• Ultra-Trail Shudao by UTMB® set in Sichuan province, China on November 8-9,2025
• HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB® takes place on November 22-23, 2025 on the Central Coast of California.

UTMB® World Series is happy to announce the addition of two new events to its 2025 calendar. Both races have been developed in response to growing local demand and offer unique opportunities to connect with nature and heritage closer to home, while also earning Running Stones for the UTMB World Series Finals at the HOKA UTMB® Mont Blanc.

Florian Lamblin, Executive Director UTMB World Series said, “With HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail Shudao by UTMB®, we are proud to reinforce our ambition to bring the UTMB World Series to life in extraordinary places across the globe. 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.”

Ultra-Trail Shudao by UTMB joins the UTMB World Series, uniting trail running and ancient Chinese heritage

A new adventure awaits trail runners in the heart of China's ancient mountains as Ultra-Trail Shudao by UTMB® makes its debut on the UTMB® World Series calendar from 8-9 November 2025. With 100K, 50K, and 20K distances, participants will explore cloud-wrapped rice terraces, alpine meadows, steep ridgelines and ancient post roads - a living museum shaped by nature, time and tradition.

Trail of time, path of legends

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. Spanning the regions of Jiange and Zhaohua, runners will ascend ascend Daping Mountain at 1,073 metres above sea level before traversing the cloud-wrapped terraced fields of Chatianping. 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 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 immortalized 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.”

Preserving heritage, celebrating nature

The fifth UTMB World series event in mainland China forms part of the city's development strategy and actively supports cultural heritage through thoughtfully designed merchandise and race packs co-created with local artisans and full of local culture. Participants will also enjoy discounted access to the “Shu Road ICH Experience” tour route, including Jianmen Pass, Tangjiahe Nature Reserve and g post-race recovery at Zengjiashan Ski Resort.

A “Leave No Trace” initiative encourages runners to collect litter along the trail, with finishers receiving a seed paper medal - a meaningful symbol of environmental care and sustainability. First launched at Ultra-Trail Mount Yun by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail Great Wall by UTMB®, the initiative reflects the commitment to protecting China's natural and cultural environments.

A growing community: trail running in Asia in the spotlight

With over 80,000 Chinese runners holding a valid UTMB Index, China ranks third globally in terms of UTMB Index holders. In 2024, over 90% of participants at UTMB World Series events held in Asia were local to the region - a testament to the continent's strong and growing trail running community.

Two of the most respected trail runners in Asia, Jiasheng SHEN (UTMB Index 898) and Fuzhao XIANG (UTMB Index 795) voiced their support for the event, recognising its place on the international trail running stage.

XIANG Fuzhao: “The Shu Dao not only has a treacherous geography but also carries a thousand years of history and culture. 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.”

SHEN Jiasheng: “I was extremely impressed by the magnificent natural scenery and strong historical heritage of the Shu Dao. As a runner, it is an unparalleled experience to challenge myself on such an ancient route carrying history and civilization.”

Key information:

• Priority registration for UTMB Index holders will open on 07/22, and general registration beginning 07/24
• Website: https://shudao.utmb.world

Golden State Trails Beckon: HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB brings the Central Coast of California to the 2025 UTMB World Series

Featuring 50km and 25km distances, the inaugural event locally announced earlier this month takes place on November 22-23, 2025, and will welcome 900 participants. Designed to highlight the region's breathtaking terrain, runners will explore exclusive trails that are rarely accessible, offering a unique perspective on California's iconic landscapes. The event has strong ambitions for future growth, with longer distances and increased participation planned, building on a successful inaugural edition.

An exclusive escape into vintage California

Just 25 minutes from the Santa Ynez Valley, this one-of-a-kind event invites runners on an extraordinary adventure through winding mountains, open pastures, dramatic cliffs, vineyards, and olive groves - all set within a private ranch previously closed to public events.

Participants will have the rare opportunity to discover vintage California at Rancho San Fernando Rey, covering over 30,000 acres and featuring more than 100 miles of roads and trails. Developed in collaboration with the ranch and local Race Director Dillon Osleger, the event reflects a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to delivering a high-quality, immersive experience in a truly unique environment.

“The central coast of California, especially the communities along the transverse ranges from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara, is ecstatic to bring the UTMB World Series to our unique landscape,” said Dillon Osleger, Race Director for the HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB. “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."

The surrounding region is also known for its world-class wine tasting, Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic coastlines and Californian hospitality, making it an ideal destination for both runners and supporters pre and post event.

Closer than ever: UTMB World Series experience continues to expand in the United States. With over 40,000 runners holding a valid UTMB Index, the United States ranks sixth globally in terms of UTMB Index holders. In 2024, 81% of participants taking part in UTMB World Series races in the US were American, highlighting the strong demand for world-class trail events across the country. Of all the American results recorded in the UTMB World Series in 2024, 76% were recorded on home soil.

For more information, visit https://pacifictrails.utmb.world.

• Priority registration for HOKA Pacific Trails California by UTMB will open to UTMB Index holders on July 22nd, with general registration beginning July 24th at pacifictrails.utmb.world/register.