RACE RULES
To participate in a UTMB event, in particular it is essential:
To be completely aware of the length and difficulty of the event and to be adequately prepared for it.
To have acquired, before to the race, a real understanding of personal autonomy in the mountains/terrain allowing for the management of potential problems encountered during this type of event, notably:
- Ability to confront, without outside assistance, changing climatic conditions which could be very difficult to deal with at altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow).
- Ability to manage, including when one is isolated, physical or mental problems arising from a heavy fatigue, digestive problems, muscle or articular/joint pains, small wounds, etc...
- Aware that the organization’s role is not to help a runner manage these problems.
- Aware that for such an activity in the mountains, safety depends upon the runner's ability to adapt to the problems encountered or foreseen.
- To inform and educate the runner’s supporters towards the respect of nature, people, and the regulations of the race.
Participants are expected to demonstrate the principles of semi-autonomy/self-sufficiency. They should be prepared to carry their own fluids, food, and gear (including inclement weather gear) between aid stations. Participants should also be prepared, within the course safety guidelines, to handle adverse or changing conditions. This self-sufficiency principle implies the following rules:
Throughout the duration of the race each runner must have with them all their mandatory equipment. This equipment will be carried in a pack (backpack or belt); tagged during race-bib distribution and cannot be changed along the race route. At any moment of the race, the race stewards/marshals can verify the pack and its contents. The runner is obligated to comply with these gear checks. Any non-compliant runner is at the risk of disqualification from the race.
The aid stations provide drinks and food to be consumed on site. The race organizer only provides still water and/or sports/electrolyte drink for filling water bottles or hydration packs. The runner should take care to ensure they have, when leaving each aid station, the appropriate quantity of drink and food to keep them going until the following aid station.
For races of the 100M, 100K and 50K, a personal assistant is allowed at certain aid stations (*), in the area specifically reserved for this use and at the discretion of the team leader. Only one person is allowed to provide assistance, which only includes providing the runner a bag with a maximum volume of 30 liters. Medical assistance given by a member of the runner’s crew, is strictly forbidden, only small cares are allowed like massage and treating a blister as long as the runner remain sitted on a chair and does have to lie. The rest of the aid station is strictly reserved for the runners. The rest of the aid station is strictly reserved for the runners.
It is forbidden to accompany or be accompanied along any part the race route by a person not registered for the race, outside of the spectator run zones which are clearly marked in the proximity of the aid stations. A participant who accepts being accompanied outside of the designated zones violates the principle of self-sufficiency. The race stewards/marshals or team leaders, witnessing this violation, are authorised to penalise the participant in order to enforce the rules.
Runners are not allowed to participate with a dog or any other animal, including service animals. The list of place where assistance is tolerated is available on the event website.
In order to ensure their safety, each participant must carry with them all the items listed in the mandatory equipment checklist (see below) and must carry all the equipment with them during the duration of the race even if the runner is not using it. Organized and/or random equipment checks will be carried out during the race. A penalty up to and including disqualification will be applied to runners who do not have all the mandatory equipment with them (see PENALTIES).
Please note: the items included in the mandatory equipment checklist are the basic pieces of equipment each runner must carry with them. It is important not to choose the lightest possible clothing. Instead runners should pack clothing that provides adequate protection in the mountains/course terrain against bad weather conditions, including cold, wind, heavy precipitation and snow.
List of mandatory equipment is available on the event website.
All clothing items must fit the runner - in terms of size - and they must not be altered in any way after leaving the factory. The mandatory gear must be carried in a running pack for the duration of the whole race. The running pack or belt is tagged during race-pack collection and must not be changed during the race.
In order to reduce plastic waste, no disposable dishes (cutlery, cups, bowls) will be distributed at any check point or aid station. We invite you to Bring Your Own Utensils (BYOU) if you wish to eat hot meals at the aid stations.
If runners choose to take hiking poles with them, they must carry them for the entire duration of the race. It is forbidden to start without poles and get them during the course of the race. No poles are authorized in the spare bags. If you have further questions about mandatory equipment, do not hesitate to consult the organization. Music: Listening to music using earphones only, is tolerated, so long as it is safe to do so. Any earphones MUST be removed when crossing any roads, as well as on approach to, and whist at, any checkpoints and when approaching and passing any Safety Team members
Race-bibs are handed over to each runner upon presentation of:
• A valid ID with photo
• Your race pack
The race-bib must be worn on the front of torso at all times and must remain completely visible during the entire race. It must always be placed on top of all clothing and must not be positioned on a leg or on the pack.
