UTMB Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc
The UTMB® is THE benchmark in the world of trail running. 171 km, 10,000 m of elevation gain, three countries crossed... quite an adventure! This grand finale of the UTMB World Series circuit is surrounded by other races from 14 to 300 km, each with their own specificities and challenges (TDS®, ETC®, YCC®, PTL®, MCC®, CCC®, OCC®). All that's left to do is choose 😌
What you'll find on site:
- From 1200 m to 25000 m of D+;
- A sea of trail runners, a wall of supporters, an extraordinary atmosphere;
- The Ultra-Trail Village with 140 exhibitors and dozens of activities;
- Shuttles, endless refreshment points, first aid stations, rest areas, lockers and changing rooms, toilets, a well-oiled organization.
Focus on the courses:
Each race offers a unique challenge. At the start: amateurs and elites. At the finish: runners covered in sweat, dirt and remains of gel swallowed along the way. All equal.
The start and finish line are in Chamonix for the UTMB and the PTL (300 km). The other races share the same finish line, but their start is different: Courmayeur for the CCC (100 km) and the TDS (148 km), in Orsières for the OCC (55k km), and rendezvous in Martigny-Combe for the MCC (40 km). Finally, the 15 km ETC is the only one of the lot to make a loop around Courmayeur.
To go around Mont Blanc, you will tread three territories: France, Switzerland and Italy, passing by summits offering magnificent panoramas, green forests and lakes with pure water. You could almost dive into them as you go.
To give you an idea, count between 19h 37 min and 43 sec (the record currently held by Jim Walmsley) and 46h30 maximum to complete the UTMB® course, the longest of the lot (171 km).
In terms of atmosphere, the whole weekend is under the sign of celebration. A big well-deserved party before, during and after your efforts. With a bit of luck, you will even be able to share a sandwich with one of your trail running idols. Are you tempted? But how can you participate? Check out our article to put all the chances on your side.
4 (very) good reasons to participate:
- Participate in the most important international event in the world of trail running;
- Cross three different countries in a single spectacular race, in the footsteps of the greatest trailers;
- Witness historic sporting records;
- Visit the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, right next to Chamonix;