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UTMB-Group Runs 2026 Zugspitz‑Ultratrail as Longtime Title Sponsors Step Back

The handover kept the race’s familiar community spirit while UTMB’s decision to let Salomon and Ledlenser contracts lapse has led to a rebrand and earlier, possibly lottery-based registration for 2027.

Overview

  • UTMB-Group took over organization from the previous local promoter and delivered the 2026 Zugspitz‑Ultratrail with nearly 5,000 runners and a broadly positive, festive atmosphere.
  • Race operations were tested by heat and thunderstorms, forcing start-time shifts, distance cuts, extra water stations and two helicopter evacuations for injuries.
  • UTMB allowed the long-running Salomon and Ledlenser title-sponsor agreements to expire so the event will carry a ‘by UTMB’ name from 2027, reducing visible sponsor branding in the race title.
  • Salomon says it will remain involved in other ways but its contracted athletes are likely to be less present, and some competitors say the change could affect whether they return.
  • Organizers plan to open 2027 registration earlier in the autumn with a possible lottery after prior server failures, and the race will again be held on the third June weekend, preserving its local economic and community role.