Ax-les-Thermes: Movie Adventure in the Mountains
The Mont Blanc Massif’s Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley Hosts the UTMB in August 2026
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Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), one of the world’s most prestigious trail running events, will return to the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France from August 24th to September 6th, 2026. The event draws thousands of runners and spectators to the region, showcasing the stunning alpine scenery and challenging terrain of the Mont Blanc massif.
What is UTMB?
UTMB is a series of trail running races that take place around the Mont Blanc massif. The flagship event, the UTMB, is a 171-kilometer (106-mile) race with approximately 8,300 meters (27,230 feet) of elevation gain. Other races within the UTMB week include the CCC (Courchevel-Champex-Chamonix), TDS (Trail du Sommet), and YCC (Young Challengers Cup), catering to different experience levels and distances.
the History of UTMB
The frist UTMB race was held in 2003, conceived by Catherine and Michel Poletti as a way to promote the Chamonix Valley outside of the conventional winter sports season. Initially, 230 runners participated. The event quickly gained popularity, becoming a cornerstone of the international trail running calendar. By 2023, UTMB Mont-Blanc had grown to include over 10,000 runners from 100+ countries, with a total of 17 races.
Economic Impact on the Chamonix Valley
UTMB generates a significant economic boost for the Chamonix Valley. in 2023, the event contributed approximately €35 million to the local economy, according to a study commissioned by the UTMB organization. This includes revenue from accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, and retail. The event also supports over 500 jobs during the race week. The Chamonix tourism office estimates a 15% increase in overall tourism revenue during the UTMB period compared to other weeks in August.
The UTMB Lottery System
Due to the event’s immense popularity, entry into UTMB races is highly competitive and persistent by a lottery system. Registration for the 2026 UTMB races opened on December 11,2024,and closed on February 29,2025. the lottery results were announced on March 14, 2025. Runners can also qualify for UTMB by accumulating qualifying points through participation in other UTMB qualifying races around the world. In 2025, over 25,000 runners entered the lottery for the UTMB race alone.
Environmental Considerations
UTMB organizers are increasingly focused on minimizing the event’s environmental impact. Initiatives include promoting sustainable transportation options for runners and spectators, reducing waste through recycling and composting programs, and supporting local conservation efforts. In 2024, UTMB partnered with the mountain Riders association to implement a “zero waste” policy at aid stations, aiming to reduce waste by 80% compared to previous years. The organization also invests in carbon offsetting projects to mitigate the event’s carbon footprint.