Uniting trail running communities to contribute to the well-being of people and the regeneration of the planet
UTMB for the Planet is our sustainability strategy that embodies our commitment to creating a positive impact on the world. As a global leader in trail running, we understand the importance of our role in shaping a sustainable future for our sport, our communities, and our planet.
UTMB for the Planet is a promise to our stakeholders, our participants, and our communities that we will strive to make a difference. We are dedicated to preserving the beautiful environments we run in, leaving a positive legacy in every territory we touch, and ensuring the well-being of each runner who joins us on this journey.
Our Vision & Mission
UTMB will achieve the extraordinary and become the pinnacle of sustainable excellence in trail running, engaging beyond our core stakeholders in a quest for Regeneration.
UTMB will use its scope of influence to implement and showcase a regenerative economy, for the environment and for the people.
Our focus
UTMB for the Planet is built on three main pillars – Environment, Territory and People.
Environment
Support the regeneration of our mountain ecosystems and minimize our impact on the environment
Territory
Leave a positive legacy at every UTMB World Series destination
People
Ensure every runner is welcomed and their well-bring protected at UTMB events
We have developed 40 key initiatives with measurable actions that support our 3 pillars. By 2025, we aim to have implemented these initiatives across all UTMB World Series events.
Environment – Protect our playground
Our environment is our playground, and we are committed to its protection and regeneration. We aim to minimize our impact on the environment and support the regeneration of our mountain ecosystems. We believe that by taking decisive action today, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and challenge of trail running.
Read more about the environmental sustainability baseline initiatives here.
Case Study, The Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB - Local Sourcing
The Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB made a commitment to local sourcing, with 70% of food and beverages at the event sourced from local suppliers. This initiative not only reduced the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods but also supported local businesses and the regional economy.
Territory – Leave a positive legacy
We aim to leave a positive legacy at every UTMB World Series destination. We believe in supporting our host communities and promoting sustainable tourism. By engaging the UTMB family in local communities, we can create a lasting impact that goes beyond the race itself.
Read more about the territorial sustainability baseline initiatives here.
Case Study: Puerto Vallarta by UTMB - Cultural Preservation
Puerto Vallarta by UTMB showcased the local culture by commissioning handcrafted medals and trophies from the local Wixarikas tribe. This initiative not only provided a unique, culturally significant prize for participants but also supported the preservation of local crafts and traditions.
People – Welcome every runner
At UTMB, we believe in the power of inclusivity. We are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our runners. We aim to increase and support female participation in the UTMB World Series and redefine trail running as a sport for all.
Read more about the people sustainability baseline initiatives here.
Case Study, Transvulcania by UTMB - Women in Trail Running
Transvulcania by UTMB launched a Women in Trail program to encourage more female participation in the sport. This initiative is helping to break down barriers and promote gender equality in trail running.
Timeline
Our commitment to sustainability is not new; it has been a part of our ethos since the beginning of UTMB.
Our founders were committed from the beginning to reduce the impact on the environment and support local associations. Over the years, we have implemented various initiatives such as the first transport plan (2004), the creation of the environmental commission (2006), the launch of environmental ambassadors (2013), equal prizes for top men and women (2016), and the implementation of the BYOU policy (2018). These are just a few examples of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability.
We calculated our carbon and biodiversity footprint, which helped us to then establish our strategy to reduce our impact.
The launch of UTMB Cares marked our commitment to support associations across the globe, while UTMB for the Planet is our global sustainability strategy that showcases our dedication to the environment, territories, and people.
By 2025, we aim to have 40 key initiatives fully operational across all events. These initiatives will cover all three of our sustainability pillars: environment, territory, and people. This includes environmentally conscious strategies such as minimizing event waste and reducing water consumption, to foster community engagement and ensuring the well-being of each runner. Find out more about the initiatives here.
Our vision is to transform the UTMB World Series into a beacon of sustainable excellence in trail running. We are working towards embedding our values and mission into the core of the UTMB World Series. We aim to inspire and engage not just our core stakeholders, but also the wider community in our quest for regeneration. Our goal is to showcase a regenerative economy, for the environment and for the people, through our events and initiatives. As we move forward, we remain committed to our sustainability goals and will continue to strive for a positive impact on our environment, territories, and people.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative future for trail running. We believe that together, we can make a significant difference. Here's how you can get involved:
Participate Responsibly
Whether you're a runner, a supporter, or a volunteer, we encourage you to adopt sustainable practices during our events.
Spread the Word
Share our vision and goals with your networks. The more people who know about UTMB for the Planet, the greater our collective impact can be.
Support our Initiatives
Get involved in our various initiatives, from trail regeneration projects to sustainable tourism packages. Every action counts.
Partner with Us
We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Together, we can achieve more.
Provide Feedback
We value your ideas and suggestions. Let us know how we can improve and innovate in our quest for a sustainable future.