Three new events bring the UTMB World Series experience closer to home in Romania, Latvia, and Canada

The UTMB® World Series circuit continues its mission to bring UTMB experiences to runners in their own backyards, welcoming three new events in 2026. Taking place in Romania, Latvia and Canada, each location will celebrate the local natural beauty, culture and trail-running heritage of its region while offering athletes the chance to experience the UTMB World Series closer to home and in partnership with passionate local organisers.

Florian Lamblin, Executive Director at UTMB World Series, said: “Welcoming Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB® in Romania, Gauja Trail by UTMB® in Latvia, and Boréalys Mont-Tremblant by UTMB® in Québec is an exciting step in bringing the UTMB World Series experience closer to these vibrant trail communities, where trail running is very dynamic. We are proud to partner with local organisers whose passion and proven expertise ensure that every runner will enjoy an unforgettable, event – true to the UTMB World Series experience.”

Discovering Romania’s wild heart at Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB

Romania’s debut UTMB World Series event, Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB®, takes runners into the wild heart of the country from 24-26 July 2026. This long-standing event, entering its 7th edition in 2026, is firmly rooted in a region that is particularly dynamic when it comes to trail running, with more than 10,000 UTMB Index holders in Romania. Now, it is joining the UTMB World Series circuit for the first time. For its first edition in the circuit, Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB 2026 unfolds under the concept “The Bridge Between Roots.” After finding the inner path and climbing the mountain within, runners now step outward, carrying the spirit of Bucovina into the UTMB family.

Set amidst Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB promises exhilarating trails with a mix of rocky limestone ridges, the UNESCO-listed Slătioara primeval beech forest, and the legendary stone citadels of Lady’s Rocks, steeped in centuries-old folklore.

With six races distances on offer - 116km, 75km, 46km, 31km, 21km and 15km - runners will set out from the host town of Câmpulung Moldovenesc to explore the very best of the region. It is a true community gathering, defined by hospitality that turns runners into fans, cultural collaborations with local artists, and initiatives that deliver measurable impact: from reforestation to food donation. Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB is also setting new benchmarks in sustainability leadership across the Carpathians.

Race Director Paul Smereciuc said, “For centuries these mountains have forged resilient communities; now they will forge trailrunning legends. Joining the UTMB World Series lets us share Bucovina’s wild beauty with the world and invite runners to climb not only our peaks but the summits inside themselves. We can’t wait to welcome the global trail family to Romania’s wild heart in 2026.”

Robert Hajnal, Romanian elite runner (UTMB Index 850): “After UTMB, Bucovina Ultra Rocks is the race where I’ve toed the line the most. I came to the first edition for the mountains, but I’ve returned every year for the people. I’m truly happy to see Bucovina Ultra Rocks joining the UTMB World Series, because it’s our chance to share with the world the beauty of Romania and the legendary spirit of Bucovina.”

Registration opens on 11 September 2025 at bucovina.utmb.world.

Baltic beauty meets medieval history at Gauja Trail by UTMB

Latvia’s first UTMB World Series event takes runners deep into the calm Baltic beauty of Gauja National Park from 1-2 August 2026. Four race distances – 100K, 50K, 20K and 10K – will traverse and uncover the towns of Sigulda, Līgatne, and Cēsis, meander along the Gauja River valley, via craft villages and pass iconic through iconic checkpoints at medieval landmarks.

With low elevation gain and well-kept trails, the race offers a welcome entry point for those new to the sport, while promising a unique challenge and cultural experience for more experienced runners.

This new event also opens the door to local neighbouring trail communities which connects the Baltic region to the UTMB World Series for the first time, offering an exciting new opportunity for runners from regions such as Estonia, Lithuania and Finland. The event places sustainability at its core, with initiatives like no plastic cups at checkpoints, free entry for local runner’s under-18, and ongoing trail maintenance initiatives in Gauja National Park.

Race Director, Rimants Liepins said, “Gauja National Park is a living canvas where nature and history meet. From sandstone caves dating back 10,000 years to hilltop castles and rare orchids, it represents everything Latvia stands for - resilience, beauty, and balance with Nordic nature.”

Registration opens on 9 September 2025 for UTMB Index Holders, and 11 September for all at gauja.utmb.world

Québec’s rugged trails and rich traditions come alive at Boréalys Mont-Tremblant by UTMB

The Laurentian Mountains of Québec set the stage for Boréalys Mont-Tremblant by UTMB, where technical, root-filled, and rocky trails wind through dense boreal. With significant elevation gain, the event promises a tough but unforgettable adventure from 14-16 August 2026.

Race distances include four HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc qualifiers: 100K, 50K, and two 20K; a 5K event, plus a kid’s race and a 80K relay race, which invites teams to run for a cause and raise funds for Québec Epilepsy Association and the Foundation Tremblant which helps underprivileged children in the MRC des Laurentides.

Inspired by the legend of La Chasse-Galerie, the event blends cultural storytelling, traditional music, and local cuisine with a demanding trail challenge. Locally driven by Harricana Events, a trail running leader in Canada, Boréalys Mont-Tremblant by UTMB carries forward the expertise and spirit of a team that has shaped some of the country’s most renowned races. With over 16,000 UTMB Index holders in Canada, this event will meet a strong demand in Eastern Canada, joining Whistler by UTMB on the list of UTMB World Series events in Canada and will bring to 11 the number of events in the circuit in North America.

“Boréalys Mont-Tremblant by UTMB, inspired by the courage of our ancestors who cleared our land with the sweat of their brow. On the mountain of spirits, which will tremble to the rhythm of your footsteps, you will have to face your demons and return from the darkness of the forest before the twelfth stroke of midnight, just like the lumberjacks in the legend of the chasse-galerie. As cunning as the Devil, it is unforgiving and will demand the best of you. Between dense forest, challenging elevation changes, streams, rocks, roots and breathtaking panoramas, the legendary atmosphere of Boréalys will give you a unique experience in the heart of French-speaking America.” - Frédéric Ménard, race director

Registrations open from 16 September 2025 for UTMB Index Holders, and 18 September 2025 for all at borealys.utmb.world