Triple-header weekend incoming with Istria 100 by UTMB, Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB and Desert RATS Trails Running Festival by UTMB celebrating special anniversary editions

Birthday celebrations aside, each course offers something special while simultaneously being worlds apart – both geographically and aesthetically. From the peninsula of Croatia to China’s Eastern mountains and the canyon scenery and dirt trails of Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB, each event captures the spirit of UTMB, and it promises to be an unforgettable weekend of racing.

Kicking off an action-packed weekend of racing, Istria 100 by UTMB will welcome over 2,000 runners to its stunning Croatian peninsula as they step back in time and discover the enchanting medieval villages and untouched landscapes that make this location so unique. Now celebrating its tenth year, the event sees runners return year on year after falling in love with the lush forests, challenging terrain, and medieval towns. Newcomers from around the world are also drawn to this bucket-list race and the opportunity to traverse Croatia’s stunning heart-shaped peninsula and take on the region’s highest mountains and their accompanying beautiful panoramas.

With five distances on offer, from 100 miles to 21km, each course showcases the very best of Istria. Speaking about the course, Race Directors Ivana and Marko Greguric said: “As being leading trail running race in Croatia, we are expecting more than 2,000 runners for this special 10th edition of Istria 100™ by UTMB®. The exceptional Croatian landscapes and medieval atmosphere never cease to amaze runners from all over the world, who come to the Croatian peninsula to live an extraordinary experience and collect their Running Stones, that they can use to enter the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery.”

The event has also attracted big names, including elite runner Jim Walmsley (USA, UTMB Index 937) who is looking forward to taking on the 168km route, which starts in the iconic 3,000-year-old town of Labin before climbing the Učka mountain – the highest mountain on the Istrian peninsula with breath-taking views across the Adriatic Sea and its surrounding islands.
Walmsley, who is currently ranked 5th in the UTMB Index and finished in fourth place at the UTMB Mont-Blanc 2022 said, “Istria will provide an early season opportunity to run 100 miles, through the night, with my backpack full of mandatory gear. I’m looking forward to traversing the peninsula of Istria.”

Follow the live broadcast of Istria 100 by UTMB on [live.utmb.world](C:\Users\UTMB Group\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\1D9RXVDT\live.utmb.world) on April 14-15 in English, French or Croatian.

From one historical location to another, Ultra Trail Ninghai by UTMB will welcome over 4,500 runners to East China’s mountainous area in the Zhejiang province. This location in Ninghai marked the starting point for the famous Chinese explorer, Xu Xiake as he set-off over four hundred years ago on his 30+ year adventure to travel tens of thousands of miles across China.

Runners won’t need to travel quite so far in their quest for a unique adventure, with Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB offering a choice of four courses: 105km, 60km, 25km and 12km. From bamboo forests to streams, challenging Alpine peaks and shrines embedded in the landscape, the event offers the perfect combination of culture and nature.

In 2023, Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB promises to be bigger and better than ever as it makes its UTMB World Series debut, while also celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Race Director Quianyao Xue said, “Definitely Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB is not only a competition, but also a good opportunity to enjoy the pure trail run culture, love the nature and protect the environment, especially with the cities' quick urbanization.”

Seven-time finisher Zhong Guan (CHN) will be back on the start line in 2023. Since first competing in the 50km race in 2014, Guan has since stepped up to the 100km distance and the Shanghai-based runner can’t get enough of the event. He said, “I was initially attracted to this race due to its proximity to Shanghai, while also being one of the hardest races in East China. I love a challenge and have completed the race seven times, with it taking me anywhere between 18 hours 19 minutes to 13 hours 46 minutes for the 100km race. It is well organized with beautiful views, and I will never forget crossing the finish line with my wife and daughter. I hope to be an 8-time finisher and can’t wait to be back out there!”

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, an unforgettable weekend awaits at Deserts RATS (Running Across the Sand) Trail Running Festival by UTMB. With 5 unique distances on offer from 100km to 10km, runners will find themselves traversing the famous Kokopelli Trail, climbing up ridgelines with endless views and running along the Colorado river or through the Western Rim via flowly singletrack at this famous celebration of trail running.

While the 100km race may be considered the queen stage, the other courses have just as much to offer with the 21km course earning itself the title as one of the most scenic half marathons according to Active Magazine.

With out of this world views and an unmatched community atmosphere, the high desert of southwestern Colorado knows how to put on a show. Alongside the racing, the festival weekend will also host a Pancake Brunch, a pasta party, a kids run and a Festival Basecamp Party amongst other activities.

Race Directors, Kyla Claudell and Reid Delman have been organisers of the event since day one and can’t wait to welcome runners for this edition of the race. When asked about the highlights on the course, Kyla said, “The course is just one big highlight. From the 100km course which has the world class Western Rim section to the other distances which offer the most stunning views of the desert canyons and Colorado River. Thanks to the awesome trail building coalition in the area, the courses offer some of the most fun running found anywhere!” She added, “Everyone is about to do something amazing. Whether you are a professional runner or tackling your first trail half, you are doing something to push your boundaries and that is incredible! It is going to be great to see the new faces that UTMB will bring in alongside the athletes who have been running with us for decades. As our 20th year, we are going to be bringing the trail community together to celebrate both on and off the trails.”

Competitors across the three events will be in search of coveted Running Stones, earned by finishing their chosen course and which can they be used to enter the lottery for the UTMB® World Series Finals at the UTMB® Mont-Blanc. Those at the top of their game may also qualify by finishing in the top three of their respective categories at any UTMB® World Series event over the 50K, 100K or 100M distance.

LIVE tracking is available for Istria 100 by UTMB, Ninghai Ultra Trail by UTMB and Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB here.