If you want to register for the UTMB®, you must accept the regulations and understand the fundamentals. You can check them directly on the official event website or read the main points outlined below.
Registration conditions and race formats
The UTMB® regulations specify in detail the nature of the races and the entry requirements. Since 2026, access to the lottery has relied on two cumulative criteria: a valid UTMB Index in the relevant race category (100K or 100M), and at least one Running Stone. Running Stones are earned exclusively by finishing a qualifying race in the UTMB World Series: they are not a performance reward, but a prerequisite for the lottery. Without a Running Stone, entering the draw is impossible, even with a top ranking.
A common misconception: a medical certificate is no longer required. It has been replaced by the PPS (Health Prevention Track), an online health awareness module to complete within the three months before the race. The resulting code must be entered in your MyUTMB dashboard to validate registration. Find full details in our article: How many ITRA points or which Index do you need for the UTMB®?.
The principle of semi-autonomy and mandatory gear
One key point of the UTMB® rules is the principle of autonomy. Semi-autonomy is defined as the ability to be self-sufficient between two aid stations, in terms of both nutrition and clothing/safety equipment. You must be able to adapt to encountered or foreseeable issues (bad weather, physical problems, injury) between aid stations. For the UTMB®, CCC®, and TDS®, personal assistance is tolerated exclusively at designated aid stations within a specific zone. This assistance can be provided by only one person, whose bag must not exceed 30 litres. Assistance by a professional team, or any medical or paramedical professional, is prohibited.
Every runner must carry their entire mandatory gear throughout the whole race, packed in a race pack marked during bib collection and non-exchangeable on the course. Race marshals may check the pack and its contents at any time. Every participant must also carry "heatwave", "cold weather", and "bad weather" kits that are an integral part of the mandatory gear: depending on the weather conditions, the organisers may activate a kit and require participants to carry it during the event.
The regulations also specify a rule regarding poles. They are not mandatory, but the choice must be made at the start and applies for the entire race: a runner starting without poles cannot pick any up along the way, and no poles are allowed in drop bags.
Ethics and health
Finally, every runner must accept the event's ethical charter and comply with the anti-doping regulations, with random testing possible at any time—before, during, and after the race. The organisation has implemented the QUARTZ Event programme, designed to protect runners' health and promote clean sport. This programme does not replace current anti-doping regulations but reinforces medical monitoring before and during the competition, overseen by a Health Commission composed of medical doctors. This commission can advise the race direction to withdraw a participant for health reasons.
FAQ
What is the semi-autonomy principle at the UTMB®?
It is the requirement for every runner to be capable of managing unexpected events alone (weather, injury, fatigue) between two aid stations, relying on their mandatory gear. Outside assistance is strictly regulated.
Do you need a medical certificate for the UTMB®?
No. It has been replaced by the PPS (Health Prevention Track), an online module to complete within the three months leading up to the race.
Are poles allowed at the UTMB®?
Yes, but the decision is final at the start: you cannot start without poles and pick some up along the route.
How do you get a ticket for the UTMB® lottery?
You need a valid UTMB Index in the required category and at least one Running Stone, earned by finishing a qualifying race in the UTMB World Series.