The runner’s name and partner's logos must not be altered or hidden.
The bib is the pass to access the shuttles, buses, aid stations, medical points, rest rooms, showers, bag drop-off or pick-up areas.
The bib is only withdrawn if the runner refuses to comply with the race director’s instruction. If the runner withdraws from the race, the bib is cut and deactivated.
At the race-pack collection, each participant receives at least a 30-liter bag. After filling the bag with the items of their choice and closing them, runners can drop them off at the start.
For logistics reasons, UTMB World series events only accept the UTMB World series spare bags that are distributed during the check-In. Those bags are reusable, so we ask the runners who already have received one of those bags to reuse it each time they take part in a UTMB World Series event.
How to get your bags at the finish area:
The bags are returned to either the runner or a family member or friend, only upon presentation of the race-bib. The bags must be retrieved no later than 2 hours after the end of the race.
For any runner that drops out of the race, the organization will take the bags to the finish area, as long as the runner’s withdrawal is registered with the race organizer. Because of logistical factors, the organization cannot guarantee that all bags are brought before the end of the race.
Only bags supplied by the organization will be transported. Poles are not allowed in these bags. As the items in the bags are neither checked nor controlled, the race organizer is not responsible for the items in the bags. We recommend not to put any valuable items in the bags. We advise runners to keep toiletries and spare clothes at their accommodation.
The drop bags location will be available on the event website soon.
When registering for one of the UTMB® events, participants agree to respect the environment and the natural areas they pass through. In particular:
• Littering is strictly forbidden (gel tubes, paper, organic detritus, plastic wrappers...). Trash/rubbish bins are available at each aid-station and they must be used. The race stewards will be checking all along the race route.
• All participants must keep their rubbish and wrappers with them until they can throw them in the bins at an aid station. Runners should carry a bag or pouch to carry their waste to the next bin. Plastic bags for soiled paper are handed out with the race-bibs. They must be used for collecting any paper used during any urgent need along the route.
• All runners must follow the paths as they are way-marked, without short-cutting them. Actually, short cutting a path causes erosion thus damaging the site.
• No disposable dishes (cutlery, cups, bowls) will be distributed at any check point or aid station. This is to reduce plastic waste by runners, as well as by the volunteers of the UTMB®. We invite you to bring your own utensils if you wish to eat hot meals at the aid stations.
Along the race route, there are points where runners are provided food and drinks. Aid stations supply drinks and food for consuming within the aid stations. The organization supplies still water and electrolyte/sports drink for filling the mandatory water bottles/hydration packs and personal collapsible cups. The runner must make sure, when leaving the aid station, that they have the necessary quantity of food and drinks to keep them going until the next aid station.
To enter the aid stations, runners must wear their race-bib.
The race guide and the relevant pages on our website provide full list of aid stations and what kind of food/drinks runners may find there.
Runners are checked upon arrival at an aid station and at some security points along the course. Unexpected check points are set up along the route. Their location will not be publicized.
Way markers are made of a reflective material that catches the light from the runner’s headlamp, so that they are easily visible at night.
WARNING: if you can't see any way markers, turn back!
Because we respect the environment, we do not use any paint on the trails.
There are several medical stations along the route. These stations are directly linked to the command center. There is medical staff at the command center during the events.
Medical stations are intended to assist any runner in need of medical assistance.
It is up to a runner in need of assistance or injured to call for help:
- By going to a medical station
- By calling the command center (phone number should be saved in mobile/cellphone)
- By asking another runner to call for help
- By using the SOS function on the LiveRun app (if applicable)
- By calling the national emergency call number that will be specified on the runner guide
Runners must provide assistance to any person in danger and alert the command center.
If a runner is unable to call the command center, and only if it is an absolute emergency, runners may call directly one of the national security services (especially if you are crossing an area where only emergency calls are possible): local emergency number will be specify on the race guide
A number of unexpected events, including inclement weather events, could make you wait for help longer than expected. Your safety therefore depends upon the quality of the items that you have put in your pack.
