Rothrock by UTMB to debut in Pennsylvania in 2026 as latest UTMB World Series event

Photo by Pablo Lopez

STATE COLLEGE, Pa./CHAMONIX, France (Shared by Sports Events Media Group)—The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series announced that Rothrock by UTMB would join its 2026 North American calendar, marking the circuit’s second East Coast race alongside the Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB. The inaugural event is scheduled for May 16–17, 2026, in Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest.

The new 50K and 25K races build on the long-running Rothrock Trail Challenge, established in 2009 and known for its rugged terrain and community-focused atmosphere. The 25K course will maintain the traditional Trail Challenge route, long recognized as a stop in the La Sportiva Mountain Cup Series. UTMB officials said they were partnering with the previous race management team to preserve the event’s heritage.

“We are excited to welcome runners to the wilds of Pennsylvania and offer an experience like none other, that is rugged, raw, and uniquely beautiful,” says Meira Minard, co-race director for Rothrock by UTMB. “With more than 95,000 acres, the Rothrock State Forest offers an amazing diverse challenge due to its beautiful scenery and mountainous terrain with an unforgettable climb up Tussey Mountain. We are proud to combine these epic courses with the incredible UTMB World Series experience and showcase just what makes this area so special this coming May.”