May, will be one of the women to kep an eye on.
On the 50K, Hyunjin Noh (KOR, UTMB Index 666) will be particularly one to watch. She won the 20K at last year’s edition and comes into the race with confidence after two 50K victories this year. She will face Hyunji Kang (KOR, UTMB Index 639), who finished second in the 20K last year. Among the men, Addison Smith (USA, UTMB Index 748) and Jeongsik Shin (KOR, UTMB Index 707) will also be ones to watch over.
HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB®: A second year as an UTMB World Series Major in the Americas
From October 8th to 11th 2026, HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB® will return to Big Bear Lake, California. The event will bring together nearly 2,700 runners, 33% of whom will be women. More than 74% of participants come from North America, including 61% from the United States and 39% from California. In 2026, the event will once again be an UTMB World Series Major for the Americas, bringing together some of the region’s leading trail runners. As a Major, it will offer twice as many Running Stones as other events in the UTMB World Series and will provide 210 runners across the three race categories (50K, 100K and 100M) with direct qualification for the 2027 UTMB World Series Finals (OCC, CCC, UTMB).
Races shaped by contrasting landscapes
Set in the mountains of Southern California, HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB® will take runners through a variety of environments showcasing the natural diversity surrounding Big Bear Lake, from mountain trails to wide-open views across the region. From high-altitude deserts and rugged canyons to subalpine landscapes, the races will offer a wide range of challenges.
Promoting greater diversity in trail running
For the second consecutive year, and in line with the UTMB World Series’ commitment to inclusion, the event organisers will once again support the Renegade collective. In partnership with HOKA, the initiative aims to support 31 women from minority backgrounds in their preparation, helping them take part in the different HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB® races, with ten women competing in the 100K and 21 in the 50K.
American elites ready to confirm their status as local specialists
On the 100M, American Ryan Montgomery (USA, UTMB Index 922), third at the 2026 Western States Endurance Run, will be one of the men to watch. Among the women, Helen Mino Faukner (USA, UTMB Index 760) will step up to the longer distance after winning the 50K in 2024.
On the 100K, Lotti Brinks (GER, UTMB Index 803), fifth at the 2026 Western States Endurance Run, will be one of the leading contenders among the women. Juliette Soule (NZL, UTMB Index 744), a New Zealander based in Colorado, and Jenna Bensko (USA, UTMB Index 740) will complete this trio of women to watch. Among the men, Adam Loomis (USA, UTMB Index 816) and Jhon Barrera (COL, UTMB Index 807) will also be among the contenders for victory.
On the 50K, Abby Hall (USA, UTMB Index 808) and Anna Gibson (USA, UTMB Index 791) will be among the women to watch. Among the men, Swiss runner Roberto Delorenzi (SUI, UTMB Index 919), the European runner among an American-heavy field, will be one of the leading names to watch. Eli Hemming (USA, UTMB Index 916) and Miquel Corbera Rubio (ESP, UTMB Index 888) round out this group of contenders for victory.
Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB®: Running through the heart of China’s heritage
From October 16th to 18th, 2026, Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB® will bring together nearly 9,500 runners in Shanxi, China. For its fourth edition, the event will welcome 97% Chinese participants, with women representing 36% of the field. Across four race formats, 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M runners will explore the lands associated with Laozi, the founder of Taoism, in a natural setting combining majestic mountains, pine forests, ancient temples, ice caves and historic villages across Shanxi.
Preserving Mount Yun’s natural landscapes
The event is also committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting** more responsible trail running practices**. Its Green Trail initiative notably includes the use of reusable equipment, with soft cups and foldable tableware provided in race packs. Course markings are recyclable, while waste collection points are placed along the different courses, with no single-use items used at aid stations.
A strong Chinese elite field
On the 100M, Zhaoying Liu (CHN, UTMB Index 825) will be one of the athletes to watch, with several 100K victories to his name and a second-place finish at Ultratrail Chongli 168 in 2025. Yong Yang (CHN, UTMB Index 819) will also be a strong contender following his victory at CMG Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB® in 2026. Among the women, Liping Wang (CHN, UTMB Index 729) comes into the race following her 100M victory at Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB® in 2026, after finishing second in the 100M at Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB® in 2025. Jingyan Tang (CHN, UTMB Index 749), winner of the 100K at Ultratrail Chongli 168, will also step up to the 100M.
