Puerto Vallarta’s rugged mountain terrain and coastal heat set the stage for an impressive performance as Canadian athlete Mandy Currie claimed victory in the women’s Hikuri 81K race during the fourth edition of Puerto Vallarta by UTMB. This event is a key fixture of the Ultra Trail Mont-Blanc World Series, a global circuit that connects elite international athletes with Mexico’s top road and trail runners.
Currie, 36, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, crossed the finish line on Friday, April 17, with a time of 12:01:35, earning the top spot on the women’s podium. With the win, she secured direct entry to the CCC 100K race in Chamonix, France, scheduled for 2027 as part of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc Finals, one of the most prestigious events in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc World Series.
The Hikuri 81K race challenged runners with more than 3,900 meters of elevation gain, along with temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F) and humidity levels of 88%, creating conditions that felt closer to 35°C (95°F). The race began at midnight along Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecón Boardwalk, before sending participants into the steep and technical trails of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.
After hours navigating demanding terrain, Currie overcame a fall near the 60-kilometer mark and pushed through the final stretch under the midday sun. She finished strong on Puerto Vallarta’s cobbled streets, returning to the Malecón to complete her winning run.
Currie previously competed in Puerto Vallarta in 2023, finishing sixth among women and 27th overall in the 100K race. Reflecting on her earlier performance, she noted that pacing played a key role in this year’s success. Her goal was to maintain a steady rhythm and feel strong throughout the race, an approach that paid off with a podium finish.
Her return to Vallarta was motivated by three goals: qualifying for a UTMB event, improving her previous result, and enjoying a race-focused getaway with friends. Several of her companions also participated in the Nakawe 50K race, adding to the celebratory spirit of the weekend.
Canadian athletes have built a strong reputation at Puerto Vallarta by UTMB since the event began. In 2022, Canadian runner Dave Stevens captured victory in the inaugural Wixarika 100-mile race. In 2023, Montreal’s Geneviève Asselin-Demers won the 100K race, while Saskatoon’s Caitlin Schindel topped the 50K distance. In 2024, Alberta’s Arden Young continued the trend with a 100K victory, with Canadians appearing frequently on podiums across multiple race categories.
Although the event did not take place in 2025 due to scheduling adjustments involving its sister event, Chihuahua by UTMB, the 2026 edition marked a successful return. Despite the change, the race attracted approximately 1,800 runners and recorded its highest participation by women to date, with female athletes representing 35 percent of competitors.
Following Currie in the women’s Hikuri 81K category were Mexican athletes Karla Picard, who took second place at 13:01:19, and Abigaith Gómez, who finished third at 13:04:12. In the men’s category, Mexico’s Juan Belman Ortiz secured first place with a remarkable time of 08:45:44, followed by Colombia’s Cristhian Lagos in second and Luis Urbina of Mexico in third.
With challenging courses, strong international participation, and growing local support, Puerto Vallarta by UTMB continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for endurance athletes seeking both adventure and competition.
For complete race results and additional details, visit the official timing page on the UTMB World Series website.
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