Two new long-distance events have been added to this year’s UTMB World Series, with competitors set to race across stunning landscapes in both China and the United States.
Regarded as one of the most challenging experiences on the ultra-marathon circuit, the series combines the rigours of trail running with hand-picked courses set amongst some of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Both of the new races will take place in November of this year, with the Ultra-Trail Shudao scheduled for the Sichuan Province of China on the 8th and 9th, and the HOKA Pacific Trails California planned for the 22nd and 23rd out on the Central Coast of California.
Unique journeys
UTMB officials are keen to expand a series which already offers athletes the opportunity to test their levels of endurance on trails in Europe, Asia, and both North and South America.
Florian Lamblin, Executive Director of the UTMB World Series, explained how both races had been developed in response to growing local demand and not only offer ‘unique opportunities to connect with nature and heritage’, but will also count towards qualification for the UTMB World Series Finals on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
“With HOKA Pacific Trails California and Ultra-Trail Shudao, we are proud to reinforce our ambition to bring the UTMB World Series to life in extraordinary places across the globe,” he said. “From the previously inaccessible trails of California’s Santa Ynez Valley to the culturally rich landscapes of Guangyuan in Sichuan, both events offer unique journeys that celebrate the essence of trail running – a deep connection between sport, nature, and local heritage.
“These new races reflect the strength of our global community and the growing desire for authentic, high-quality trail experiences in both North America and Asia.”
Growing market
With over 80,000 Chinese runners holding a valid UTMB Index, China ranks third globally in terms of UTMB Index holders. The Ultra-Trail Shudao will take athletes into the heart of the nation’s ancient mountains, with 100K, 50K, and 20K distances on offer. Participants will explore cloud-wrapped rice terraces, alpine meadows, steep ridgelines and ancient post roads.
Set in Jiange County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, the event traces sections of the legendary Shu Roads – an ancient network of mountain paths once vital to China’s early development – and will see runners ascending Daping Mountain at 1,073 metres above sea level.
Iconic landmarks such as the towering cliffs of Jianmen Pass, the ancient cypress-lined paths of the Cuiyun Corridor, and the Red Army slogans etched into Liujiayan Cliff are set to bring history to life along the way, alongside an immersive journey through moss-covered post roads dating back to the Qin Dynasty, bamboo forest trails and lantern-lit merchant houses.
Event Director, Qian Xin said: “We did not simply replicate the trail running model of the Alps. We designed the course along the Guangyuan section of the Jinniu Route, allowing runners to engage directly with the geographic landmarks immortalised in the Hard Roads to Shu as they scale the twin peaks of Jianmen Pass and traverse the ancient cypress groves of Cuiyun Corridor.
“The course design team spent five months integrating UTMB World Series standards with the archaeological insights into Shu Road culture, ensuring that every aid station and checkpoint carries cultural significance.”
A ‘Leave No Trace’ initiative will encourage runners to collect litter along the trail, with finishers receiving a seed paper medal – a meaningful symbol of environmental care and sustainability.
One of Asia’s most respected trail runners, Fuzhao Xiang, the runner-up at Western States this year, has voiced her support for the event, recognising its place on the international trail running stage.
“The Shu Dao not only has a treacherous geography but also carries a thousand years of history and culture,” she said. “I’m especially excited at the thought of running on Jianmen Pass and Cuiyun Lang, tracks full of the historical heritage of the Three Kingdoms Saga. This resonance with history is something no other race can give.”
‘A trail experience like no other’
Featuring 50km and 25km distances, the inaugural HOKA Pacific Trails California event will welcome 900 participants across the region’s breathtaking terrain, through winding mountains, open pastures, dramatic cliffs, vineyards, and olive groves – all set within a private ranch previously closed to public events.
Developed in collaboration with the ranch and local race director, Dillon Osleger, the event has ambitious plans for future growth, with longer distances and increased participation anticipated.
“The Central Coast of California is ecstatic to bring the UTMB World Series to our unique landscape,” said Osleger. “Our rugged, mountainous terrain rising above the Pacific Ocean offers a trail experience like no other, while our thousands of years of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American history are still deeply prevalent in this land.”
Priority registration for both events opened for UTMB Index holders on July 22, with general registration beginning on July 24th.
