Kaga Spa Trail by UTMB

It’s August, and we can expect a tidal wave of exciting media announcements from across the pond as the Alps gear up for UTMB at the end of the month. Kicking things off in style is UTMB with a new addition to their World Series and their first event held in Japan.

Kaga Spa Trail Endurance 100 by UTMB^®, formerly known as OSJ Yamanaka Onsen Trail Running Race, is set to become the first UTMB^® World Series event to be held in Japan, welcoming runners from around the world to the Japanese ancient mountains and heritage Hot Springs, or Onsens, in the central district of Japan. The 2025 event will take place from 19-22 June, with entries opening for UTMB Index holders on 27 September while general registrations open to all runners on 29 September.

The event was founded in 2015 by Jiro Takikawa, who will continue as Race Director for Kaga Spa Trail Endurance 100 by UTMB. Trail runners heading to Japan for the 19-22 June 2025 event will have the opportunity to take part in three races, with a 100k, 50k and 20k on offer.

This brings the UTMB World Series to 46 events in total (for now – I’m expecting this not to be the last announcement this month). And yes, the ECC Global Race Series Calendar is woefully outdated… I promise I will update and add all the new events and dates very soon.