Chamonix is buzzing again as UTMB week kicks off. Thousands of runners from around the world have poured into the French Alps for what’s become the biggest festival in trail running. Before diving into previews later this week, here’s a breakdown of the races that define UTMB, and when you’ll want to prep the pocorn and clear your calendar.
UTMB: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (171K)
The headline act. At roughly 171 km with more than 10,000 metres of climbing, UTMB loops around Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Runners tackle everything from technical singletrack to long climbs under the shadow of glaciers. To win here is to stamp your name in the sport’s history books. Get ready to tune in on Friday, Aug. 29, at 11:45 a.m. ET.
CCC: Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix (101K)
At 101 km and about 6,100 metres of elevation gain, the CCC starts in Courmayeur, Italy, crosses into Switzerland at Champex, then finishes in Chamonix. Often called the “little sibling” of the UTMB, it’s actually anything but small, and many elites use it as their proving ground before stepping up to the 171 km. It has also become highly competitive in recent years, and you won’t want to miss tuning into this year’s excitement. CCC begins a few hours before UTMB, with runners getting started on Friday, Aug. 29, at 3:00 a.m. ET.
TDS: Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (145K)
TDS translates to “on the trails of the Dukes of Savoy.” It’s 145 km with 9,100 metres of climbing, and some argue it’s the toughest course of the week. The terrain is rugged, remote, and technical, demanding sharp mountain skills as well as endurance. Canadian Christian Meier made headlines here when he became the first Canadian to win the race. TDS kicks off on Monday, Aug. 25, at 5:50 p.m. ET.
OCC: Orsières–Champex–Chamonix (56K)
The shortest of the main events at 56 km and 3,460 metres of climbing, the OCC has become one of the most competitive races of the festival. Its blend of speed and mountain grit attracts both up-and-coming elites and established stars who prefer shorter ultras. OCC gets started on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 2:15 a.m. ET.
Other events
The schedule also includes the MCC (a 40 km community race), the PTL (a 300 km team event with mind-bending elevation gain), and the YCC (a 15 km youth event). Together, they round out a week that draws everyone from seasoned mountain goats to teenagers eager for a taste of the scene. Check in later this week for a detailed preview of what trail-stars to keep an eye on in the main events—and which Canadians you’ll want to root for from start to finish.
