Search

RUN247 / Running News / UTMB World Series Asia-Pacific Major moved from HK to Thailand for 2022

UTMB World Series Asia-Pacific Major moved from HK to Thailand for 2022

Joe Duckers
Staff Reporter
Updated on

UTMB World Series has confirmed the first ever Asia-Pacific Major has been moved from TransLantau by UTMB in Hong Kong and will now take place in Thailand.

Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, will now host the event – now branded as Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB – and is set to take place from 8-11 December.

Advertisement

Uncertainty

Marie Sammons, UTMB World Series Sports and Regeneration Director, has revealed the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing uncertainty regarding Hong Kong’s ability to welcome international runners prompted the decision to change the host country.

“UTMB World Series Majors are a real draw for international runners and the elite community due to the additional access they grant to the UTMB World Series Finals,” she said.

“It is important runners can plan their seasons, and unfortunately due to the continuing uncertainty around international travel to Hong Kong, we have had to change the destination to Thailand.

“We took this decision before entries open for both races to ease that change.

“TransLantau by UTMB is an extraordinary event, and we are fully committed to it and to Hong Kong as a destination.

“We can now move forward with more certainty knowing with confidence that Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB is an exceptional event for the first Asia-Pacific Major.”

UTMB says entries for TransLantau by UTMB, which is set to take place in Hong Kong between 4-6 November, will open on April 15.

Advertisement

Proven ability

UTMB organisers have pointed to Doi Inthanon’s proven ability in hosting previous events, its unique trails and position as an iconic global destination in awarding the region the hosting rights for the Asia-Pacific Major.

Doi Inthanon, based in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, also has good accessibility to athletes from across the globe and is well supported by its local government – according to UTMB.

UTMB has also confirmed that entries for Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB will open in mid-May.

Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB is one of 25 events as part of the inaugural UTMB World Series, which gives runners the chance to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals at UTMB Mont-Blanc 2023.

Written by
Joe Duckers

Latest Running News

John Kelly Damian Hall Barkley Marathons 2023 loop three with Laz photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
How Laz Lake’s “serendipitous discovery” became the world’s most inclusive test of endurance
Lazarus Lake day 2 Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
WATCH LIVE NOW: Big’s Backyard Ultra World Championship 2025 – will world record be beaten?
Chicago Marathon results 2025: Kiplimo follows up London form with thrilling Chicago win as Feysa dominates
Kilian Jornet States of Elevation 2025
Kilian Jornet conquers the near impossible again with ‘States of Elevation’
Korir John wins Boston Marathon 2025 Photo credit: Boston Athletic Association / Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon 2025: Start time, how to watch live and why world records could be at risk
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

Share to...