UTMB World Series announces a new event in China: Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB joins the circuit in 2026
Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB® will make its debut on the UTMB® World Series circuit on 10–12 April 2026, hosted in Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province.
A sea of bamboo and a veil of clouds, anchored in China's cultural heartland
Set within one of eastern China's most culturally significant and historic mountain regions, the event invites runners to journey into landscapes grounded in a rolling sea of bamboo, with mountaintops shrouded in a drifting veil of clouds. Participants will traverse emerald forests, traditional villages, and time-worn heritage trails.
With four race distances on offer - 20K, 50K, 100K, and 100M - the event welcomes both new and experienced runners to explore the region's unique terrain, from forested path to stone-paved mountain routes and village pathways that reflect centuries of local tradition.
“Our inaugural Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB celebrates Moganshan's rich heritage, including its status as the ‘First Mountain South of the Yangtze River’ to the legend of the sword-forging masters Gan Jiang and Mo Ye. The course leads runners through bamboo forests, tea terraces and ancient trails, showcasing the unique beauty of the Southland. We are proud to bring the first UTMB World Series event to this region, shaped by such profound cultural identity,” said Zhenli MA, Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB Race Director.
Powered by local communities, guided by shared values
Developed in close collaboration with local communities across Deqing County and the wider Moganshan area, the event will also work closely with local homestays, village businesses and community services. Aid stations will incorporate regional products such as bamboo-inspired snacks and traditional beverages, while local storytelling and culture will be woven throughout the runner’s journey.
“Leave No Trace" is not just a concept for Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB’s organizers but a quantifiable, traceable environmental practice in collaboration with professional institutions. It also promotes responsible transport by encouraging the use of shuttle buses and public transit, making low carbon travel the very first step of the event experience. Combined with professional carbon accounting, biodegradable materials, rigorous waste sorting, and a “bring your own utensils” initiative, these concrete actions help reduce the overall carbon footprint and embed sustainability throughout the entire event process.
Fueling the momentum of China’s trail-running surge
China continues to play a leading role in global trail running, currently the third largest trail-running market, with more than 80,000 runners holding a valid UTMB® Index. The addition of Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB, as 14th event in Asia and 5th in Mainland China, strengthens the UTMB World Series presence in Asia, offering runners more opportunities to experience trail running and to earn Running Stones on home soil, while supporting support the local development of trail running across the region.
“With Ultra-Trail Mogan by UTMB, we strengthen our presence at the heart of a rapidly growing trail-running community in China. This new addition to the circuit offers a distinctive blend of nature, culture, and local collaboration that aligns with the values of the UTMB World Series. We are proud to support the development of trail running in a country where participation and enthusiasm continue to grow, and we look forward to welcoming runners to an event that reflects the spirit of our global series.” said Florian Lamblin, Executive Director at UTMB International.
Registration opens on 11 December 2025 at https://mogan.utmb.world/