On the 100K, Ying Li (CHI, UTMB Index 724) will be the one to follow after her third place on the 50K at Ultra Trail Xiamen by UTMB®, while Aili Wang (CHI, UTMB Index 715) arrives after a third-place finish in the 100K at JD** Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB®**. Among the men, Jianjian Yang (CHI, UTMB Index 890) and Mengkai Bate (CHI, UTMB Index 878) are the runners to watch. Mengkai Bate finished second in the 100K at the Ultratrail Chongli 168.
The 50K will also showcase China’s elite trail running talent, with Tao Luo (CHI, UTMB Index 886) on the start line following his recent victory in the 50K at JD Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB® in mid-September. Erqing Wu (CHI, UTMB Index 877) will also line up after winning the 50K at Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB® just a few weeks earlier.
Puglia Terre delle Gravine by UTMB®: Discovering Puglia from a different perspective
From October 23rd to 25th 2026, Puglia Terre delle Gravine by UTMB® will return for its second edition, bringing together nearly 1,800 runners, 26% of whom will be women. The event has a strong local and European dimension: 45% of participants are Italian, including 22% from Puglia, while European runners will account for 93% of the field.
The event takes place in one of Italy’s most striking landscapes: the Terra delle Gravine. Five race formats are available – 10K, 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M – taking runners through the Sassi of Matera, a network of cave dwellings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as deep limestone canyons and wild trails across the surrounding area.
Following its inaugural edition, several adjustments have been made for 2026 to further improve the runner experience. The event will take place two weeks earlier to allow runners to race in more favourable conditions, while some cut-off times and course sections have also been adjusted.
Showcasing and preserving the Terra delle Gravine Regional Natural Park
In partnership with Regione Puglia, the event aims to showcase the Terra delle Gravine and highlight another side of the region, beyond its traditional image centred around the coastline.
To create a truly local experience rooted in the region, the organisation works closely with a range of local stakeholders. Local communities, volunteers, regional products and aid stations all play an essential role throughout the event.
European elites set to take on Italy
On the 100M, Paul Cornut-Chauvinc (FRA, UTMB Index 912) will be one of the men to watch following his victory in the 100K at Snowdonia by UTMB®. He will notably be joined by Spain’s Borja Fernandez Fernandez (ESP, UTMB Index 866). Among the women, Enrica Dematteis (ITA, UTMB Index 723), winner of the 100M at the Miglia Monviso 2026, and Julia Davis (GBR, UTMB Index 708) will be among the athletes to watch.
On the 100K, Anton Gustafsson (SWE, UTMB Index 915), sixth at the 2026 OCC, will be one of the men to watch alongside** Claudio Diaz Castan (ESP, UTMB Index 879)**. The women’s field promises to be particularly competitive, with Emily Schmitz (USA, UTMB Index 791) returning to the trails following a strong performance at the 2026 UTMB, and Alice Meignié (FRA, UTMB Index 764) returning after her second-place finish at the 2026 TDS.
On the 50K, Sofiia Porokhnavets (UKR, UTMB Index 746) and Anaïs Guillot (FRA, UTMB Index 719), third at the MaXi-Race 50K, will be among the women to watch. Among the men, Roberto Delorenzi (SUI, UTMB Index 933) and Lorenzo Beltrami (ITA, UTMB Index 897), winner of the 50K at Wildstrubel by UTMB®, will be the runners to watch.
Kullamannen by UTMB®: Sweden’s wild coastline takes centre stage, following in the footsteps of the Kullamannen legend
From October 30th to 31st, 2026, Kullamannen by UTMB® will return for its fifth edition, bringing runners to the wild, spectacular and pristine Bjäre and Kullaberg peninsulas on Sweden’s southern coast.
Four race formats will be offered, ranging from 20K to 100M, with the intermediate 50K and 100K distances also on the programme. The different courses will take runners along the rocky coastline of Kullaberg, across rugged mountains, beech forests and local coastal trails, offering an intense challenge for adventure-seeking runners.
Reducing its impact and preserving Kullaberg’s landscapes
Kullamannen by UTMB® has introduced several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and preserve the natural areas crossed by the race. The event notably follows a BYOU (Bring Your Own Utilities) policy, encouraging runners to use their own reusable equipment and helping to reduce waste from disposable cups.
Following the race, trail cleaning and restoration operations are organised to help preserve the region’s paths and landscapes.** In 2025, €2,000 was donated** to Sinarpsdalens Friends to support the creation and restoration of trails in Sinarpsdalen, while similar initiatives will be supported for the 2026 edition.
