HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB Returns as Americas Major Through 2028
This October, the mountain air of Big Bear Lake will once again pulse with the energy of thousands of
trail runners as the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB returns as the exclusive Americas Major
on the UTMB World Series calendar. With a newly extended three-year partnership between race
organizers and Visit Big Bear, the high-altitude event is now secured through 2028—solidifying Big
Bear’s place on the global ultra-running map. For competitive and amateur runners alike, the Major
designation is more than a title. As part of the UTMB World Series structure, Majors award double
Running Stones compared to standard series races—dramatically increasing an athlete’s chances in
the lottery for the coveted Finals. The top ten men and women in the 100M, 100K, and 50K distances
earn direct qualification, along with age-group winners, accounting for 210 automatic slots each year.
Enhanced prize purses, gender parity commitments, and heightened international visibility further
distinguish these events from the rest of the circuit. The road ultimately leads to the HOKA UTMB
Mont-Blanc, the crown jewel of trail running.
Held in the Mont-Blanc region across France, Italy, and
Switzerland, the Finals represent the pinnacle of the sport—a dream destination for endurance athletes
worldwide. Since joining the UTMB World Series in 2023, Kodiak has experienced impressive growth.
Organizers anticipate welcoming more than 2,500 runners annually over the next three years, spread
across five race distances. The surge in participation reflects not only the global appeal of the UTMB
brand, but also the magnetic pull of Big Bear’s rugged beauty—its high-alpine terrain, pine-lined
singletrack, and challenging elevation profiles offering ideal preparation for elite mountain racing. The
extended partnership ensures continued investment in community programming, runner experience,
and economic vitality for the region. From registration through race week celebrations in The Village,
the event showcases Big Bear Lake as both a premier race destination and year-round training ground
for endurance athletes. With over 55 events worldwide forming part of the 2026 UTMB World Series
circuit, the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB stands tall as the Americas Major—inviting runners
from around the globe to test their limits in one of California’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes.
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