The UTMB World Series will welcome two new major events in 2027, increasing the global total to six. The new additions include Switzerland’s Wildstrubel by UTMB and California’s HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, which will join the four existing races in the series.
This expansion signifies that two of the six major events will take place in the United States, specifically in California. Canyons, located in Auburn, will be joined by HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB in Big Bear Lake as the only North American major events. Currently, Canada and Mexico, which are part of the North American UTMB circuit, do not host any major races. For North American athletes seeking to earn double Running Stones closer to home, the U.S. will be the destination, regardless of personal travel preferences.
Understanding major status
The UTMB World Series is an international trail-running circuit culminating in the UTMB Finals in Chamonix, France, where competitors race in various distances: OCC (approximately 50K), CCC (100K), and UTMB (around 160K). Throughout the season, runners can accumulate Running Stones, which provide lottery entries for the finals, with more stones increasing their chances of qualifying.
At major events, finishers earn double the Running Stones compared to regular World Series races. Additionally, the top 10 men and women in the 50K, 100K, and 100-mile categories gain direct entry to the respective Finals without needing to enter the lottery. The newly elevated majors will offer equal prize money for both men and women, enhanced anti-doping measures, and live coverage via UTMB Live.
This expansion follows a UTMB announcement regarding changes in automatic qualification for 2027, which eliminates the separate age-group spots that were previously available at major events. Now, only the top 10 men and women in each qualifying distance will receive automatic entry, with plans for an additional qualification route for age-group participants.
UTMB cuts direct qualification spots, leaving runners confused
Familiar races receive a major upgrade
The Canyons event has been a staple in Auburn, California, for 12 years, featuring courses through the Sierra Nevada foothills, with some trails overlapping with those of the Western States 100. This area has a rich history in American ultrarunning and is a favored option for those aiming to qualify for Western States.
Additionally, Canyons serves as the final Golden Ticket race for the 2027 Western States 100, where the top three women and men in the 100K will gain automatic entry. “We are delighted to be designated a UTMB World Series Major,” stated Canyons race director Chaz Sheya in the announcement. He noted that this new status will provide participants with double the Running Stones and international live coverage.
Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, Auburn, Calif. Photo: Howie Stern/UTMB
Wildstrubel has achieved major status after just five editions. Participants in this Swiss event race around the Wildstrubel massif, with five different race distances starting in various mountain communities and finishing in Crans-Montana.
The other four majors set for 2027 include Val d’Aran in Spain, Ultra-Trail Australia, Kodiak in California, and Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Registration information
The 2027 Canyons Endurance Runs are scheduled for April 22–25, and registration is currently open. For more details, visit the race website, here.
Wildstrubel will take place from September 9–12, 2027. Registration for participants with a valid UTMB Index will open on November 17, followed by general registration on November 19.
Further details about the six races can be found on the UTMB World Series website, here.