Right, the decision is made — a seasoned ultra runner, you've set your sights on the UTMB®. A formidable challenge for passionate trail runners, set against one of the finest natural backdrops in the Alps. But taking on the UTMB® demands preparation and a solid understanding of the race and its environment.
How do you prepare for the UTMB®?
Preparing for the UTMB® covers both physical preparation with a comprehensive training plan, and mental preparation — essential for staying resilient and motivated throughout your chosen course. Your preparation will also require a solid nutritional strategy to keep you in peak condition and give your body the energy it needs to tackle the kilometres and elevation gain without let-up. Find all our advice in our ULTRA preparation guide.
Know the race
If you're planning to run the UTMB®, you already know something about the event. But you'll need to get to grips with the details: the different courses available to you, their distances and cut-off times, the rules and mandatory requirements (kit, safety). Knowing the UTMB® also means familiarising yourself with its history, its roll of honour, its records and the elites who will line up in 2026. Find all the details in our article UTMB®: the race and 2026 distances.
Preparing your stay in Chamonix
There is also a significant logistical side to your UTMB® preparation. You'll need to plan your stay in Chamonix, choose your mode of transport and book accommodation. You'll need to anticipate your kit requirements — race pack, mandatory safety gear — and manage your nutrition and the crew access you're entitled to at certain points on the course. Find all our advice in our article Preparing your trip to Chamonix. For more information about the race, head to the official race website.
