A double-first in Asia 
 
Among the big new additions to the 2024 calendar are, for the very first time, two races in Asia: Japan then China. "There are increasing numbers of Asian competitors and trail running is becoming more and more popular in Asia," explains Grégory Vollet. "This is why we decided to integrate two Asian dates into our 2024 calendar. To ensure that the trip is cost-effective, these two races have been grouped together over two weeks, like the USA trip, meaning we can participate in two events in only one trip." Therefore, the Kobe Trail in Japan will open the 2024 season on 20thand 21st April and the athletes will then head to Sichuan for the second race of the season to be held on 27thand 28th April.

Poland and a European trip 
 
Once again with the intention of limiting intercontinental travel, this year, the GTWS calendar will include a race in Poland – the Tatra Sky Marathon – to enable athletes to compete in a European trip, like those for the USA and Asia. "This race will take place a week after Sierre-Zinal," explains Greg Vollet. "Thanks to this additional race, each athlete, whether European, Asian or American, will only need to take one intercontinental flight in a bid to qualify for the final."
The programme’s legendary races 
 
While the Golden Trail World Series will be adding four new races to its 2024 calendar (two in Asia, one in Poland, and a new race in the USA), the Series will of course be keeping its great legendary races: Zegama-Aizkorri is the third race of the season, followed by the Marathon du Mont-Blanc a month later in Chamonix. The long-standing Sierre-Zinal will be the 5th race of the season and be included in the European trip along with the Tatra Sky Marathon in Poland.