Ironman just announced a new partnership with UTMB Group, a major player within the trail running industry. The two event organizers will launch a new trail-running circuit together called the UTMB World Series. The circuit kicks off with a first event in 2022. As host of the World Series finals, the UTMB Mont-Blanc trail run – a renowned event among trail runners – will be the highlight of the race schedule.
In a press release Ironman and UTMB refer to the World Series as “an extraordinary adventure for all runners” and “a revolution for the sport, that will bring the trail running community together through a new, integrated sports system that is open to all.”
“For over 40 years, we have worked to create event experiences that capture the imagination of people from around the world, producing life-changing race experiences for athletes of all levels, from their first step through the finish-line,” says Ironman CEO Andrew Messick. “We are grateful for the ability to partner with the talented team at UTMB Group as we marry our strengths in creating the UTMB World Series as a platform to elevate the extraordinary that exists in us all.”
So far eight UTMB races have been confirmed: Mont-Blanc (France, Italy and Switzerland), Val d’Aran (Spain), a race in Thailand, Panda Trail (China), Gaoligong (China), Tarawera Ultramarathon (New Zealand), the Ultra-Trail Australia, and the Mozart 100 (Austria).
