UTMB: Conquering the Ultimate Trail Race - A Glimpse into its Allure and Challenges

October 26, 2023

The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, affectionately known as the UTMB, is not merely a race but an epic quest for the world's most passionate trail runners. With its breathtaking Alpine scenery, grueling terrain, and challenging distances, the UTMB is an event that attracts thrill-seekers and endurance athletes from around the globe. Having personally attempted the 170km distance three times without reaching the finish line, I have experienced both the allure and the formidable challenges of this extraordinary event firsthand. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes the UTMB so attractive, the range of race distances, and the qualifications and new Stone System for enrollment.

Why is the UTMB So Attractive?

The UTMB's appeal lies in its unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and the unparalleled test of endurance. Here's why it's so enticing:

1. Spectacular Scenery: The UTMB takes runners on a journey around Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak, offering unrivaled views of glaciers, valleys, pristine lakes, and dense alpine forests.
2. Multi-National Adventure: Spanning across France, Italy, and Switzerland, the race provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to traverse three countries on foot.
3. Endurance Test: With distances ranging from 40km to the challenging 170km, the UTMB offers options for runners of varying skill levels, from seasoned ultra-marathoners to trail-running enthusiasts.
4. Community and Camaraderie: The UTMB attracts a diverse crowd of participants from different countries, creating a vibrant international trail-running community that's truly unique.

Available Distances:

The UTMB offers a range of races, catering to a wide spectrum of athletes. The popular races include:

UTMB (171km, 10,000m+ elevation gain):.The iconic race that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, crossing three countries. Much more than a race, it is an introspective adventure which transforms every person that takes on the challenge.

CCC (100km, 6,156m+ elevation gain): The "little sister" of the UTMB takes you through a unique journey of ultra-endurance from Courmayeur to Chamonix. A challenging ultra with its own unique allure and charm.

TDS (145km, 9,100m+ elevation gain): Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (following the footprints of the Dukes of Savoie), with its unique landscapes, combining adventure with technical trail running in the alpine atmosphere, the TDS is more than ever a world-class event.

OCC (55km, 3,425m+ elevation gain): from Orsières to Champex-La, finish in the center of Chamonix. The ultimate challenge for mid-distance ultra-runners. A perfect choice for those looking to step up from shorter distances and explore the TMB.

PTL (300km+, 25000m+ elevation gain), LA PETITE TROTTE À LÉON covering high altitude trails, without any way-marking. A non-competitive team event designed for experienced runners who want a unique adventure. Mental toughness, team spirit, a sense of adventure, and core mountain values are essential to experience this adventure of a lifetime, a grand tour of the Mont-Blanc as a team.

MCC: From Martigny-Combe to Chamonix,, an adventure from Switzerland to France on a 40km course with 2300m of elevation gain. reserved primarily for UTMB volunteers, partners and local residents.

ETC: Experience Trail Courmayeur, 15km race with 1200 meters of elevation gain with amazing landscapes in the heart of the Italian Alps.

YCC: Youth Chamonix Courmayeur, a hybrid format challenge for young runners. The perfect opportunity for the newest generation of trail runners to get a taste of the magic of the UTMB Mont-Blanc with 2 races in 2 days.

Is UTMB for Everyone?
The UTMB races vary in distance and difficulty, making them suitable for a wide range of runners. While the UTMB 170km race, the ultimate bucket-list race, is an incredibly challenging ultra-marathon, the CCC, OCC, and other distances offer opportunities for different level experienced runners or those who prefer shorter events. It's important to understand your own capabilities and preparedness before attempting any UTMB race. They are all challenging races.

Qualifications to Enroll:
To participate in the UTMB races, each runner must fulfill certain prerequisites. Runners who want to secure their place on the start line of the UTMB® World Series Finals – the UTMB®, CCC® and OCC – will need to enter the lottery. To enter the lottery, they need two things: Running Stones and a UTMB Index.

The recent introduction of the Running Stone System has replaced the previous ITRA point system. Under the Stone System, runners are required to accumulate a certain number of UTMB finisher stones by participating in UTMB-approved races over a period of time. This system is designed to ensure that participants have the necessary experience and are well-prepared for the challenges posed by UTMB.

Application Process:
Registering for the UTMB is a competitive process, as the number of slots available is limited. The application process typically opens several months before the event. Interested runners need to submit their qualifications which include a record of their earned Running Stones and a valid UTMB Index, and preferred races through the official UTMB website. The selection process is a lottery, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.
If selected, runners gain entry to their chosen race and must then prepare rigorously to meet the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead.

In conclusion, the UTMB is an alluring and formidable trail race that continues to captivate athletes worldwide. Its picturesque surroundings, varying distances, and unique international appeal make it an unparalleled experience for trail running enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or a passionate trail enthusiast, the UTMB offers an opportunity to test your limits and become part of an exceptional global running community. It's an adventure that beckons and challenges us to reach for new heights.

My personal journey with the UTMB 170km race may not have led to a finish yet, my experience has been incredibly fulfilling as I've embarked on this journey to conquer this iconic event. I've now returned to the UTMB in a different capacity, and I'm excited to share more about this transformation in upcoming posts.