Field Journal

Photography by Benedict Tufnell

‘Ironman has Kona, cycling has the Tour de France, now ultra running has the Ultra X World Championships.’

Taking place in Slovenia in June 2021, the very first Ultra X World Championships will take place, a week-long stage event bringing together the world’s best ultra runners who will compete for the undisputed title of multi-day trail racing King or Queen. 100 elite ultra runners and 150 competitors who have qualified by other means will race 250km over five days in the mountains of Slovenia, chosen for its status as the world’s most sustainable country.

Co-Founder, Sam Heward, says: ‘When we mapped out our plan for Ultra X, we wanted to create a global community of like-minded individuals who love running and adventure, to launch the largest series of multi-stage ultra races on the planet, in deserts, jungles, mountains, and on remote islands.’

‘We wanted to make ultra running more accessible and affordable to those who wanted to take part. And finally, we wanted to host the first multi-stage ultramarathon World Championships. The Kona, IRONMAN equivalent, or the Tour de France of cycling. We’re very excited to see our vision become a reality.’

Competitors can secure their spot on the start line by competing at other Ultra X races, being a part of the Ultra X allegiant scheme (completing two Ultra X events in the two years before the World Championships) or by winning one of two free places in the launch competition. Ultra X will also be offering 20 charity spots to those committed to raising money for a charity of their choosing.