All medical, paramedical, first aid and guide staff, as well as any person appointed by the race direction are able to:
- Remove any participant who is deemed unable to continue the event
- Demand any competitor to use any item of the mandatory equipment
- Evacuate any runners deemed to be in danger
- Refer runners to the most appropriate care facility
A runner who is treated by a doctor or reached by the search and rescue staff will defer to the professional’s authority and agrees to accept their decisions. If a runner's state of health justifies treatment via intravenous drip, the runner shall compulsorily withdraw from the race.
There is a medical center at the finish area available for runners with severe medical problems. Comfort care is based on the decision of the medical staff within the limits of care available.
Runners must stay on the marked path, even when they sleep. If a runner needs to sleep along the way, they are highly recommended to use the "sleep bib" supplied by the organization. This bib clarifies that a runner needs to rest, and does not want to be disturbed.
All runners who voluntarily venture from the way-marked course are no longer under the responsibility of the organization.
You may find the time limit (cut-off times) for leaving the main aid stations on the event web site and in the Runner's Guide. In case of any changes (see Exceptional Conditions), the new cut-off times will be announced via SMS/text message.
Cut-off times are calculated to allow participants to reach the finish within the time limit. In order to be authorized to continue a race, all participants must leave the check point/aid station before the cut-off time (whatever their time of arrival at the check point).
All participants withdrawn from the race that wish to continue on the route can only do so after having returned their race-bib. Runners who have withdrawn from the race are under their own responsibility and are no longer supported by the race organizer. It is strongly advised for any withdrawn runner to be transported back to the finish line by the offered race transportation.
Time limit and cut off times are specified in the race descriptions and soon will be available here.
Except in case of injury, a runner wishing to withdraw the race must do so only at a check point. They must inform the person responsible for the point or report their withdrawal via the LiveRun app (if applicable) and inform the command center.
If a runner wishes to withdraw while on the route between two checkpoints, he/she must reach the nearest checkpoint where he/she must report their withdrawal.
Runners who withdraw must keep their race bib because it is the pass to access shuttles, buses, meals, treatment rooms etc.
Repatriation works as follows:
- Vehicules are available at some aid stations to take runners who drop out back to finish line.
- Runners who drop out at any other aid station or check point but whose state of health does not require them to be evacuated must return as quickly as possible and by their own means to the nearest point of repatriation.
- As for aid stations or security points accessible by car or 4x4.
After the closing of the aid station/security points, the organization might repatriate any runners who have abandoned and haven't left the aid station yet.
In the event of bad weather conditions justifying the partial or total stop of the race, the organization will make sure that all runners are transported as soon as possible.
During the race, runners will have some rest areas in some aid stations, with camp beds and blankets. Runners having finished their race and wishing to prolong their stay, must have their own accomodation.
All the post race services are listed on the event website
For each race, there is as overall ranking - men and women - and an age category ranking - men and women - (see below further details for each category).
UTMB®️ World Series Events : the first five (5) men and the first five (5) women in the general ranking, as well as the first runner man and women in each category receive a trophy.
Awards and trophies are only distributed at the prize giving ceremony. It's mandatory to be present in order to receive them.
Results for all participants are available at www.utmbworld.com.
Age categories
18-19,
20-34,
35-39,
40-44,
45-49,
50-54,
55-59,
60-64,
65-69,
70-74,
75-79,
80-84,
85+
If a runner breaks the rules, race directors and aid stations’/security points’ team leaders can instantly apply (*) a penalty according to the following chart:
100K and 100M races
| BREACH OF REGULATION | PENALTIES (*) – DISQUALIFICATION |
| Missing item(s) of the mandatory equipment checklist (no water supply of a volume of a minimum of 1 liter, no waterproof jacket with hood, no torch, no survival blanket, no smartphone) | Disqualification |
| Absence of other mandatory equipment items (race leggings or long trousers, only one torch light, cap or bandana, hat, warm and waterproof gloves, long-sleeved top, waterproof over-trousers, whistle, self-adhesive elasticated bandage, food reserve, collapsible cup) | 1 hour penalty during which the runner is encouraged to get the missing equipment |
