UTMB: A New Goal for a French Triathlete-Turned-Trail Runner

As someone who’s dabbled in endurance sports—having completed the London marathon, an unofficial ultra, four Ironman marathons, and countless triathlons and duathlons—I no longer consider myself a novice runner. But when it comes to trail running, I’m very much a beginner. That’s not to say I haven’t dipped my toes into off-road challenges; my marathon during the JurassicMan full-distance triathlon along the rugged Jurassic Coast was an adventure in itself, especially after getting lost and running 46 kilometres instead of the usual 42. But now, I’m setting my sights on a new goal: UTMB, the ultimate trail running challenge that every French runner dreams about.

You might ask, “What exactly is UTMB?” and, more importantly, “Can I run it dressed as a smelly cheese or a bottle of wine?” Let’s dive in.

What is UTMB?

UTMB, or the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, is considered one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging trail races. It takes place in the heart of the Alps, circling Mont Blanc and crossing three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. The main race is 171 kilometres (about 106 miles) with over 10,000 meters of elevation gain, and runners need to complete it within a strict cut-off time of 46 hours. It’s a test of physical endurance, mental toughness, and technical skill, as the rugged terrain includes rocky paths, steep ascents, and unpredictable weather conditions.

For a trail-running novice like me, UTMB is a daunting yet exhilarating challenge that I’ve somehow found its way onto my bucket list. But the big question remains: How do I get to the starting line?

Is the UTMB Lottery and Points System as Hard as the London Marathon?

Running the UTMB is more complex than signing up online, especially for a rookie like me. It’s not as straightforward as entering a marathon like London, where a lottery system is the main hurdle for entry. UTMB has a points-based qualification system to ensure that participants are experienced enough to handle the course’s demands.

Here’s how it works:

1. Qualification Points: To qualify for UTMB, you must earn points by completing specific trail races worldwide. These races vary in length and difficulty, and each race awards a certain number of points. For example, you need 10 points from a maximum of three races over two years to enter the UTMB lottery.
2. The Lottery: Entry is not guaranteed even if you collect enough points. You’ll have to enter a lottery, and competition is fierce. UTMB is incredibly popular, with thousands of runners from all over the world vying for a spot. It’s kind of like trying to get into the London Marathon, but you need to prove your trail running mettle before you can even take a shot at the lottery.
3. Other Races: If the full 171 km distance seems too much, UTMB offers several other races, such as the CCC (100 km), the TDS (145 km), and the OCC (55 km). These are slightly more accessible but still incredibly challenging.

Can I Run UTMB in a Smelly Cheese Costume?

Let’s be honest—part of the fun of events like the London Marathon is the quirky costumes, where people dress as rhinos, superheroes, and even pieces of fruit. But UTMB is a different beast. While there’s no official rule against running in a cheese costume or as a bottle of wine, the technical nature of the race makes such fun likely impractical.

Picture yourself scrambling over loose rocks, climbing steep ascents, and descending technical trails with a 2-kilogram Brie strapped to your back—it’s probably not the best idea. That said, there’s no harm in bringing some French flair to the race. Maybe leave the costume for the post-race celebrations in Chamonix!

Can I Do It?

So, the question remains: Can I, a seasoned triathlete but trail running newbie, conquer the UTMB? To answer that, I’d need to focus on a few key steps:

1. Build Trail Running Experience: While I’ve got endurance experience, trail running is a different animal. I’ll start hitting the trails regularly, building my technical running skills over rocky terrain, steep ascents, and descents.
2. Accumulate UTMB Points: This means choosing qualifying races to enter. In France, we’re lucky to have plenty of fantastic trail races to help me rack up the necessary points. I’ll need to carefully plan my race calendar, focusing on a mix of shorter and more technical races to accumulate the required points while improving my trail experience.
3. Train for the Alps: The elevation gain and terrain in UTMB are no joke. Training in flat areas won’t cut it, so I’ll need to simulate mountain conditions by doing lots of hill work, stair climbing, and incorporating strength training for my quads and calves.
4. Mental Toughness: Endurance racing is as much a mental game as it is physical, and the UTMB’s length and technical difficulty will push me to my limits. I’ll need to prepare mentally for long, tough hours on the trails, often in the dark and under challenging weather conditions.

The Path Ahead

UTMB isn’t just a race—it’s a journey, and for someone like me, who’s already tackled multisport events and marathons, it’s the next logical step. The question isn’t whether I can do it but rather when. I’ve got the endurance base, the determination, and the passion for the mountains. Now it’s time to get serious about trail running, collect those qualifying points, and work my way toward the start line in Chamonix.

So, will I be running UTMB in a smelly cheese costume? Probably not. But will I be there, giving it my all and soaking in the incredible mountain scenery? Absolutely.

Let the journey begin.

Trail Runners, Any Advice?

I’d love your advice on whether you’ve completed UTMB or any other major trail races. What races helped you prepare? What gear was essential? And how did you mentally push through those challenging moments in the mountains? Let’s share tips and stories to help make this dream a reality!