UTMB World Series has announced the introduction of a new pregnancy policy that will apply to its events in the 2023 season. The policy includes deferral and priority entry guidelines for athletes who are pregnant, athletes with a partner who is pregnant, and athletes who are adopting or birthing via surrogacy. This policy is meant to encourage runners to return to the trails in a safe way and within a timeframe that takes into account individual circumstances following birth.
The policy was created following a consultation process with sports and medical professionals, the Pro Trail Runners Association, and athletes such as Sophie Power, who made headlines in 2018 for a photo of her breastfeeding midway through the UTMB that went viral.
For events with an entry lottery, women will be given a full refund as well as priority entry to be used within five years for races in the 50K, 100K and 100M categories and within two years for 20K races. For all other events, the policy allows for women who become pregnant after registration to defer their entry for up to two years for the same race or receive a full refund. Finally, partners of pregnant women and parents who are adopting or birthing via surrogacy will have the option to defer their entry for up to two years or receive a full refund.
The new policy is part of a concerted effort by UTMB World Series organizers to encourage more women into the sport. The full UTMB World Series pregnancy policy can be read on the organization’s website.
