The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is one of the most prestigious and challenging ultra-marathons in the world. The UTMB race week attracts thousands of runners from around the world each year, congregating in Chamonix, France. However, not every athlete who starts the race is able to finish.
In 2022, there were 2,795 starters in the UTMB, the 171 km event around the Mont-Blanc massif. Of the starters, there were only 1789 finishers. A completion rate of only 64%! There are many different reasons that runners don’t arrive back into Chamonix under the 46.5 hour cutoff time. Here are 5 reasons why you might DNF (Did Not Finish) the UTMB.
1. Injuries
Injury is one of the most common reasons that runners don’t finish the UTMB. With the course covering over 171 kilometres and includes a total elevation gain of 9,600 meters (much of which is at altitude!), makes for a physically demanding event. Runners are at risk of developing injuries such as blisters, muscle strains, and stress fractures, which can prevent them from continuing the race. In the 2022 event, YouTuber Ben Parkes had a nasty fall whilst descending one of the peaks. He battled through but had to withdraw 46 kms into the race.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is another major reason runners don’t finish. With the race starting on Friday evening, runners have a maximum time limit of 46.5 hours to complete it. It proves too challenging for many having to run over two nights with limited or no sleep.
Runners starting the race too fast, can also lead to fatigue and/or injury later on. In the 2022 edition, we saw Jim Walmsley in first position and moving well but faltered in the latter stages, ultimately finishing in 4th place. Fatigue often leads to runners falling behind, unable to keep a suitable pace. With checkpoint cut offs in place, this is the most likely scenario for runners being required to withdraw from the event.
3. Weather
Poor weather conditions can also be a major obstacle for runners trying to finish the UTMB. The race takes place in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, which are subject to sudden and severe weather changes. Runners face the probability of strong winds, rain, and even snow, which makes the course even more difficult and dangerous.
Alternatively, the UTMB has also had its share of hot years where weather conditions have been quite warm, also caused issues. These adverse conditions can also lead to weather associated injuries including hypothermia or dehydration if a runner is unable to regulate their body temperature and stay warm/cool.
4. Preparation
Lack of proper training and preparation is also a major reason that runners don’t finish the UTMB. The race is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally, and requires a significant amount of training and preparation. Runners who are not properly prepared may find it difficult, particularly when faced with adverse weather conditions and steep terrain.
5. Equipment
Inadequate equipment is another major reason that runners don’t finish the UTMB. The race requires runners to carry an extensive mandatory kit including clothing, food, and hydration. This is carried and utilised throughout the entire event. Runners may struggle if they don’t have proper gear to keep them warm and dry during the race, or if they don’t have enough food and water to sustain them.
The UTMB is a challenging ultra-marathon that leaves many runners disappointed at the conclusion due to a DNF. It is not always from a lack of preparation or packing the wrong equipment that will lead to failure but external influences like weather or a freak misstep can also cause a DNF. Prepare as best you can to tackle the monster that is the UTMB and hope for a little luck in order to be able to run back into Chamonix, a UTMB Race finisher.
FAQs
In 2022, there were 2,795 starters in the UTMB, the 171 km event around the Mont-Blanc massif. Of the starters, there were only 1789 finishers. A completion rate of only 64%! There are many different reasons that runners don't arrive back into Chamonix under the 46.5 hour cutoff time.
What's wrong with UTMB? ›
This has included controversial race acquisitions, neglecting or unhearing the community in what we believe are important subjects such as environmental impacts or accessibility. The UTMB board stated that some were due to misinformation and misunderstandings.”
Why are people boycotting UTMB? ›
An ultrarunning coach in Chamonix, France, has posted an email, purportedly from four-time UTMB winner Kilian Jornet and 2023 second-place finisher Zach Miller, asking him to consider boycotting the race as a protest against what they see as unfair and harmful business practices.
How many people dnf UTMB? ›
For context, from 2,347 starters there were 826 DNFs at the 2021 UTMB, including most of the pre-race favourites, many of them at Courmayer, aka 'DNF Central'. And I can only think of two elite ultrarunners who haven't ever DNF'd during their careers (both female, incidentally).
How many people have died at UTMB? ›
There were zero fatalities reported during the first 17 years of the UTMB events, but it has now suffered two deaths in the past two years.
Has an American ever won UTMB? ›
With the finish arc in view, he slows to a walk and savours the final moments as he crosses the line in a time of 19:37:43. Years of training and sacrifice with one sole goal in mind, and today he has achieved it. Walmsley becomes the first-ever American to win the UTMB. “I felt pretty strong all night, comparatively.
Is UTMB worth it? ›
There's an energy and drama that is unique in the trail running world. Whatever blemishes one may attribute to the race, it is still very much worth being there, whether you are a racer or an onlooker. Standing in the crowd of 2,200 starters the first time I ran UTMB, I witnessed teary-eyed runners.
What level of trauma is UTMB? ›
In addition to the Level 1 center in Galveston, the Texas Department of State Health Services has designated UTMB Health's League City Campus as an Advanced Level III Trauma Facility.
Did Ironman buy UTMB? ›
According to UTMB, their company has the majority ownership; Ironman has a minority stake, and there is no option for Ironman to take control of UTMB. Ironman presence at UTMB events will be low key, as well, with no Ironman branding at UTMB races.
What is the controversy with UTMB World Series? ›
The rapid growth has provoked a backlash as runners wondered if the sport was becoming too commercial. The tension came to a head last year when UTMB announced a race in Whistler, Canada, seemingly at the expense of a local race which had been unable to get a permit despite operating in Whistler for years.
Brief Look at the Course
Plus, as is standard in European races, the race does not allow pacers, meaning you'll make plenty of friends to help you along the way. Runners have 46 hours, 30 minutes to complete the climb-after-climb course. If you are so lucky, you'll be heading into Chamonix before the 46th hour.
Can anyone run UTMB? ›
You need to have a valid UTMB® index, this means you must have completed a race in the desired category. For example, to be able to enter the lottery for the UTMB 100M race you must have completed an event in the 100M category.
Do people sleep during UTMB? ›
In the popular Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), most finishers miss two nights of sleep before completing the course within the allotted time of 46 hours 30 minutes. Multi-day races, like the Marathon des Sables, extend sleep deprivation over several days.
What percent of people finish UTMB? ›
Nearly half of the racers don't finish
Although thousands of participants enter the UTMB every year, nearly half of them don't make it across the finish line. The exact percentage varies, depending on the year, but the dropout rate averages around 40%. A variety of factors can lead to the demise of participants.
What is the shortest UTMB race? ›
This year there will be 8 races, the shortest 15km and the longest 300km. The UTMB Mont Blanc are the finals for the UTMB World Series, currently 36 from all over the globe.
How many people finish ultra marathons? ›
Ultra Marathons are run around the world with more than 600,000 people completing them every year.
How many people start UTMB? ›
The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is one of the world's best known endurance running events, taking place each August. It is the centrepiece of a week-long event named after it, the UTMB World Series Finals. Based in Chamonix, France, it sees almost 10,000 runners compete in seven different races.
How many students go to UTMB? ›
(ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023 UNDUPLICATED ENROLLMENT)
| Number of Students | SOM | UTMB |
|---|
| Undergraduate | - | 801 |
| Graduate and Professional | 1,237 | 3,049 |
| Total | 1,237 | 3,850 |
