With the introduction of its new global circuit, UTMB® has launched its own trail running rating system: the UTMB Index. Until now, the ITRA rating allowed for a kind of global ranking of trail runners. So, ITRA performance index vs UTMB Index: what are the differences?
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The Difference Between ITRA Performance Index and UTMB Index
In the early 2010s, Didier Curdy developed algorithms to calculate a ranking system for comparing trail running performances, known as the ITRA performance index. This system was designed to compare runners’ results based on an “effort kilometer,” adjusted for various parameters such as elevation gain, technicality of the course, altitude, and overall course difficulty. The ITRA rating became the first internationally recognized trail rating system.
In 2021, when UTMB® created the UTMB® World Series circuit, it collaborated with Didier Curdy, who owned the intellectual property of the algorithms calculating the ITRA performance index (based on a theoretical maximum of 1000 points). UTMB® adopted the calculation method previously used for the ITRA performance index. Essentially, the calculation of the UTMB Index is equivalent to the old ITRA performance index up to 2021.
On the other hand, ITRA, no longer having access to Didier Curdy’s algorithms, engaged in reverse engineering. Engineers and mathematicians analyzed past race results and found a scale and ratings close to the historical ITRA performance index, but they did not achieve an identical method. Therefore, while the ITRA rating and UTMB Index are similar, they are not identical.
How Does the UTMB Index Work?
The UTMB Index is calculated across each of the four UTMB® World Series race categories: 20K, 50K, 100K, and 100M.
To obtain a UTMB Index, you need to finish races in the UTMB® World Series Majors, UTMB® World Series Events, or UTMB® World Series Qualifiers. These races are classified into different categories: 20K, 50K, 100K, and 100M.
You activate a category and therefore a UTMB Index by completing a race in the circuit within the last 24 months. After activating a category, all races from the previous 36 months contribute to your UTMB Index calculation.
It’s possible to activate multiple categories. In that case, you have a General Index calculated from the results obtained in all race categories. Your General Index is available as soon as you have a validated UTMB Index in one of the categories: 20K, 50K, 100K, and 100M. This index is calculated as an average of your five best results. Discover your UTMB index here.
How Does the ITRA Performance Index Work?
The International Trail Running Association (ITRA), which established the ITRA performance index, creates a global ranking of runners. The ITRA performance index ranges from 0 to 1000, with the current highest ITRA ratings being held by Jim Walmsley (942) for men and Courtney Dauwalter (826) for women. Discover your ITRA performance index here.
For each trail race, the ITRA calculates a rating for each runner based on their performance. This rating corresponds to a theoretical maximum performance.
To determine this index, the ITRA uses the distance and elevation gain reported by the race organizer. An “effective flat distance” is estimated by adding the distance and the positive elevation gain. Only the final time is considered in the calculation of the ITRA performance index, meaning that the ranking in the race itself does not affect this rating.
Like the ITRA performance index, the UTMB Index establishes a global ranking, but specifically for UTMB Index races. These two rankings differ because some races are listed in both, while others are exclusive to one. Additionally, the calculated ratings might slightly vary due to different adjustments applied, even though both use a scale from 0 to 1000.
The Purpose of the UTMB Index
Importantly, the UTMB Index is essential for participating in races at the UTMB® Mont-Blanc, especially if you aim to run in the UTMB® one day.
Runners with a valid UTMB Index also enjoy privileged access to register for a UTMB® World Series Event or UTMB® World Series Major. This privileged access includes an exclusive pre-registration period with better rates.
Runners who wish to enter the lottery for the UTMB® World Series Finals must use their UTMB Index to validate their entry.
For further details, I recommend reading our article on the workings of the new UTMB World Series global circuit. The article also covers how to prepare for UTMB qualifying races or the UTMB itself, using a personalized and adaptative trail training plan through the RunMotion Coach application.