North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc
A 166 km Mountain Marathon Attracts International Elite Athletes
Aug 24, 2009
From the 25th to the 30th August 2009 Chamonix will host the 7th North Face Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc Event. This grueling endurance race that must be run as a single stage, through the night, over rough trails, often in adverse weather conditions; follows a course that tours around Western Europe's highest peak — Mont Blanc.
Though competitors may not always be focusing on the view, the event is an ultra-nature-trail with spectacular scenery. The route affords vistas and glimpses of seven valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 towering summits including Mont Blanc, the Dent du Géant and the rocky face of the Grandes Jorasses.
Ultra-Trail Qualifying Races
Qualifying for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® (UTMB®) requires acquiring points by completing in the previous year one or more trail races determined by the event committee. These official qualifying events that number over a hundred are hosted as far and wide as Serbia and Australia.
According to the organizers of the UTMB®, "A trail is defined as an official foot race, in one or several stages, cross-country, in semi-autonomy, including a significant positive altitude change and for which an official ranking is published. Road races, triathlons, multisport raids, orientation races are not qualifying races for the l’Ultra-Trail®.".
All information about qualifying races can be gleaned from the North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® website.
The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc Event
The principal of the race is semi-self sufficiency since the terrain is often hard going and remote from road access. Posts along the trail do however supply rest stops, energy food, refreshments, first aid and emergency assistance. Competitors must prove (through qualifying events and a medical test) adequate training since the mountains, although beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.
- The UTMB® follows a 166 km (103 mile) circuit and covers 9,400 meters (over 30,000 feet) of vertical gain.
- 2,537 meters at the Grand Col de Ferret is the highest point reached.
- 2,300 runners start the course.
- On average the winner runs the race in about 20 hours.
- The course must be completed within 46 hours.
Obligatory Gear Carried by UTMB® Competitors
- Personal drinking cup of minimum 15 cl capacity.
- 1 liter (34 ounces) of water in reserve.
- 2 head lamps with replacement batteries.
- Survival blanket
- Whistle
- Adhesive elastic bandage or strapping (80 cm x 3 cm).
- Energy food reserves.
- Rain jacket
- Running pants or leggings (that go below the knee).
- Peaked hat or bandanna
- Identity papers (required by border police).
The 30 liter (9 gallons) back-pack supplied with race numbers at the start of the race must weigh, containing these items, at least 1kg (2.2 lb).
Strongly recommended items include: a mobile phone with service in the three countries, gloves and warm clothes in the event of cold weather, and a small amount of cash €20 ($30).
The Prize for the Winner of the North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc®
No monetary prize is awarded. Local Chamonix artist Andy Parkin has produced sculptural trophies that will be presented to the winners of the UTMB® in its various categories.
The UTMB follows the GR (Sentier de Grande Randonnée) TMB also known as the Tour of Mont Blanc. As one of the most popular multi-day trekking routes in the world; it can be completed at a leisurely pace, staying overnight at hotels and mountain refuges, typically over a period of 7 to 10 days.
Photographs obtained with permission from the press department of the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc®.
 |
 |
 |
