Among the aid and support services provided by the UTMB® organisation, the nutrition aid stations are among the most important and should allow you to stick to the nutrition plan you have prepared for the race. Here is an overview of how they are organised and what you can find there.
Locating the aid stations
Once you are registered for an UTMB® race, you will receive a runner's guide — a comprehensive booklet that outlines the rules, the course, and provides a wealth of information about the event. Each race is detailed and you will find the locations of the aid stations, as well as all other sites along the course such as checkpoints and cut-off times. Aid station locations are shown on the course map and also indicated by their kilometre point within the race. Only runners displaying their race number visibly on their chest or abdomen, their timing chip on their backpack, and wearing their wristband are permitted to access the aid stations.
What types of aid stations are there?
There are two main types of aid stations at UTMB® events. A distinction is made between drink-only aid stations and others that combine drinks and solid food, known as full aid stations. Finally, a third exceptional type of aid station exists on 3 events, namely the UTMB®, the CCC® and the TDS®: these are aid stations offering warm meals. For the UTMB® and the CCC®, there are two: at Les Chapieux and at Courmayeur. For the TDS, one warm meal aid station is located at the Cormet de Roselend.
The breakdown of aid station offerings
Drink-only aid stations are fairly numerous along the course. They offer:
- still water
- sparkling water
- cola drinks
- coffee
- tea
- energy drinks
- vermicelli soup
- vegetable soup
- rice
Only still water and energy drink can be used to refill bottles and hydration bladders. All other products are for on-site consumption only. At full aid stations, you will find everything available at drink-only aid stations, as well as:
- energy bars
- cereal bars
- sweet cakes
- chocolate
- dried apricots
- dried figs
- bananas
- oranges
- watermelon
- lemon
- salted biscuits
- local cheese
- salami and local charcuterie
- bread
These aid stations should not be overlooked. They are a chance to take a break, relax and refuel. They also supplement your intake of gels and energy bars throughout the course. It can be tempting to skip aid stations to maintain performance, but this is rarely a good calculation and you pay for it a little later on. It is better to be cautious with your race plan and allow yourself genuine breaks (even short ones) and eat well to better tackle the kilometres ahead. Calorie intake is crucial in a race of this type! To find out more:
