Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Hiroshima, Japan, added to UTMB World Series
The races will take place next spring as both countries experience a surge in popularity for trail running
Posted On: August 13, 2026 By :The UTMB World Series is adding two new events to its 2027 calendar, one in Hiroshima, Japan, and the other in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Hiroshima Ultra-Trail UTMB will take place from April 9—11, 2027 with three distances available: 100K, 50K and 20K. The race will take runners from the heart of the city into the surrounding mountains with panoramic views across the Seto Inland Sea, while taking them past both the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) and the Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima.
Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB will be held from June 4—6, 2027, marking the first UTMB World Series event to take place in the southeastern United States. The 100K will take runners to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia, while the 50K and 20K formats will explore the trails around Chattanooga amid hardwood forests, scenic ridgelines and technical sections,
The UTMB World Series is the global trail running circuit that brings together elite and amateur athletes at international events staged in some of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. UTMB holds events across Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas and now comprises 67 events in 35 countries.
Gaining in Popularity
Trail running has been growing in popularity in both the United States and Japan. From 2025 to 2026, the number of runners with a UTMB Index increased by 26% in the United States to more than 53,000 total, while in Japan the number increased by 11% and now includes 30,000 members.
“The arrival of Hiroshima Ultra-Trail by UTMB and Ultra Trail Chattanooga by UTMB on the circuit reflects our commitment to supporting the development of trail running alongside passionate and engaged local communities,” said Florian Lamblin, executive director UTMB International. “Both events have a strong identity, deeply rooted in their region. In Hiroshima it is expressed through its history shaped by peace and resilience; in Chattanooga it comes to life in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Together they embody the promise of the UTMB World Series: authentic experiences driven by the local community and open to anyone wishing to discover trail running.”
“Welcoming the UTMB World Series to Chattanooga and the Southeast for the first time is a tremendous opportunity for our community,” said Susan Harris, interim CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “Trail runners and their families from around the world will stay at our hotels, dine at our restaurants and experience everything Chattanooga has to offer. This event creates strong economic impact for local businesses while showcasing Chattanooga’s position as a premier outdoor destination.”
This year’s UTMB calendar included the first race in the state of Pennsylvania, the Rothrock by UTMB, which was one of the year’s most anticipated events.
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