Quito Trail by UTMB: running to the rhythm of the Andes
Set in the heart of the Andes, Quito Trail by UTMB® (1-3 August) promises an unforgettable adventure that blends rich cultural heritage with high-mountain challenge. Now in its third edition on the UTMB World Series circuit, the event will welcome more than 2,800 runners, 90% of whom are Ecuadorian, for five races (100K, 50K, two 20K and 8K) starting from the capital city. This year’s 37% female participation rate is a standout figure, reflecting the growing presence of women in trail running across South America. The elite field features Joaquin Lopez (ECU, UTMB Index 887) – 3rd in the UTMB distance at the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc 2024 – who will take on the 100K, while Leida Diaz Chavez (PER, UTMB Index 689), winner of the 50K at Torrencial Chile by UTMB® earlier this year, lines up for the same distance in Quito. Among this edition’s most inspiring stories of resilience and determination is that of Zamy Ramos, a Paralympic athlete from Ecuador who lost a leg in childhood. After completing the Tucán 30K in 2023, Ramos returns in 2025 determined to push his limits once again on the Quito trails. Beyond the racing, community initiatives ‘Juntos por Ecuador’ and ‘De Vuelta al Centro’ will bring residents and runners together to revitalise Quito’s historic centre with clean-up operations, mural painting and street beautification projects, making this trail a powerful catalyst for community engagement and positive change.
KAT100 by UTMB: 6 high-altitude challenges in the Austrian Alps
From 7 to 9 August 2025, the scenic Pillerseetal region in Austria – famed for its winter ski resorts – will come alive with the energy of trail running as KAT100 by UTMB® returns for its 6th edition, the 3rd as part of the UTMB World Series. More than 1,500 runners from 50 countries are preparing to take on one of Europe’s toughest trail running weekends. The programme features six races: the flagship 100M (173km, 9,900m D+), the Endurance Trail (100K), Marathon Trail (50K), Speed Trail (20K), Easy Trail (8km), and a Kids Trail for the next generation of runners. All events sold out months in advance, underlining the event’s ever-growing appeal. The elite line-up promises an exciting spectacle, with athletes including Ida-Sophie Hegemann (GER, UTMB Index 725), Alexander Hutter (AUT, UTMB Index 843), Adriana Moser (NLD, UTMB Index 627), and Grégoire Curmer (FRA, UTMB Index 810) among those to watch. KAT100 by UTMB combines world-class competition and respect for the Alpine environment. Runners and supporters are encouraged to travel by train, with discounted fares offered as part of a drive towards sustainable mobility. Alongside the racing, the event transforms Fieberbrunn into a lively meeting point for trail runners and locals alike. A bustling expo village, cultural activities and local gastronomy create a festival atmosphere, making KAT100 by UTMB not just a race weekend but a true celebration of Alpine spirit.
HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2025: the pinnacle of sport, inclusion and collective commitment
From 25 to 31 August, the 22nd edition of the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc will once again make Chamonix the beating heart of trail running, welcoming 10,000 runners to the Alps. This year 52% of participants hail from France, Italy and Switzerland, while women represent 25% of the total field across eight races and an impressive 44% of starters on the ETC (15km, 1,200m D+). As the UTMB World Series Finals, the event will bring together the sport’s biggest names. On the UTMB, François D’Haene (FRA, UTMB Index 865), Jonathan Albon (GBR, UTMB Index 927) and Courtney Dauwalter (USA, UTMB Index 843) are among the favourites. The CCC will see Francesco Puppi (ITA, UTMB Index 932), Toni McCann (ZAF, UTMB Index 803) and Fuzhao Xiang (CHN, UTMB Index 802) line up, while Judith Wyder (SUI, UTMB Index 804) and Nadir Maguet (ITA, UTMB Index 923) headline the OCC. All races will be broadcast live on UTMB Live.
True to its founding values, the event goes far beyond sport. Building on over 20 years of commitment to solidarity, community engagement, environmental stewardship and inclusion, this year’s edition will mark new milestones in each of these areas: Team Adaptive returns for a second year with 14 athletes with disabilities now supported by a bespoke mentorship programme pairing them with iconic trail figures. 260 Charity Bibs have been sold in aid of recognised public-interest associations, channelling vital funds to meaningful causes. A sustainable travel policy encourages lowest-carbon journeys to Chamonix via the UTMB GO platform, with dedicated buses reducing car use on key course locations by up to 80%. Voluntary carbon contributions are also available to offset travel impact. Aid stations will feature locally sourced produce, and trail restoration projects are underway alongside a host of other sustainability initiatives. A wide range of measures are also in place in support of women’s participation: female hygiene kits are available at aid stations, along with dedicated WCs and changing areas. Gender parity is upheld on the elite start lines, in prize money allocation and throughout all event communications. A welcome kid policy is in place, roundtable discussions are organised to share experiences and promote inclusion, and women-only WhatsApp groups offer a space for exchanging advice and best practices.
A pre-event press release with further details will be issued in mid-August.