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Golden trail World series 2025 Kicks Off in Japan; U.S. Athletes Poised for Strong Showing
KOBE,Japan (Archyde.com) — The Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) 2025 launched its season in Kobe, Japan, on April 19, promising a more international, technically challenging, and captivating series of races than ever before.Nine races, held in iconic locations across the globe, will test the world’s best trail runners in a format that balances athletic performance, strategic acumen, and environmental sustainability.
The Kobe Trail, nestled in the mountainous heart of Japan, served as the starting point for a circuit designed to blend intense athletic competition with the cultural richness of each host city.The series spans from Asia to the Americas and Europe, setting the stage for compelling rivalries, unique courses, and a global narrative that unfolds race by race.
an Explosive and Strategic Start
The Kobe Trail, with its 21.3 kilometers and 2,100 meters of positive elevation gain, is recognized as one of the most technically demanding courses on the GTWS circuit.”Not only because of the physical hardness, but also by the technical and strategic elements that define it, taking the runners to the limit from the first meter,” officials said. Adding to the challenge,the race begins with a descent,demanding unusual effort management from the outset and pushing athletes’ legs to thier limits.The course layout, designed in a “flower” format with multiple loops, enhances event logistics and provides continuous viewing opportunities for spectators, transforming the race into a spectacle for both local fans and those following online. The event is deeply embedded in Kobe’s natural and cultural habitat, merging the intensity of trail running with Japanese tradition. Last year’s winning times set a high bar, with Patrick Kipngeno clocking in at 2:22:17 and Maude Mathys at 2:52:08.
Top Male Contenders in Kobe
Several athletes entered the Kobe race as favorites:
Patrick Kipngeno (Sky Runners kenya): The 2024 Kobe Trail winner and record holder is a formidable competitor. “His ability to fly up and its effectiveness becoming a fearsome rival in circuits like this,” one analyst noted.Kipngeno finished second overall in the 2024 GTWS, with notable victories including the Four Sisters race in China. He holds two world titles and several silver medals in classic races and currently leads both the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) and ITRA (International trail Running Association) rankings.
Sylvain Cachard (France – Hoka): Cachard brings speed and experience to technical courses like the Kobe trail. The 2022 European champion in the Classic distance, Cachard has demonstrated adaptability to technically challenging terrain. His achievements include a fourth-place finish at Sierre-Zinal in 2023 and wins in races like the Skyrace des Matheysins. philemon Kiriago (Kenya – Sky Runners Kenya): Kiriago,who finished fourth overall in the 2024 GTWS,has proven his versatility with strong performances,including second place at Headlands (USA) and third at mammoth Trail Fest. He was also the runner-up at the World Classic Distance Championships in Innsbruck and finished second at Sierre-Zinal 2024.
daniel Pattis (Italy – Brooks): Pattis, who finished fifth overall in the 2024 GTWS, is known for his competitive maturity, especially on technical trails.
Female Athletes to Watch
The women’s race in Kobe promised a high-level competition:
Joyce Mutoni Seedu (Kenya – Nnormal): The reigning 2024 GTWS champion, seedu excels in shorter, explosive races. Despite Kobe’s technical challenges, she remains a top contender. Last year, she finished fifth with a time of 2:59:41.
Sara Alonso (Spain – Asics): Alonso, who finished second in Kobe in 2024 with a time of 2:58:34, combines power and technique, making her a strong competitor on demanding courses.
Mădălina florea (Romania – Scott): Florea, who trained at altitude in Kenya, finished sixth in the 2024 GTWS and third at Sierre-Zinal.
the Osa (Speed – Salomon): At just 22 years old,Osa secured third place in the GTWS general after stellar performances,including second place in Zegama-Aizkorri and fifth place in Kobe.
Lauren Gregory (USA – Nike): Gregory has demonstrated remarkable efficacy with few appearances, third in Headlands and second in the grand final of the GTWS, closed the circuit in seventh position.
Race Schedule and Live Coverage
the races took place on Saturday, April 19, with staggered starts:
Women’s Race: 13:05 Local Time (JST) / 06:05 CET / 21:05 PDT (Friday, April 18)
Men’s Race: 13:35 Local Time (JST) / 06:35 CET / 21:35 PDT (Friday, April 18)
both categories tackled the same 21.3-kilometer course with 2,100 meters of elevation gain.The GTWS provided live coverage through official social media channels, offering updates, videos, intermediate classifications, and real-time commentary. Complete summaries will be available in over 100 countries and on Eurosport.
Kobe: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Kobe offers runners a unique immersion into local culture, environmental respect, and mountain spirituality. Located in the Kansai region,Kobe balances modernity and tradition. as one of the first Japanese ports open to international trade after the Meiji Restoration, Kobe became a symbol of cultural dialog. Today, it remains a bridge between East and West, with historical neighborhoods, diverse architecture, and a rich cultural mix. Its connection to nature and sacred landscapes makes it an ideal location to launch a global trail running series.
GTWS: A New Era
Salomon and Warner Bros. discovery (WBD) Sports Europe have collaborated to broadcast and elevate the GTWS’s international profile. WBD Sports Europe oversees the production and distribution of broadcasts, promotion on digital platforms, and global marketing. The GTWS has also unveiled a new RSC (Responsible Sports Commitment) program,with details to be revealed at the 2025 grand final,and a refreshed visual identity.
GTWS 2025 Calendar
the Golden Trail World Series 2025 includes the following races:
April 19: Kobe Trail (Kobe, Japan)
April 26: Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race (Chengde, Hebei, China)
May 17: The Gulf of the Trail Island (Noli, italy)
May 25: Zegama-Aizkorri (Zegama, Spain)
June 22: Broken Arrow Skyrace (Olympic Valley, CA, USA)
June 29: Tepec Trail (Huasca de Ocampo, Mexico)
August 2: Pitz Salomon Alpine Shield Lake (Pitztal, Austria)
August 9: Zinal Circuit (Sierre, Switzerland)
October: Grand Final (Ledro Valley – Garda Trentino)
Counterargument: While the GTWS aims for sustainability, the environmental impact of international travel for athletes and spectators remains a concern.Organizers are working to mitigate this through carbon offsetting programs and promoting responsible travel practices, but the issue highlights the inherent challenges of global sporting events.
FAQ: Golden Trail World Series 2025
Q: how can I watch the Golden Trail World Series races live?
A: Live coverage is available through the official GTWS social media channels. Check the GTWS website for specific links and schedules.
Q: What makes the Kobe Trail race so challenging?
A: The Kobe Trail features a combination of technical terrain, significant elevation gain (2,100 meters), and an unusual starting descent, requiring runners to manage their effort strategically.
Q: Where do American athletes typically place in the Golden Trail World Series?
A: American athletes have achieved notable success in the GTWS, with several runners consistently placing in the top 10 in various races and the overall series standings.
Q: What is the new RSC program for the GTWS?
A: The RSC (Responsible Sports Commitment) program is a new initiative focused on sustainability and social obligation within the Golden Trail World Series. More details will be revealed at the grand final in October 2025.Q: Will the Golden Trail World Series be held in the U.S. in 2025?
A: Yes, the Broken Arrow Skyrace in Olympic Valley, California, is part of the GTWS 2025 calendar and is scheduled for June 22.
