The Legendary Highland ultra trail race Skyline Scotland, which had been feared lost when organiser Ourea Events went into administration earlier this year, will begin a new chapter in 2027 with the UTMB World Series.
Skyline Scotland is a world-renowned mountain running festival set amongst the iconic peaks of Lochaber including Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, which features technical, dramatic, and unforgettable terrain.
Since its founding in 2015, the event has hosted some of the most celebrated international trail and sky running competitions as well as many of the sport’s biggest names, including Kilian Jornet.
It had established itself as a key date in the global calendar for elite athletes and recreational runners alike, while remaining deeply rooted in the local community that has made it a unmissable celebration in Scotland.
Ohly helping with transition
And now as part of their World Series, UTMB say the event will continue to honour this heritage while working closely with landowners, nature agencies and independent ecologists to help preserve these exceptional landscapes and ensure their sustainable use for years to come.
Alongside this commitment, Skyline Scotland by UTMB will also work with organisations such as TrailFam to help inspire the next generation of trail runners and encourage more young people to discover the sport.
Original founder and owner Shane Ohly will remain closely involved, ensuring the identity and values that built Skyline Scotland’s global reputation are fully preserved.
Ohly said: “This is the start of a new chapter for Skyline Scotland, and a big step forward for trail running in Scotland. We had been in conversation with UTMB World Series since 2021. Skyline Scotland is an incredibly complex event to deliver well. It’s not something many event organisers could take on with confidence.
“What stood out to me with UTMB World Series is that they have both the technical depth and operational experience to not just deliver an event like this safely, but to properly invest in it and help it grow in the long term.
“I’m also delighted to continue working closely with UTMB World Series to support the transition and help ensure everything moves forward smoothly.”
Now three UTB races in UK
Sam Calvert, UTMB’s UK Event Director, added: “It’s a fantastic honour to welcome Skyline Scotland into the UTMB World Series. It feels like a natural addition, and we are excited to be hosting the first World Series race in the Scottish Highlands.
“The launch of Skyline Scotland represents an exciting new chapter for us, making 2027 the first year we will host three UTMB World Series events in the UK [Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB and Arc of Attrition by UTMB are the others].
“Delivering these events goes far beyond races that are spectacular for the runners. The long-term success is shaped by the relationships with the local communities, shared vision with the stakeholders, and a sustainable plan for the use of the trails for many years to come.
“Taking over the event from Shane and the Ourea team, you’re aware that you are taking on a special race in an epic location. It’s a challenge we are relishing and delighted to have Shane on board to deliver an unforgettable first edition in 2027.”
All 2026 entries honoured
All runners who held entries for the cancelled 2026 event will have their race tickets honoured for 2027. Further details on transfers and race options will be shared directly with affected participants in the coming months.
With Skyline Scotland joining the UTMB World Series, the circuit continues to strengthen its presence in the United Kingdom.
The news follows the equally welcome announcement that Ultra X had acquired both the Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse, two other iconic Ourea races, securing their future and honouring all entries for upcoming editions.
