Trail runners targeting a place at UTMB, CCC or OCC will have more opportunities to boost their qualification hopes in 2027, with two events joining the UTMB World Series Majors.
Wildstrubel by UTMB in Switzerland and HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB in California have both been awarded Major status, bringing the total to six.
The change means double Running Stones for finishers at the two events, while the top 10 women and men in the 50K, 100K and 100M categories will earn automatic qualification for the corresponding UTMB World Series Finals races at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc.
What does Major status mean?
For runners dreaming of reaching the start line of the UTMB Finals in Chamonix, the headline benefit is the chance to collect twice as many Running Stones as at a regular World Series event.
Running Stones provide entries into the Finals lottery, so collecting more improves a runner’s chances of securing a place, subject to the entry requirements.
There is also a direct route for the leading athletes, with automatic qualification available for the top 10 women and top 10 men in each of the three categories.
The new Majors will have enhanced anti-doping checks, equal prize money for women and men, and live coverage through UTMB Live.
Wildstrubel earns Alpine promotion
Wildstrubel’s promotion follows just five editions of the Swiss event, which links five destinations around the Wildstrubel massif: Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Adelboden, Lenk and Kandersteg.
Its routes cross the cantons of Valais and Bern, with all five races sharing a finish in Crans-Montana against the backdrop of the region’s towering Alpine peaks.
Race director Ryan Baumann said: “We are very proud to become a UTMB World Series Major after only five editions.
“This recognition belongs above all to our local committee, station chiefs, volunteers, and institutional partners, who carried this project together from the very beginning.”
Alongside the main races, the event offers children’s and youth formats and supports a summer trail-running camp. It also makes 100 charity bibs available, with runners able to donate to local projects during registration.
Canyons adds to California’s Major appeal
Canyons brings another Major to California, joining HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB and giving North American runners two opportunities to compete at that level closer to home.
Based in Auburn, Canyons draws on the area’s long ultra-running heritage, with racing through the Sierra Nevada landscape.
There will also be Western States interest: organisers say the 2027 event will provide the final Golden Ticket opportunity on the calendar for the Western States 100.
Canyons race director Chaz Sheya said: “With international live coverage, 2027 is set to be a historic year for the event.”
Kodiak, held in Big Bear Lake, retains its Major status for 2027, with registration opening on November 17 for runners holding a valid UTMB Index.
The six UTMB World Series Majors for 2027
The two additions join established Majors in Australia, Spain, the United States and Thailand:
- Wildstrubel by UTMB — Switzerland: new Major
- HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB — United States: new Major
- HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB — Australia
- HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB — Spain
- HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB — United States
- HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB — Thailand
The wider UTMB World Series now comprises 69 events in 35 countries, with its Finals taking place at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc.
UTMB Group sports director Julien Chorier said: “Major status is awarded to leading events in their region, both because they offer extraordinary experiences to runners and because they showcase the local communities, including the elected representatives who support them.”
