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Chamonix, Alps · August · UTMB World Series Finals

HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc

The world's most prestigious mountain ultra series. Six race distances from 15km to 171km, circumnavigating Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. The pinnacle of trail running.

6 Distances
15km–171km
August
Late August
Chamonix
Event Hub
10,000+
Runners
COACH

Brennan & Kat Townshend — UTMB World Series Athletes

Brennan has competed at UTMB World Series events including the OCC. Both Brennan and Kat actively compete in the UTMB World Series, giving them direct experience of qualification, preparation and race execution at this level.

The Races

UTMB

171km · 10,000m+ · The full circumnavigation of Mont Blanc — France, Italy, Switzerland. The world's most famous trail race.

Finals Race

CCC

101km · 6,050m+ · Courmayeur to Chamonix via Champex. The 'little sister' of the UTMB.

Finals Race

OCC

60km · 3,500m+ · Orsières to Chamonix. Mid-distance UTMB World Series Final. 2026 includes a new high point at 2,321m.

Finals Race

TDS

153km · 9,000m+ · Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie. The wildest and most technical route of the week.

4 Stones Req.

MCC

40km · 2,350m+ · Martigny-Combe to Chamonix. Open to volunteers, partners and locals.

Non-Finals

ETC

15km · 1,200m+ · Trail Experience Courmayeur. Dynamic, fast, explosive short mountain race.

Non-Finals

About UTMB

The HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc is the most famous trail running event in the world — 10,000+ runners from 100+ countries converging on Chamonix each August. It is the UTMB World Series Finals for the UTMB, CCC and OCC distances, making it the pinnacle of the global trail running season.

The main UTMB race — 171km and 10,000m of elevation circumnavigating Mont Blanc through three countries — is considered the greatest ultra marathon challenge in the world. Entry is by lottery, requiring Running Stones earned through UTMB World Series qualifier events.

Qualification

  • Entry is via lottery — you must have earned Running Stones through UTMB World Series events
  • Each UTMB World Series event awards 1-4 Running Stones depending on distance
  • UTMB requires 4 Running Stones; CCC 3; OCC 1
  • A valid UTMB Index is required for entry
  • Elite runners can qualify through a separate elite pathway
  • The lottery typically takes place in January for the August race

Preparation Tips

Build Your Running Stones

Compete in UTMB World Series events to earn Running Stones for lottery entry. UTS, Arc of Attrition and Lakeland 100/50 all contribute stones.

Altitude & Technical Terrain

Training at altitude and on technical Alpine terrain is ideal for UTMB preparation. If you can't get to the Alps, UTS and Scottish mountain events are excellent substitutes.

Pacing Through the Night

The UTMB typically takes most runners 25-45 hours — multiple nights of running. Practice long overnight efforts and understand how your body responds to severe sleep deprivation.

Nutrition at Scale

Fuelling for 40+ hours of effort requires a very specific strategy. Train your gut systematically, know what you can eat under maximum fatigue, and have backup options at each major aid station.

Training for UTMB Mont-Blanc?

We build bespoke training plans and coaching packages for this race. Get in touch to discuss your preparation.

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