The 2026 UTMB® takes place from 24 to 30 August 2026 in Chamonix, with the flagship race starting on 28 August covering approximately 174 km and 9,900 m of positive elevation gain. Whether you are a runner, crew member, or trail running enthusiast, here is everything you need to know about this edition: who will be on the start line, how to follow the race live, mandatory gear, and the ultra trail expo running alongside.
Dates and weekly schedule
The week brings together eight timed races, from the PTL, starting on 24 August, to shorter formats like the ETC, alongside the Mini UTMB® for children.
Entries for the 2026 edition closed in February. Contrary to popular belief, UTMB® entry is not first-come, first-served: pre-registrations for the UTMB®, CCC®, and OCC finals ran from 8 to 19 January, followed by a lottery draw on 22 January. Only the TDS® bypassed the lottery, opening on 13 January on a first-come, first-served basis. The full schedule—bib pick-up, starts, and finishes—is available on the event's official website.
Registered runners and elite athletes
Find the full start list for the 2026 edition and the names of the world's top runners lining up at the start in our dedicated article: UTMB®: registered runners and elite athletes in 2026.
How to follow the race live
To track your favourite runners in real time during the race, head over to our article: UTMB®: race live tracking.
Mandatory gear
For safety reasons, the organisation imposes a strict mandatory gear list: technical clothing, survival and safety equipment, minimum nutrition, and weather kits. A crucial new rule for 2026: one of your two headlamps must feature a red light mode, mandatory in the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve. Find full details and our gear advice in our guide: UTMB® 2026 mandatory gear.
The ultra trail expo
Beyond the races, the UTMB® is also an opportunity to connect with industry professionals and discover their latest innovations. The ultra trail expo in Chamonix is a must-visit event to check out new gear and meet the trail community. Full details in our article: Ultra-Trail® Village 2026 in Chamonix.
FAQ
What is the date of UTMB® 2026?
The race week runs from 24 to 30 August 2026, with the flagship UTMB® race starting on Friday 28 August at 17:45.
How do you enter the UTMB®?
By lottery, after pre-registering in January. You must hold a valid UTMB Index and at least one Running Stone earned at an event on the UTMB World Series circuit.
How to follow UTMB® 2026 live?
The organisation provides official live tracking to follow each runner in real time via their tracking chip. Find all the details in our dedicated live tracking guide.