| Refusal to have mandatory equipment checked | Disqualification |
| Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode | 15minute penalty |
| Discarding of rubbish/trash (voluntary act) by a competitor or a member of their entourage | 1 hour penalty |
| Lack of respect for others (organization or runners) Note: a participant whose supporters are rude and/or refuse to respect the organization’s instructions will be penalized. | Disqualification | Not assisting a person in need (in need of care) | Disqualification |
| Assistance outside of authorized zones | 1 hour penalty |
| Being accompanied along the route outside the clearly defined zones of tolerance in the vicinity of an aid station. | 15 minute penalty |
| Cheating (e.g., use of a means of transport, sharing a race-bib, …) | Immediate disqualification for life |
| Lack of visible race-bib | 15 minutes penalty |
| Wearing a non-conforming race-bib | 15 minute penalty (during which time the runner places their race-bib in a manner which conforms to the rules |
| Dangerous behavior (e.g.: poles with unprotected points orientated towards runners or spectators) | 15 minutes penalty |
| No timing chip | According to the race directors' decision |
| No passage through a check point | According to the race directors' decision |
| Refusal to comply with an order from the race directors, race stewards/marshals, aid station’s team leader, doctors or search and rescue staff. | Disqualification |
| Refusal of anti-doping control | The runner will be sanctioned in the same manner as they would be for drug taking |
| Departure from a check point after the time barrier | Disqualification |
| Pack not tagged | 1 hour penalty |
| Use of poles not carried from the beginning of the race | 1 hour penalty |
50K and 20K races
| BREACH OF REGULATION | PENALTIES (*) – DISQUALIFICATION |
| Missing item(s) of the mandatory equipment checklist (no water supply of a volume of a minimum of 1 liter, no waterproof jacket with hood, no torch, no survival blanket, no smartphone) | Disqualification |
| Absence of other mandatory equipment items (race leggings or long trousers, only one torch light, cap or bandana, hat, warm and waterproof gloves, long-sleeved top, waterproof over-trousers, whistle, self-adhesive elasticated bandage, food reserve, collapsible cup) | 30 minutes penalty during which the runner is encouraged to get the missing equipment |
| Refusal to have mandatory equipment checked | Disqualification |
| Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode | 15minute penalty |
| Discarding of rubbish/trash (voluntary act) by a competitor or a member of their entourage | 30 minutes penalty |
| Lack of respect for others (organization or runners) Note: a participant whose supporters are rude and/or refuse to respect the organization’s instructions will be penalized. | Disqualification | Not assisting a person in need (in need of care) | Disqualification |
| Assistance outside of authorized zones | 30 minutes penalty |
| Being accompanied along the route outside the clearly defined zones of tolerance in the vicinity of an aid station. | 15 minute penalty |
| Cheating (e.g., use of a means of transport, sharing a race-bib, …) | Immediate disqualification for life |
| Lack of visible race-bib | 10 minutes penalty |
| Wearing a non-conforming race-bib | 10 minute penalty (during which time the runner places their race-bib in a manner which conforms to the rules |
| Dangerous behavior (e.g.: poles with unprotected points orientated towards runners or spectators) | 10 minutes penalty |
| No timing chip | According to the race directors' decision |
| No passage through a check point | According to the race directors' decision |
| Refusal to comply with an order from the race directors, race stewards/marshals, aid station’s team leader, doctors or search and rescue staff. | Disqualification |
| Refusal of anti-doping control | The runner will be sanctioned in the same manner as they would be for drug taking |
| Departure from a check point after the time barrier | Disqualification |
| Pack not tagged | 30 minutes penalty |
| Use of poles not carried from the beginning of the race | 30 minutes penalty |
(*)The time penalties are immediately applicable on the spot, meaning the runner must “stand down” for the duration of the penalty time. The runner’s time will not be stopped while the penalty is being served . If a breach of regulation is discovered after the race, the Race Director can also decide to apply a penalty on the finish time of the runner. Any other breach of the rules will be subject to a penalty decided by the Race Directors. In case of a disqualification, the runner is not entitled to get refunded of the entry fee.
By registering to UTMB’s events, all athletes agree to be bound by the UTMB’s Anti-Doping Rules and acknowledge the jurisdiction of UTMB in enforcing these rules. Athletes understand that adherence to the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules is essential to maintaining the integrity, fairness, and spirit of competition in the sport of trail running.
