For each UTMB race, the refreshment stations are key points on the course and must be known in order to best manage effort and nutrition.
A precisely defined network of refreshment stations
For each race, a sufficiently dense network of refreshment stations is defined. These are specified for each race in the runner's guide, with an indication of whether it is a liquid-only or full refreshment station. Each of these stations is identified on the map and located by its kilometre marker.
For the flagship UTMB race, the refreshment stations are:
- Les Houches - 7.8 KM - Liquid refreshment station
- Saint-Gervais - 21.5 KM - Solid food refreshment station
- Les Contamines - 31.2 KM - Solid food refreshment station and Assistance
- La Balme - 39.8 KM - Solid food refreshment station
- Les Chapieux - 50.9 KM - Warm solid food refreshment station
- Lac Combal - 70.3 KM - Solid food refreshment station
- Checrouit - 77.6 KM - Liquid refreshment station
- Courmayeur - 82.6 KM - Warm solid food refreshment station and Assistance
- Refuge Bertone - 88.1 KM - Liquid refreshment station
- Arnouvaz - 100.9 KM - Solid food refreshment station
- La Fouly - 115.6 KM - Solid food refreshment station
- Champex-Lac - 129.4 KM - Warm solid food refreshment station and Assistance
- Trient - 145.9 KM - Solid food refreshment station
- Vallorcine - 158 KM - Solid food refreshment station and Assistance
- La Flégère - 169.3 KM - Liquid refreshment station
What do the rules say about refreshment stations?
Only runners wearing a visible bib on the chest or stomach, their chip on the backpack and their wristband may access the refreshment and assistance stations. For filling bidons and water pockets, the UTMB organisation only provides still water or an energy drink. Other beverages must be consumed on site. Three types of refreshment stations are available: drink-only stations offering still water, sparkling water, cola, coffee, energy drinks, tea or vermicelli soup. Full refreshment stations include the above drinks plus cereal or energy bars, sweet cakes, chocolate, bananas, raisins, oranges, and also salted biscuits, cheese, bread and saucisson. Finally, a warm meal is served at Les Chapieux and Courmayeur on the UTMB and CCC routes, and for the TDS at the Cormet de Roselend. The list of drinks and food on offer is available here. For more information:
