Participating in the UTMB® Mont-Blanc in Chamonix is the dream of many trail runners. To achieve this, strategic planning for your trail season is essential, especially by participating in races of the UTMB® World Series to accumulate Running Stones, which are essential to enter the draw for the UTMB® Mont-Blanc. The UTMB® World Series is also a circuit of races, offering an extraordinary experience at each event.
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Understand the Running Stones system
Running Stones are entries for the lottery allowing you to participate in the finals of the UTMB® World Series: the UTMB®, CCC, and OCC races during the UTMB® Mont-Blanc. They are obtained by completing races of the UTMB® World Series Events or Majors. The number of Running Stones awarded depends on the race category:
- 20K: 1 Running Stone
- 50K: 2 Running Stones
- 100K: 3 Running Stones
- 100M: 4 Running Stones
The Majors offer double the number of Running Stones for each category. Running Stones are cumulative and have no expiration date, increasing your chances in the draw.
Key principles of planning a trail season
The key to a successful season lies in balancing main objectives and intermediate objectives. Main objectives represent the major races of your season, where you want to be at your peak. On the other hand, intermediate objectives are used to refine your preparation, test your equipment, validate your nutritional strategy, or simply gain experience.
For a well-balanced trail season:
- Limit yourself to 1 or 2 main objectives per year, especially for ultra-trails.
- Incorporate intermediate objectives at strategic times, about 6 to 8 weeks before each main objective.
- Prefer shorter or less demanding formats for your intermediate races to avoid excessive fatigue: between 50% and 75% of the target distance.
- Allow yourself recovery periods after each race, adapting the rest period to the difficulty of the race.
Planning your season around the UTMB® World Series
To optimize your accumulation of Running Stones and prepare your season effectively, it is wise to select races from the UTMB® World Series that correspond to your goals and level. Here are some examples in Europe:
Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® (France)
From September 29 to October 1, 2025, this race offers varied routes between the sea and the mountains, giving participants exceptional views of the French Riviera along with a challenging elevation profile in a unique Mediterranean setting.
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® – MAJORS EMEA (Spain)
Scheduled from July 5 to 7, 2025, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, this event challenges runners with routes ranging from 40 km to 120 km. Participants will explore wild landscapes, alpine passes, and pristine nature, all upheld by the competitive spirit and excellence of UTMB®.
Trail Verbier Saint Bernard by UTMB® (Switzerland)
Taking place from August 15 to 17, 2025, this trail runs through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Offering distances from 30 km to 100 km, the course traverses dense forests, deep valleys, and soaring peaks, ensuring an unforgettable alpine experience in a high mountain setting.
Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB® (United Kingdom)
Set from September 10 to 12, 2025, this race is located in the spectacular setting of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. With courses ranging from 50 km to 160 km, runners will encounter technical trails, sustained climbs, and breathtaking panoramic views of authentic Welsh landscapes.
Participation strategy
Depending on your experience and goals, you can plan your season by integrating these races. For example, participating in the Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB® over a distance of 50K would earn you 2 Running Stones, while participating in the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB® over a distance of 100K would earn you 3 Running Stones. By accumulating these participations, you increase your chances in the draw for the UTMB® Mont-Blanc.
Planning your trail season by integrating races from the UTMB® World Series is an effective strategy to accumulate Running Stones and achieve your dream of participating in the UTMB® Mont-Blanc. Choose races adapted to your level, respect recovery times, and prepare specifically for each event. With adequate preparation and strategic participation, you maximize your chances of stepping on the emblematic trails of Chamonix.
Photo credit: ODDOUX Franck, UTMB® 2021