Athletes further acknowledge and agree to:
(a) be bound by and comply with all of the provisions of the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules (as amended from time to time), the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standards issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA);
(b) be subject to the authority of UTMB to enforce, to manage results under, and to impose sanctions in accordance with, the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules;
(c) be subject to in-competition and out-of-competition doping control testing if selected by UTMB or relevant anti-doping authorities;
(d) provide accurate and up-to-date whereabouts information and make themselves available for testing if so required;
(e) refrain from using banned substances or engaging in prohibited methods as outlined in the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules and the WADA Prohibited List;
(f) be personally responsible for understanding what constitutes a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. Athlete also commit to monitor and ensure their own compliance with the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules, noting that certain medications, supplements, common beverages, and other legally available products may contain prohibited substances;
(g) consent to the collection, analysis and storage of urine, blood or other samples for anti-doping purposes, and acknowledge that the results thereof may be disclosed to relevant parties and the public in accordance with the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules;
(h) cooperate fully with UTMB and anti-doping authorities in any investigations or proceedings related to anti-doping rule violations;
(i) acknowledge the processing of their personal data by UTMB and its delegated third parties (including the International Testing Agency) in accordance with UTMB privacy notice;
(j) be subject to the jurisdiction of the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules, agreeing that any dispute arising out of a decision made pursuant to the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules, after exhaustion of the process expressly provided for in the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules, may be appealed exclusively as provided in Article 13 of the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules to an appellate body for final and binding arbitration;
(k) accept the consequences and sanctions imposed by UTMB or relevant anti-doping authorities in the event of an anti-doping rule violation, including disqualification from UTMB events and potential suspension from future participation;
(l) refrain from participating in any capacity in any UTMB Event during a period of Ineligibility of Provisional Suspension.
By completing the registration process, athletes confirm their understanding and agreement to be bound by the UTMB Anti-Doping Rules.
Any complaint regarding the rankings must be submitted to the organization by email within two hours after the runner's arrival. Any other complaint must be submitted to the organization by email within 10 days after the end of the event.
If necessary, the organization reserves the right to modify at any time the routes, starting times, cut-off times, the position of aid stations and medical stations, and any other aspect related to the smooth running of the events.
In case of force majeure, bad weather conditions or any other circumstance endangering the participants' safety, the organization reserves the right to:
- Postpone the start of the race
- Modify the cut-off times
- Change the start date
- Adapt the race’s course
- Cancel the race
- Stop temporarily the race
- Stop the race in progress
According to the General Data Protection Regulations (EU RGPD 2016/679), any competitor has the right to access and amend every information concerning them.
The information is collected as part of a registration for one of the UTMB® Mont-Blanc races, for the needs of the organization and in particular to identify each competitor in order to communicate them information related to his/her participation before, during or after the event. The runner's data is kept in the database for 10 years. This period is renewable at each registration and corresponds to the legal data retention period of the medical and non-contraindication to the practice of athletics or running in competition certificate, or the sports card. After 10 years, and unless the runner authorizes the organization to keep their data, all data are deleted except the runner's surname, first name, date of birth, gender and nationality to maintain the rankings. Any runner can access their personal data on their runner’s account.
Any request for data modification must be sent to:
- By mail to the address below : DPO UTMB UTMB Group 31 rue du Lyret 74400 Chamonix
- By email to : dpo@utmb.world Any request for access or personal data modification will be processed as soon as possible and within 1 month of receiving it.
Any claim arising from the runner’s registration for one of the Kaçkar by UTMB races must be emailed to:
kackar@services.utmb.world
or mailed to 31 rue du Lyret 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France.
Any complaint that cannot be resolved within two (2) months of sending UTMB Group a registered letter may also be brought to the attention of UTMB Group's ombudsman, whose contact details are:
MCP Médiation
12 square Desnouettes
75015 PARIS
http://mcpmediation.org
Any dispute concerning the registration (e.g. if a runner is not selected via the lottery) or relating to sporting management and rules (e.g. if a runner abandons a race) cannot be considered a valid reason for a claim.
Every competitor expressly foregoes the right for any images during the event, just as they renounce any right of appeal to the organisers and their partners for the use of their image. Only the organisation can transfer this right for images to any media, via an accreditation or relevant licence. Ultra-Trail®, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®, UTMB®, CCC®, TDS® and PTL® are legally registered trademarks. All communication about the event or the use of images from the event must respect the name of the event, the registered trademarks and have official approval from the organisation.
Runners who are sponsored or otherwise using the branding of third-parties for promotional purposes, shall only use such third-party branding on their clothing and equipment during the competition. All other items, including but not limited to flags, banners or posters, are not allowed to be used, carried or worn along the race route, including at the finish line. Violations against this provision might lead to a penalty as decided in the sole discretion of the respective race directors.
Any proclamation, display or exhibition of political or religious messages or related images during the Event is prohibited.
