You have already read articles about the UTMB® World Series but you haven’t fully understood the new organization yet? Then this article is for you. The UTMB® Mont-Blanc attracts thousands of trail enthusiasts every end of summer. From season to season, the number of registrations increases significantly. So, the UTMB® has decided to evolve its model and now offers a new operation and a new global circuit.
### The arrival of the UTMB® World Series
This is the first global trail circuit bringing together the best races and the best trail runners on the planet. The races will take place across the world with the ultimate goal being the finals of the UTMB® World Series: the OCC®, the CCC®, and the UTMB®.
To access these finals and therefore have the chance to run the OCC®, the CCC®, or the UTMB®, you must have already run at least once in a UTMB® World Series Event race or UTMB® World Series Major race. But not necessarily in the current year or the previous year… We explain everything to you!
### How to participate in the UTMB® World Series Finals?
As explained earlier, the OCC®, CCC®, and UTMB® have become the finals of the UTMB® World Series since 2023. To access them, you must meet certain conditions.
– Acquire at least 1 Running Stone in the last 2 years, regardless of the category *(see below)*
– Have a valid UTMB Index for the desired distance
For OCC®, you must have a valid UTMB® Index in the 20K, 50K, 100K, or 100M category.
For CCC®, you must have a valid UTMB® Index in the 50K, 100K, or 100M category.
For UTMB®, you must have a valid UTMB® Index in the 100K or 100M category.
### Running Stones: how does it work?
In simple terms, a Running Stone represents a chance to be drawn. If you have 10 Running Stones, you will have 10 chances to be drawn. They are non-perishable and cumulative. However, they can be used for only one draw (one of the races between the OCC®, CCC®, and UTMB®). If you are not drawn, you can reuse them the following year.
To obtain Running Stones, you must finish a race from the UTMB® World Series circuit. Depending on the race distance, you will earn more or fewer Running Stones.
### Bye bye the ITRA ranking
The UTMB® Index was created by Didier Curdy. This index replaces the [ITRA ranking](https://run-motion.com/cote-itra-classement-trail/) used previously by HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc and assigns a performance level to each runner participating in UTMB® World Majors, Events, or Qualifiers in the form of a rating. There are 4 categories of races: 20K, 50K, 100K, and 100M.
To participate in one of the finals, you will need a valid UTMB® Index. You get one if you have completed a race in the UTMB® World Series Majors, Events, or Qualifiers in the corresponding category in the last 24 months.
You can [check your UTMB® Index](https://utmb.world/fr/utmb-index) at any time.
### Understanding the UTMB® World Series circuit
If the OCC®, CCC®, and UTMB® are the finals, you will have to go through races of the UTMB® World Series circuit to collect Running Stones.
Here is what the structure of the new circuit looks like:
### UTMB® World Series Qualifiers
This is the base of the pyramid. UTMB® World Series Qualifiers represent thousands of races worldwide. By participating in these races, you can enjoy privileges. Indeed, you will have access to better rates and an exclusive pre-registration period for the UTMB® World Series Events. However, you will not be able to obtain Running Stones in these races but you can update your UTMB® Index.
Each race organizer can apply for free to join the circuit as a qualifying race. You can find [here](https://utmb.world/fr/search-race) the races already affiliated with the circuit.
### UTMB® World Series Events
These events are the only ones that will award Running Stones for the finals’ draw.
They are spread [around the world](https://utmb.world/fr/choose-your-adventure): in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and America.
In France, there are three: Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB®, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®, and Restonica Trail by UTMB®. The top 3 men and women from these races will have direct access to the finals in the same category race. Others will collect Running Stones.
### UTMB® World Series Majors
Among the Events, three will be selected each year to become UTMB® World Series Majors: 1 in Asia/Oceania, 1 in Europe, and 1 in America. They represent a kind of continental mini-final.
Participating in these races is very advantageous as it doubles the number of Running Stones. The top 10 men and women from these three races will have direct access to the finals in the same category race.
### UTMB® World Series Finals
The HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc becomes the final of this new global circuit with the OCC®, CCC®, and UTMB®.
You will be able to register for the draw after obtaining at least one Running Stone and having a valid UTMB® Index.
What about the PTL®, TDS®, MCC®, and YCC®? These races will still exist and will have specific conditions that will be revealed.
### 2022 a transition year
To participate in the draw for the UTMB® Mont-Blanc in 2022, which took place from January 6 to 18, 2022, it is not yet mandatory to have Running Stones.
However, for 2023, you will need at least 1 Running Stone obtained in the last two years and have a valid UTMB® Index.
Feel free to revisit the official website to see the up-to-date list of events part of the circuit. We bet some of them already make you want to participate!
What do you think of this new circuit? In the meantime, you can prepare for the UTMB® World Series circuit races and the UTMB® Mont-Blanc final with the [RunMotion Coach app](https://run-motion.com/): the official online coach for **UTMB® World Series races** that offers you your **personalized trail training plan**.