The organisation also encourages participants to use public transport and carpooling, and works with local stakeholders and producers to limit the environmental impact associated with the event. Finally, a “Plogga” operation, combining running and litter picking, is organised in Kullaberg with volunteers after the event, before installations are dismantled and the various sites are cleaned.
Northern European trail elites put to the test on Swedish trails
On the 100M, Eevi Bengs (FIN, UTMB Index 720) will line up as the highest-ranked woman in the field, alongside Natálie Kapcalová (CZE, UTMB Index 682), third in the 100K at Gauja Trail by UTMB® earlier in August.
Among the men, Finnish runner Juuso Simpanen (FIN, UTMB Index 847) will return for the 2026 edition following his victory in 2024. He will notably be joined by William Englund (SWE, UTMB Index 823), who will be looking to bounce back after dropping out last year. French runner Alexandre Boucheix (FRA, UTMB Index 810) will also be on the start line, returning from injury with the clear ambition of earning his fifth finisher ring.
On the 100K, women’s leader Gemma Hillier Moses (UK, UTMB Index 779), winner of the 50K at Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® in June, will be one of the runners to watch, alongside Ellinor Ericsson (SWE, UTMB Index 710). Among the men, Joseph Turner (UK, UTMB Index 861) and Spain’s Alejandro Mayor (ESP, UTMB Index 851) will be among the athletes to watch.
On the 50K, Jacob Adkin (UK, UTMB Index 934) will share the start line with compatriot Bertie Houghton (UK, UTMB Index 872). Among the women, Kirsty Skye Dickson (UK, UTMB Index 764), third in the 23K at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc this summer, will be joined by Marta Perez Maroto (ESP, UTMB Index 725).
Mallorca by UTMB®: On the trails of the Serra de Tramuntana
From October 30th to November 1st 2026, Mallorca by UTMB® will return for its third edition, bringing together 2,400 runners, 22% of whom will be women, to discover the landscapes of Mallorca, where sea, mountains and sunshine meet.
Four race formats will be on offer : 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M, taking runners across the Serra de Tramuntana, a natural area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An event rooted in its territory and committed to inclusion
Mallorca by UTMB® continues to promote more responsible trail running through a range of environmental, local and social initiatives. The event works with the Cooperativa Agrícola de Sóller, a long-standing cooperative on the island that now brings together more than 400 members. This partnership notably makes it possible to prioritise local products at all aid stations, supporting local producers and the regional economy. It also helps showcase the agricultural practices and expertise that contribute to maintaining the landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana. Through this collaboration, Mallorca by UTMB® aims to strengthen its connection with the local area while raising participants’ awareness of Mallorca’s agricultural, gastronomic and cultural heritage.
The event also pays particular attention to women’s participation and their race experience. Several measures have been introduced to meet the specific needs of female participants, including a Women’s Kit available at aid stations and the finish line, containing essential hygiene products, as well as women-only toilets and changing areas at selected aid stations. Mallorca by UTMB® also applies the UTMB® pregnancy policy and provides a dedicated contact channel for female runners, offering them appropriate information and support. Together, these measures reflect the event’s commitment to making trail running a more inclusive and accessible sport for everyone.
A strong European elite field on the trails of Mallorca
This year, Mallorca by UTMB® will welcome a strong line-up of European athletes, setting the stage for some exciting battles on the island’s trails.
On the 100M, Tobias Geiser (ITA, UTMB Index 913), runner-up in the 100M at La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB®, will be looking to claim victory against French runner Théo Detienne (FRA, UTMB Index 901), who finished second at last year’s edition. HOKA athlete Katharina Hartmuth (GER, UTMB Index 777) will be one of the leading contenders for victory alongside Andrea Vlasakova (CZE, UTMB Index 721).
The 100K features Henriette Albon (NOR, UTMB Index 773) she will take the start alongside Miria Meinheit (GER, UTMB Index 727), with both expected to be among the leading contenders. Among the men, the race will feature French runner Damien Humbert (FRA, UTMB Index 910) alongside Poland’s Marcel Fabian (POL, UTMB Index 888), winner of the 100K at Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB® in mid-September.
The 50K field will also be highly competitive this year, with Candice Fertin-Baccon (FRA, UTMB Index 765), winner of the 90K at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc last June, set to face Gemma Arenas (ESP, UTMB Index 749), winner of the 100K at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®. Among the men, Nadir Maguet (ITA, UTMB Index 931), runner-up in the 50K at La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB® this year, will be joined by Samuel Ponce (AND, UTMB Index 895).
