If you’re a trail runner, then you have probably heard about the UTMB race or Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. It is regarded as one of the most important and challenging ultramarathon trail races in the world.

Thousands of adventure lovers from around the world take part in this annual weeklong celebration leading up to a series of 7 races, with the title UTMB 100+ mile race serving as the major event.

However, the most interesting thing is that Mexico is entering the UTMB grand race this year for the first time ever in the history of its marathon trail race. By this turn, Mexico's all renowned trail runners will have the chance to discover them in a worldly position and experience the most fantastic adventure with panoramic views offered by the UTMB Puerto Vallarta.

In this article, we will know all about the first UTMB Race in Mexico "UTMB Puerto Vallarta", with a focus on the UTMB race.

Brief of the UTMB race

In concise, the UTMB is the famous destination ultramarathon trail race that starts and ends in Chamonix, a commune near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. The UTMB competition often entails running around 106 miles (170 km) around Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.

The top event, the UTMB, is a part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour and features a strict entrance policy that includes a lottery and a point system derived from qualifying races held globally over two years.

Since the UTMB Group and the IRONMAN Group partnered in 2021, the UTMB World Series will formally debut in 2022, and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc will be rebranded as the UTMB World Series Finals beginning with the Year 2023 Edition.

Mexico's Entry to the UTMB

Many trail runners consider the UTMB to be one of the most competitive (and largest) trail running events in the world and a space to experience great for ultra-loving runners. However, Mexico is taking part in this major event for the first time for the international ultramarathon community. This is the only UTMB® World Series event that has been formally announced in the Latin Americas to date, the Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run in Puerto Vallarta by UTMB® in Mexico along with the United States.

In October 2022, Puerto Vallarta, a city on Mexico's Pacific coast, will play host to an entirely brand-new event. UTMB Puerto Vallarta will highlight the best that the place has to offer. The city is known for the natural appeal of its beaches, which are encircled by the magnificent Sierra Madre mountains. This new race will have a true Mexican flair and cover distances of 55 km, 100 km, and 100 miles, taking runners from the deep pine mountain woods through the spectacular jungle and ancient colonial towns, while crossing endless rivers to the stunning bay of Puerto Vallarta.

Requirements to Getting Enter

Registration for Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB® opens in December 2021 and trail runners can choose from the distances to participate. Most of the routes pass through the Sierra Madre Occidental, a sacred location in the Wixárika cosmovision, which served as the source of motivation for the layout and names of each route: Wixárika (100 miles) means "the person of deep heart," Hikuri (100 km), also known as peyote, is regarded as a teacher and is referred to as "the wise," and Nakawé (55 km), recognized as "mother water." Happily, the beach at Puerto Vallarta, one of the most famous tourist spots in the Mexican Pacific, will serve as the finish line.

Note that this type of challenge often entails both physical and mental demands, so it is crucial to take the required safety precautions. The number of available places is limited, and will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries will be accepted beginning in December after the courses' specifics are made public.

Towards the UTMB® World Series Finals

In order to be eligible for the draw for the UTMB® World Series Finals beginning in 2023, Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB® finalists will achieve Running Stones. The draw for the UTMB®, CCC®, and OCC events of the UTMB® Mont-Blanc, which will serve as the UTMB® World Series Finals beginning in 2023. As the Running Stones are cumulative, the more Running Stones a runner gains, the more probable it is that the runner will achieve an entry.

Runners holding a valid UTMB® Index will have priority registration access for the UTMB® World Series Events, such as the Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB®. Have a fantastic adventure to the UTMB Puerto Vallarta!