A Runner's Guide to the UTMB Race

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is not just a race; it's an iconic journey that captivates the hearts of trail runners worldwide. Nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of Mont Blanc, this ultimate ultramarathon challenges athletes to push their limits across 106 miles (170 km) with 32,940 feet (10,040m) of total elevation gain in rugged terrain spanning three countries. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the history, preparation, and essential tips to help ultrarunners and adventurous novices embark on the unforgettable quest of a lifetime.

UTMB, or the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, is a legendary ultra-endurance race that takes place in the breathtaking alpine region of Mont-Blanc, encompassing France, Italy, and Switzerland. The event traces its origins back to 2003 when seven hundred runners, led by Michel Poletti and Catherine Poletti, gathered at the starting line in Place du Triangle, a historically significant location in Chamonix, France. This emblematic square, with its view of the majestic Mont Blanc, not only serves as the race's starting and finishing point but also acts as a powerful symbol of unity and friendship among the three countries. What began as a modest gathering of seven hundred runners has now evolved into a world-renowned event, attracting thousands of participants from all corners of the globe. Over the years, the UTMB has become an emblem of trail running, uniting athletes in their pursuit of conquering nature's most challenging and awe-inspiring terrains. Its history is etched with tales of triumph, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire trail runners worldwide.

Registering for the UTMB is a highly sought-after opportunity that attracts trail runners worldwide. Due to its immense popularity, the race operates on a lottery system to allocate limited spots fairly among the vast number of applicants. The registration process typically opens several months before the event, and interested participants must apply through the UTMB website within a specified timeframe.

Qualification requirements play a crucial role in the registration process. To be eligible for the main UTMB race, runners need to accumulate qualifying points by participating in designated trail races. These points are awarded based on the distance and difficulty of the qualifying races, with longer and more challenging races earning higher points. Aspiring UTMB runners must complete a certain number of qualifying points within a set timeframe to be considered for registration.

Over the years, the UTMB event has evolved to include multiple races catering to a diverse range of athletes. The main race, the UTMB itself, covers a gruelling 106 miles (170 kilometres) with an astonishing 32,940 feet (10,040 meters) elevation gain. Additionally, runners can choose from a series of challenging races, including the CCC (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix), TDS (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie), OCC (Orsières-Champex-Chamonix), and the PTL (La Petite Trotte à Léon), each offering its own unique set of difficulties and rewards.

• UTMB- "Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc" – 106 miles (170 km), 32,940 feet (10,040 meters) of elevation gain – loop around Mont Blanc from Chamonix, France and traversing Italy and Switzerland, started in 2006.

• CCC- Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix – 63 miles (101 km), 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) of elevation gain – point-to-point from Italy to France via Switzerland, started in 2006.

• TDS- “Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie” – 90 miles (145 km), 30,000 feet (9,100 meters) of elevation gain – point-to-point from Italy to France, started in 2009.

• OCC- Orsieres-Champex-Chamonix – 34 miles (55 km), 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) of elevation gain – point-to-point from Switzerland to France, started in 2014.

• PTL- Petit Trotte a Leon – 186 miles (300 km), 82,000 feet (25,000 meters) of elevation gain, team-based: in teams of 2-3 people who are self-supported, no waymarkers and a different route each year, started in 2008.

The UTA is apart of the UTMB World Series with varying distances ranging from 11km to 100km. The event is well known for finishing up the 951 Furber Steps back up to Scenic World.

• UTA100- 100.4km with 4460m of elevation gain - starting in Katoomba with a mix of terrain, finishing with 951 steps back up to Scenic World. The UTA100 allows the opportunity to qualify for the UTMB Mont Blanc.

• UTA50- 49.9km with 2450m elevation gain – tracing the second half of the UTA100, running through the views of Mt Solitary and up the infamous steps to Scenic World.

• UTA22- 21.6km with 910m of elevation gain – starting at Scenic World, taking you through the highlights of the UTA course, finishing up the 951 steps.

• UTA11- 11km with 472m of elevation gain – a great introduction to UTA, running through tracks of the Blue Mountains and up the Furber Steps.

Preparing for an ultra event requires careful training and preparation to ensure you can handle extreme conditions and demanding courses. Here are the main points to consider when training:

1. Gradual Build-up: Start your training well in advance of the event and gradually build up your mileage and intensity. Allow your body to adapt to the increased workload over time to minimise the risk of injury and burnout.

2. Mileage and Vertical Gain: Focus on increasing your weekly mileage and incorporating long runs with substantial vertical gain to prepare your legs and cardiovascular system for the race's demands.

3. Hill Repeats: Include hill repeats in your training regimen. Find steep hills or inclines to practice ascending and descending efficiently. This will help strengthen your legs and improve your climbing technique.

4. Trail Running: UTMB takes place almost entirely on mountainous trails. Make sure a significant portion of your training involves trail running to get accustomed to uneven terrain and improve your balance and stability.

5. Night Running: Some events begin at night. Evening starts adds an additional challenge to the already demanding course, as runners tackle gruelling terrain in the dark. Train by running in the dark with a headlamp to get used to the challenges of running at night and manage your energy during the race.

6. Nutrition and Hydration: Practice your race-day nutrition and hydration strategies during your long training runs. It's crucial to figure out what foods and fluids work best for you and to avoid any issues during the actual race.

7. Recovery and Rest: Listen to your body and prioritise recovery. Adequate rest between training sessions is essential for preventing overtraining and reducing the risk of injuries.

8. Mental Preparedness: Develop mental toughness through visualisation, positive self-talk, and learning to push through challenging moments during training.

9. Simulate Race Conditions: If possible, do some of your training in conditions similar to your event, such as high altitude or varying weather conditions.

10. Mandatory Gear: Due to the extreme nature of these races, the UTMB and UTA comes with a very extensive and mandatory gear list that all contestants must follow. Test and use the gear you plan to wear during the race in your training runs.

11. Race-Specific Training: Familiarize yourself with the race course by studying maps and elevation profiles. If possible, train on some sections of the course to better understand the terrain.

12. Tapering: In the final weeks leading up to the race, reduce your training volume to allow your body to recover fully and be fresh for the event.

13. Race Strategy: Develop a race strategy based on your training and experience. Know when to push, when to conserve energy, and how to manage pacing during different parts of the race.

In conclusion, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc stands as a pinnacle of trail running, drawing athletes seeking the ultimate test of strength, endurance, and determination. Its rich history, variety of races, challenging qualification process, meticulous preparation, memorable moments, and strong community involvement all contribute to making the UTMB an iconic and unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.