Runners invited to discover a brand-new event, Mallorca by UTMB

Press Release / 23.02.2024

Racing on Mallorca, the setting for a new UTMB race / © Jose Miguel Muñoz

The UTMB World Series has confirmed a new destination for 2024, with the announcement of a brand-new event, Mallorca by UTMB®. Set against the striking backdrop of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, the newly created event will offer the large community of trail runners across Spain even more opportunities to be part of the UTMB World Series, with three events now confirmed across the country, including Val d'Aran by UTMB and Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB®.

Taking place from the 1-3 November 2024, the concept of the event and the course designs are the work of a team of local runners coordinated by the Mallorcan Tófol Castanyer, winner of the CCC in 2012 and second in the 2014 edition of the UTMB®. Runners can choose from four UTMB Race Categories including 100M, 100K, 50K and 20K. The dates for priority registration for runners with a UTMB Index and the opening of general registration will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, offering a unique environment for runners. Supported by both the Mallorca Council and the Balearic Government, Mallorca by UTMB promises an unforgettable experience, with a very diverse route, where participants will run along vertiginous cliffs, through lush oak and pine forests, and traverse the steep peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana UNESCO World Heritage Site, from where they can admire the splendour of the Mediterranean.

Four Races in the Heart of the Mediterranean

Each of the four races take runners on a journey through a unique rural and cultural landscape. The work of the local people who have helped to shape this spectacular area is evident all around, as runners pass by dry-stone walls, centuries-old olive trees, towns, and villages.

With 140 kilometres and approximately 5,800 metres of elevation gain, the 100M category race will be a challenge only for the brave. Starting in the town of Sóller, runners will climb up to the Serra de Tramuntana, where they will be rewarded with incomparable views at the summit, before descending to sea level and finishing in the port of Sóller.

The 100K category race will be a 66km, 5,000m+ challenge, starting in the town of Sóller and finishing in the town of Pollença. The 100K is a collaboration with the pre-existing Mallorca 5000 race, and Mallorca by UTMB will welcome the local organizers as part of the event team to integrate the already successful race into the event.

Guillem Mascaró, director of the Mallorca 5000 said: “We are excited to formalize the inclusion of the Mallorca 5000 in the Mallorca by UTMB and to form part of this large sports project on the island.”

The 50K category race will offer a total immersion in nature over 42km and 2,600m+ through pine trees, heather and mountains.

At 26km, the 20K category race will start in the beautiful town of Valldemosa, Mallorca's historic village, and will also finish in Puerto de Sóller. With approximately 1,000 metres of positive elevation gain and 1,300 metres of negative elevation gain, runners can expect a magical experience between the green of the Serra de Tramuntana and the blue of the Mediterranean.

The routes, distances and locations are provisional, pending approval by the public authorities. They may therefore vary between now and the opening of registration. Each race will offer runners the chance to collect Running Stones, with direct qualification for the UTMB World Series Finals the reward for the top three male and female finishers in 100M, 100K and 50K races.

Xavier Pocino, CEO of UTMB® Iberia, said “Mallorca by UTMB will be the third event of the UTMB World Series in Spain. Our aim is for this event to mark a significant milestone in the field of trail running and sports tourism on the island. Mallorca has a large community of trail runners, so our intention is to bring them closer to the UTMB World Series experience and facilitate their access to the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, without them having to make long journeys.”

42 events are now confirmed for the 2024 UTMB World Series, giving trail running communities around the world the chance to find a race closer to them.