HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB Returns as UTMB World Series Major this October

March 4, 2026

Americas Major, giving all finishers more opportunities to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc:

• The 2026 HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB will once again serve as the UTMB World Series Americas Major, giving all finishers more opportunities to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc
• Visit Big Bear and event organizers have signed a new three-year contract to host event through 2028; Visit Big Bear’s continued investment underscores the community’s commitment to the success of HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB
• HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB has seen impressive growth since 2023; organizers expecting to welcome over 2,500 runners each year to Big Bear Lake in the coming three years

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (March 4, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The UTMB^® World Series is proud to announce that the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB^® will continue as the exclusive UTMB World Series Major Americas Major in 2026. Furthermore, an extended partnership with Visit Big Bear has been reached for the next 3 years, ensuring that Big Bear Lake plays a crucial role in the road to the UTMB World Series Finals at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc through 2028.

UTMB World Series Majors provide finishers with double Running Stones compared to standard UTMB World Series Events, dramatically improving their odds in the Finals lottery. The four Majors offer direct qualification for the Finals to the top ten men and women in the 100M, 100K, and 50K distances, alongside age-group winners, allocating 210 coveted slots annually. Additionally, Majors feature enhanced prize purses, commitment to gender parity, and increased visibility for both elite and community runners.​

The extended partnership with Visit Big Bear will foster even greater event experiences and growth in the years ahead. Visit Big Bear’s investment ensures ongoing support, exciting community programming, and memorable runner experiences—from registration through race week.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB to keep the event in Big Bear Lake through 2028,” said Travis Scott, CEO, Visit Big Bear. “This race has been part of our community’s DNA since 2013, drawing athletes and fans who fall in love with our high-alpine trails, local hospitality, and vibrant finish in The Village. As the 2025 UTMB World Series Americas Major, Kodiak showcases Big Bear Lake on a global stage—and this extension ensures we’ll keep welcoming the world’s best trail runners while driving meaningful benefits for our residents and businesses.”

Since 2023, participation at HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB has surged—solidifying Big Bear Lake as a centrepiece in the trail running ecosystem. Organizers expect to consistently host over 2,500 runners annually across five distances for the next three years, transforming Big Bear into a must-visit race and training destination.​ Runners are invited to return throughout the year to train in the high-altitude, variable terrain that makes Big Bear a premier site for trail preparation and adventure.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Visit Big Bear. The support of this incredible community allows the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons to grow while maintaining the unique trail experience our runners love. Together, we’re building something truly special with an event that celebrates the beauty, challenge, and camaraderie of Big Bear’s trails,” said Susie Schmelzer, Race Director for the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB.

The HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc is the pinnacle event of the trail running year that takes runners on an unforgettable journey through the trails of the Mont-Blanc region between France, Italy and Switzerland.

To date there are over 64 Events across the Americas, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and Asia currently confirmed for the 2026 UTMB World Series, to view a full calendar of events, visit https://utmb.world/utmb-world-series-events.

For more information about the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB visit https://kodiak.utmb.world/. For more information about the 2026 UTMB^® World Series visit https://utmb.world/ .

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About UTMB^® World Series

UTMB^® World Series is the trail running circuit that brings together the best athletes in the sport and amateur runners in top international events held in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. The UTMB^® World Series is rooted in a passion for the mountains and respect for the environment and offers trail running enthusiasts the chance to experience the UTMB^® adventure across the globe, with events taking place in Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas. This is the way for everyone to start their quest towards the HOKA UTMB^® Mont-Blanc, where the UTMB^® World Series finals take place. Launched in May 2021 with the collaboration of UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, the UTMB^® World Series circuit brings together 64 events in 29 countries. For more information, visit https://utmb.world.