You can’t just turn up to Chamonix, at the start of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), and sign up to run. It’s not that simple. You need to qualify, be selected through the ballot, have medical checks and ensure you have all the mandatory gear. It’s a process. A long process.

You don’t have to run the UTMB to explore the Chamonix area though. The UTMB follows the Tour du Mont-Blanc hiking path, that hikers and day walkers are free to explore. However, If you want to take part in the famous UTMB event(s), there are several steps required to make it to the start line. 

Here’s what I’ll need to do to be able to run the UTMB.

Note: There are many events which are organised at part of the UTMB World Series Finals in and around Chamonix. They all require slighting different qualification requirements but roughly follow the process below. For more information of specific qualification requirements for these events, go to UTMB World Series.

Qualify

One thing that the UTMB organisation likes to do, is tweak the qualification requirements. The need to gain qualification points, running stones and runners’ ratings as well as the quantity for each have been changed over the years. The development of the UTMB World Series in conjunction with the IRONMAN Group, has led to yet again, another change. 

The way it works is the UTMB World Series is made up of 4 levels: Qualifiers, Events, Majors, Finals with the UTMB being part of the World Series Finals. 

For the 2023 event (which I will not be ready to take part in), runners will be required to collect running stones by participating in the Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit events. Runners will also need to have a valid UTMB Index (have run a UTMB Qualifier in the 100K or 100M category in the past 24 months).

Getting the UTMB Index should be fairly straightforward but getting a running stone is more difficult. The UTMB World Series Events (where I’ll be able to receive a running stone) that are the most easily accessible to me are the Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA), Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko and the Tarawera Ultramarathon in New Zealand. I’ll be looking to run the Ultra Trail Australia in 2023 which should satisfy all qualification requirements. If you want to find the easiest way to qualify for you, wherever you are in the world, click HERE to see my preferred races!

I’ll be able to apply for the 2024 UTMB assuming all goes to plan. 

More information on the qualification process can be found at UTMB World Series.

Medical Advice

All runners are required to get a medical check and certificate from their local General Practitioner indicating that there is no indication as to why the runner is unable to run the UTMB. A fairly standard document and practice. This is required before entry into the lottery.

Lottery

Once runners have a running stone (completed a UTMB World Series Event), a valid UTMB Index (have run a UTMB Qualifier in the 100K or 100M category in the past 24 months) and a medical check, they are able to enter the lottery for the UTMB 100 Mile Event. Running stones are equivalent to one entry into the lottery. The more you have, the more likely you are to get in! 

If a runner is not selected in the lottery, Running Stones will remain untouched and accumulate for future registrations.

Race Experience

The absolute minimum that you could do to qualify for the UTMB is to complete a 100km UTMB World Series Event. That’s it.

However, if you want to give yourself the best opportunity to do well (or even just finish), a more thorough exposure to racing is the best approach. Before entering the UTMB, I will complete a range of longer distance events over varying terrain.

I will be aiming for more experience in trail races as well as specifically mountain trail races. In Australia, this is looking at events like the Alpine Challenge, The Archie and The Buffalo Stampede. These events include large sections of mountain climbing, crew to assist, mandatory gear as well as the potential to be faced with the elements if the weather changes.

I will need to get further experience in utilising a crew / team that can assist me at aid stations and provide support when needed. Although this is not absolutely necessary for the UTMB, it is sure to be of benefit when you need assistance.

Although I have entered races with gear checks and a large amount of mandatory gear before, none that have as much of it or as strict as the UTMB. Getting used to drop bags and setting a race strategy like I did in the Surf Coast Century will also help me to prepare for the big ones.

Decision making abilities when faced with adversity and fatigue in events (which does not occur in the same way during training) will also need to be strengthened. Looking for areas of improvement will also help to achieve the best possible result. It’s so important to prepare the mind and body because it will certainly be tested.

Training

The obvious one is, if I want to run 171 kms and 10,000+ vertical, I’ll need to train… hard. 

I’m still working out exactly what this will look like, especially as running the UTMB is likely a couple of years away. However, I am continuing to increase my overall mileage year on year as well as my vertical ascent. In 2020 my total kms for the year were 1,602 kms with 18,000 m elevation gain. In 2021 I reached 2,300 with 32,000m and I’m on track to exceed this in 2022. I need to continue to build this consistently to prepare my body.

For all major events over the next few years, I will be using training plans to prepare. These typically consist of a 12-16 week training block which has helped me to best prepare for races in the past. Having clear instructions on what is required (particularly when it’s 5am and I’m trying to work out how far I need to run) is of great benefit. Once I have qualified and am successful in the UTMB ballot, I’ll develop a training plan, use someone else’s or a combination to target the race specifically as well as any other lead up events

I will also need to prepare myself mentally to complete the UTMB. It will be the hardest event (and possibly the hardest ever thing) I have ever done. Fatigue and insecurity will be elements I need to work through and the best way to do that is prepare. Putting myself in these situations beforehand using other events, monotonous/boring/repetitive training, extending distances unexpectedly will help me to finish. By focusing on my motivation for completing the UTMB, I will give myself the best opportunity to execute the race well.

Save some $$

For those that live in Europe it can be an expensive event to enter. For those of us who live on the other side of the world, it is even more so!

With race fees, gear, airfares, transfers, accommodation and exorbitant amounts of French pastries, Italian Gelato and Swiss Chocolate to purchase, the costs can escalate quickly.

$1000 Gear, $500 Race Fees and medical, $5000 Flights (ex Melbourne), $2000 Accommodation, $500 Transfers + Food, I’m looking at easily over $10,000 AUD for the holiday / experience. I think it will be absolutely worth it but it won’t be cheap. (This will include the costs for my family to come too!) 

The good news is I have a few years to save up. 

I’ll try to gradually add to my gear list over time to save some $$ and get things on sale. It’s an expensive hobby when international races come into it.

Consistency

I think the biggest hurdle to completing the UTMB is to just keep at it. Be consistent with my racing, saving, qualifying and training. It’s not giant leaps that are going to be the most effective but regular efforts. I’ll gradually increase my monthly mileage, elevation gain, my race distances and level of difficulty which will all help to achieve my goal.