STATE COLLEGE, Pa./CHAMONIX, France—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.”
Florian Lamblin, executive director of UTMB International, said the partnership would highlight the region’s landscape and tight-knit trail community.
“We are thrilled to continue the legacy of Rothrock by UTMB, to carry forward this journey, and to collaborate closely with the local teams,” says Lamblin. “This new collaboration will allow us to bring the very best of the UTMB World Series experience while celebrating the unique landscapes, trails, and communities of Rothrock. We can’t wait to offer runners an unforgettable adventure in a region that truly embodies the spirit of trail running and community.”
Set in Rothrock State Forest outside State College, known as “Happy Valley,” the race will immerse runners in rugged ridges, fern-filled valleys, and rhododendron tunnels. The new 50K route will cross the Tussey Ridge Trail, pass the iconic “beer tap” stop, descend the Tussey Mountain Extension, weave through the John Wert Path and Bear Meadows Natural Area, and traverse newly built trails in the Musser Gap area before reaching Highline Vista.
“It’s always a great day—a day spent with trail family soaking up the magic of Rothrock!” says Brock Rider, a State College–based trail runner. “This epic course will test your mind and body. From the beautiful ridge trails to the punchy climbs and gnarly descents, this race has a little bit of everything. Just leave your road shoes at home.”
Organizers plan to distribute more than $40,000 to the greater Rothrock community over the next three years through grants that support nonprofits nurturing outdoor recreation and protecting the trails and natural spaces, including the Rothrock Trail Alliance.
UTMB officials said adding an East Coast event expands opportunities for runners to earn Running Stones and qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc. Rothrock becomes the 12th North American event on a global calendar of more than 60 races.
“Rothrock by UTMB showcases the best of Pennsylvania’s outdoor offerings and demonstrates that we have the speed and agility to compete globally,” says Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s director of outdoor recreation. “The natural beauty and technical challenges provided by our rugged public lands will undoubtedly draw the world’s top athletes to test themselves in Pennsylvania.”
“Rothrock by UTMB represents a tremendous opportunity to drive new economic activity while showcasing the strength of our outdoor community,” says Eric Engelbarts, executive director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance. “Events of this caliber help elevate the overall experience for residents and visitors and reinforce Happy Valley’s position as a premier destination.”
Priority registration opened Dec. 9, with general registration beginning Dec. 11.
