The UTMB wrap up from 2025 features some staggering numbers.
Such as a combined distance of nearly 222 laps of the earth in their races – with elevation metres equivalent to over 53,000 ascents of Mount Everest.
But surely the most important metric is the increased participation of women – 44,563 women competed in 2025, which is up 11,620 on the previous 12 months.
However that is only just above the 30% mark so still a long way to go compared to the major road marathons which are getting much closer to a 50:50 split.
IRONMAN of course have a minority stake in the UTMB group. And in their triathlon events, women make up between 26-27% in half distance races and still just 20% in full-distance ones.
Staying close to home
The UTMB World Series comprised a record 55 events in 2025 – bringing together 146,933 runners over 266 races in 28 countries on five continents.
Collectively, participants covered 8.9 million kilometres – equivalent to nearly 222 laps of the Earth – and accumulated 470 million metres of positive elevation gain.
The circuit’s ambition to offer an accessible UTMB World Series experience close to home was clearly reflected in participation figures: 73% of registered runners came from the host country or neighbouring nations, including 58% from the organising country itself.
The circuit also continued to attract the sport’s top competitors. In 2025, 69% of athletes identifying as elites competed in at least one UTMB World Series race – an increase of 10 percentage points compared with 2024.
And the likes of Courtney Dauwalter, Katie Schide and Ruth Croft – who between them have dominated UTMB this decade – continue to raise the bar for women’s trail running at the professional level.
‘Tangible progress’
UTMB World Series continued its commitment to making trail running a sport where everyone feels welcome and represented.
From supporting women’s participation to improving accessibility for athletes with disabilities, UTMB say initiatives rolled out throughout the season “delivered tangible progress”.
They added: “As inclusion is a long-term journey, these efforts will continue in 2026, with the goal of removing remaining barriers and ensuring events are open to all.”
In 2025, 44,563 women took part in a race on the circuit, accounting for 30% of participants (+1 percentage point vs 2024, +5 percentage points vs 2022).
Key initiatives included 97% of events now providing feminine hygiene products and dedicated women’s facilities.
And the UTMB Live ensured equal coverage of the women’s and men’s race leaders, delivering balanced visibility. And 13 of the 55 events were covered in 2025, up from eight in 2024, underlining the growing popularity of the sport.
Reducing barriers
In 2025, 105 athletes benefited from Adaptive status, representing a 100% increase compared with 2024.
Team Adaptive, led by Team Manager Boris Ghirardi, participated for the second consecutive year at the flagship UTMB Mont-Blanc.
And their return was supported by a new mentoring programme, developed in partnership with leading elite athletes including François D’Haene, Blandine L’Hirondel and Sylvia Nordskar.
“The 2025 season reflects the shared energy that drives the UTMB World Series,” said Frédéric Lénart, Chief Executive Officer of the UTMB Group.
“Supported by our local teams, volunteers and partners, we continued to grow trail running by delivering exceptional experiences that bring people together, connect them with nature and support local communities. Over the course of the year, we also strengthened our environmental and social commitments.
“In 2026, we will build on this momentum, increasing our positive contribution to host regions and delivering trail running events that are increasingly authentic, sustainable and accessible.”
