If you want to take on the UTMB®, preparation is key. It must obviously include a solid training plan, proper mental preparation and a disciplined nutritional strategy, without overlooking the race registration process.
Training for the UTMB®
It is essential to set up a schedule and a structured UTMB® training plan featuring varied, specific workouts. They must address all the race requirements and build your core fundamentals: endurance, elevation gain training and altitude adaptation. For a detailed week-by-week schedule, check out our training plan to succeed at the UTMB®.
Solid mental preparation
Preparing the body without preparing the mind is pointless. An event like the UTMB® demands genuine mental toughness and unshakeable motivation. Solid mental preparation makes it easier to handle the challenges of this kind of course and ensures you are ready on race day to overcome energy crashes and low moments.
A tailored diet
Like any endurance event, the UTMB® requires specific nutritional preparation to supply your body with the energy it needs. This tailored nutrition plan is built over several months and culminates, in the final weeks before the race, in energy-rich meals focused on carbohydrate loading.
Preparing your registration
The entry procedures for the UTMB® are quite specific and must be planned well in advance, often more than a year before the race. Entry is gained through qualifying races in the UTMB World Series circuit, which allow you to collect the Running Stones required for the lottery and secure an UTMB Index. Full details of the entry requirements can be found in our dedicated guide: how to enter the UTMB®.
Other key points to anticipate
Beyond training and mental preparation, a few practical points also require your attention before the start: the weather in Chamonix in August, testing the mandatory kit beforehand, and if you are travelling with supporters, things to do in Chamonix for your friends and family during the race.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for the UTMB®?
Generally allow for 6 to 9 months of progressive training if you are already an experienced ultra-runner, and closer to 12 months if you are tackling distances beyond 6 hours of effort for the first time. On top of this comes the time needed to earn your Running Stones, which often spans several seasons.
Where to start?
With registration, paradoxically. Training can start at any time, but qualifying races and the lottery impose a schedule completely beyond your control.
