Wildstrubel and Canyons Endurance Runs step up to UTMB World Series Majors in 2027

Two flagship events on the UTMB World Series circuit are stepping up. Wildstrubel by UTMB, held in early September 2027 in Switzerland, and HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, held in late April 2027 in California, will both become UTMB® World Series Majors from 2027. They join HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB, HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB, HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB and HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, taking the number of UTMB World Series Majors to six.

Two new Majors with deep local roots

From the Swiss Alps to California's Sierra Nevada, Wildstrubel by UTMB and HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB share what defines a UTMB World Series Major: a high level of competition, demanding and iconic courses, and top-tier organization.

Beyond the racing, the two events show in concrete terms the circuit's commitment to leaving a positive, lasting mark on each host region. Their local roots are one of their greatest strengths. They are driven by communities of runners, volunteers, and committed business and institutional partners, and they help put on the map regions where trail running has a long history and is still growing.

Wildstrubel by UTMB: undeniable impact in just five editions

In only five editions, Wildstrubel by UTMB has become a must-do date on the alpine trail running calendar. The event was built around a unifying idea: circle the Wildstrubel massif by linking five major resort destinations, Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Adelboden, Lenk and Kandersteg, spread across two cantons, Valais and Bern, and two language regions. Each town hosts the start of one of the five races, and all of them converge on a shared finish in Crans-Montana, facing the spectacular panorama of the Valais 4,000-meter peaks, a symbol of the event's spirit of togetherness.

© UTMB

© UTMB

© UTMB

© UTMB

Firmly rooted in the areas it crosses, the event works closely with local destinations and stakeholders, notably to help protect natural reserves. It also aims to make trail running accessible to as many people as possible, with free races from age 4, the Wild NextGen format for 10 to 17-year-olds, and support for the NextGen Camp, a summer camp for 12 to 18-year-olds run in partnership with the Académie Trail Running Valais (ATRV).

That openness goes hand in hand with a charitable commitment: 100 charity bibs, and the option for every runner to donate at registration to associations running projects with a local impact.

Becoming a UTMB World Series Major after just five editions makes us immensely proud. This recognition belongs first and foremost to our local committee, our aid station captains, our volunteers and our institutional partners, who have carried this project together since day one. It rewards an adventure deeply rooted in its territory, and it gives us the energy to keep growing Wildstrubel by UTMB while staying true to its identity.

Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB: the legacy of American ultrarunning

Now in its 12th year in Auburn, California, HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB takes place in one of the founding territories of ultrarunning in the United States. The course winds through the Sierra Nevada landscapes and draws on a long legacy and a historic community of runners and volunteers.

Every year the event brings together a top-level field and serves as a local celebration of endurance culture. Its commitment goes beyond the race itself: the organization supports local associations each year through charity bibs, and runners take part in trail maintenance and conservation work in collaboration with forestry authorities.

© UTMB

© UTMB

© UTMB

We're especially happy to be named a UTMB World Series Major. With twice as many Running Stones up for grabs for every participant on the road to the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, the unique energy and majestic trails of the Alps are more within reach than ever. With live international coverage, 2027 is shaping up to be a historic year for the event. As the last race on the calendar to offer a Super Golden Ticket for Western States 100, HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB promises an edition with a lot at stake and plenty of suspense.

Two benchmark events close to home for local runners

With their new status, both events give runners more chances to race a top-level event close to home and to keep progressing toward the UTMB World Series finals. Participants will earn twice as many Running Stones, and the top 10 women and top 10 men in each of the 50K, 100K and 100M races will earn direct qualification to one of the circuit's three finals at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc: OCC, CCC or UTMB.

© UTMB

The change also makes both events more attractive to elite athletes, who will find top-level fields and the chance to line up against the best runners in the sport.