The TransLantau ultramarathon by UTMB came under fire last week after a logistical error left hundreds of runners without water in the 50K race. Participants, particularly in the 50km race, faced severe water shortages, insufficient course markings, and a lack of support at the finish line—all while a No. 3 typhoon signal was in effect. After 18 per cent of the participants did not finish, UTMB sent an apology to all runners.
Out of 832 entrants in the 50K race on Lantau Island, near Hong Kong, 151 runners did not finish. According to a report, the water supplies at key checkpoints ran dry for participants in waves two and three, forcing many to abandon the event.
Finishers in longer races also reportedly faced disorganization at the finish line, where supplies were lacking, leaving participants to “fend for themselves” late at night amid typhoon conditions. One runner recounted arriving at the finish at 3 a.m. only to find no food available. “I saw the stage and a bunch of people just lying there trying to get some sleep,” he said. “There was nothing except water, and you were there to fend for yourself.”
The response
UTMB TransLantau race director Jules Pijourlet issued a public apology on Nov. 18, blaming the water shortages on miscommunication with service providers. Pijourlet said no injuries were reported and will issue free entries for all affected runners in the 50K to the 2025 event.
“We are very sorry; it’s a problem,” Pijourlet said. “For the runners of the TransLantau 50K in waves two and three, and those who left [the race] at the checkpoints, we will offer free entry to the UTMB TransLantau 25 or 50 next year.”
However, some participants were unsatisfied with the apology, citing other safety risks and demanding full refunds of the HKD $1,050 (CAD $190) entry fee. One runner reportedly filed a complaint with the Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC), highlighting the hazards runners faced.
TransLantau is a trail run across Lantau Island, with four races from 25K, 50K, 100K and 120K. This year, runners started and finished at the town of Mui Wo from Nov. 8 to 10. The race has taken place annually since 2012, and joined UTMB as an Ultra-Trail World Series race in 2023.
