Trans Jeju by UTMB is one of the biggest ultra distance trail running events in Asia, situated on the volcanic island of Jeju in South Korea. Runners across all four races will take in the stunning views of Hallasan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb South Korea’s highest mountain, Mount Hallasan.
The two-day programme of races is part of the UTMB World Series. Runners competing in the Jeju100K category will earn three UTMB running stones – which earn entry to the lottery for the UTMB finals at the Ultra-Trail Marathon du Mont-Blanc.
The Jeju50K event sees competitors earn two running stones, and Jeju20K runners earn one running stone.
Here is our full guide to learning about this UTMB World Series event, following it live or even taking part.
Date, start time & live tracking
Trans Jeju by UTMB features three main races all beginning on Saturday, October 12. The Jeju100K event begins at 06:00 local time at the Jeju World Cup Stadium. The Jeju50K category event begins 15 minutes later at 06:15.
The Jeju20K race starts at 10:00.
Live tracking will be available here.
Trans Jeju by UTMB Route
The organisers have set a course through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallasan National Park, centered around Mount Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea.
The 111km course covers some of the most scenic trails of the National Park, with a cumulative elevation gain of 4,200 metres. The route includes a steep climb up the Hallasan Volcano (1,950m) with a breathtaking view of the crater.
The 56km course includes 2,500m of cumulative elevation and again includes the climb up Hallasan Volcano.
“One of the biggest draws of TransJeju by UTMB is that runners can reach the peak of the Hallasan Mountain,” race director Byeungsik Ahn said.
Facts, Tips & FAQ
The Jeju100K race has a time limit of 28 hours, with time barriers also set at checkpoints throughout the course. The Jeju50K event has a 13 hour time limit, while Jeju20K competitors have four hours to complete their race. There is not time limit for Jeju10K runners.
Every runner will be provided with a race bib, and the race bib must be clearly visible and worn on the front and outside of the clothing during the entire race. Runners will be penalised for not having their race bibs with them at all times.
Refreshments (drinks and foods) are offered at each checkpoint.
Except for injuries, a runner must not retire anywhere else other than at a checkpoint. He/she/they must therefore inform the person in charge of the checkpoint, who will definitively invalidate his/her/them race bib and recuperates the electronic chip.
The route will be marked with pink ribbons and arrows at intersections. For better night vision, the markers include a section of reflective material, which will be easily visible with a headlamp.
How to qualify and enter the Trans Jeju by UTMB
Male competitors who rank over 820 on the UTMB Index earn direct qualification for the 100K event with free entry. A UTMB Index of 690 earns a female competitor direct qualification and free entry.
To earn a paid entry in the 100K race, male competitors must earn a UTMB Index mark of 660, with female runners required to hit the 520 mark.
All runners must agree to the terms and conditions of the race which state that runners must be aware of their personal body and medical condition prior to the race and warrant that they are physically capable of competing in the event.
Trans Jeju by UTMB records and past winners
The 2024 race will be the tenth Trans Juju event, however, results over the years are difficult to locate. Results are 100K UTMB category unless specified. With the distance changing over several years, no course record time is reported.
Men’s
- 2023 – Tao Luo (CHI) – 9:18:09
- 2022 – Minchul Koh (ROK) – 11:43:10
- 2021 – Jisu Kim (ROK) – 4:57:28 (50K)
- 2020 – N/A
- 2019 – Hironori Nomoto (JPN) – 13:35:51
- 2018 – Sebastien Chaigneau (FRA) – 11:33:34
- 2017 – Baptiste Puyou (FRA) – 11:41:07
- 2016 – Jong-Gun Yu (KOR) – 9:44:36 (80K)
- 2015 – Soonchul Shin (AUS) – 9:57:33
Women’s
- 2023 – Wenrong Zheng (CHI) – 12:22:46
- 2022 – Jinhee Kim (ROK) – 14:47:31
- 2021 – Hyunja Kim (ROK) – 6:11:18 (50K)
- 2020 – N/A
- 2019 – Kanaka Edamoto (JPN) – 15:29:21
- 2018 – Kanaka Edamoto (JPN) – 16:42:19
- 2017 – Marie McNaughton (NZ) – 12:45:11
- 2016 – Chun-Ja Cho (KOR) 13:40:24 (80K)
- 2015 – Hyeonsug Jang (KOR) 11:58:22
Trans Jeju by UTMB kit list
Runners are required to wear and carry certain kit, while other items are recommended.
Mandatory kit
The following items are required to run in the Jeju 100K event, with a reduced list for the shorter races.
- Trail Running shoes
- Stock of water minimum 1 litre (bottle or bladder)
- Two headlamps with replacement batteries
- Safety signal (Blinker, etc)
- Long sleeve layer
- Waterproof jacket
- Long warm pants
- Warm gloves
- Warm hat or bandana
- Mobile phone
- Whistle
- Food reserve (min. 200 cal.)
- Cash (Min. 10,000 Won)
- Race bib (phone number of the organizers will be on your bib)
- Personal cup. (To avoid the wastage of plastic cups at the checkpoints, you must bring your cup along in order to enjoy the different beverages offered)
- Survival blanket (recommended 1.40m x 2m)
- Adhesive elastic band for strapping (min. 3cm x 3 m)
- **. Not allowed to use sticks
Strongly recommended
- Even though the organiser is covered by liability insurance, participants are strongly recommended to enroll in their own insurance coverage plan.
