Submitted by ChamonixNews on
On the 10th of January, the UTMB® published the results of the registration draw and it has again exploded the records. With nearly 4000 more applications than last year, the 17th edition of UTMB® will definitely be the most entertaining sports competition in Chamonix in 2019.
The 17th edition of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (August 26 - September 1) will bring together around 10,000 athletes who will compete in 7 different races.
In 2019, the total number of people who registered to the UTMB® is 25,678. This means this year there were almost 4000 more applications than last year, thus establishing a new record in registration.
The odds of being selected ranged from 1 in 2 (TDS: 3,566 or 223%) to 1 in 5 (OCC: 6,101 / 508%), compared to 1 in 3 for the "queen" race, UTMB (7,861 applications / 340%). Only two races remain open for registration: the MCC (volunteers and local runners) and the YCC (youth).
The UTMB® is constantly increasing in popularity: there will be 240 elite athletes competing this year and, for the second edition in a row, there will be competitors from more than 100 countries.
In terms of elite athletes participating in the UTMB® (171km and 10,000m d +), Americans will come in strong, with 20% of the registered professional athletes, followed by Spain (17%), France and the United Kingdom (11%).
Among the stars, Americans Hayden Hawks, Tim Tollefson and Zach Miller, the Spaniard Pau Capell and the Britts Tom Owens and Andrew Symonds will participate; On the women's race, Caroline Chaverot from the Haute-Savoie, Mimmi Kokta from Sweden and Miao Yao from China will compete.
Remember to complete the registration
In order to find out if you are one of the lucky ones who get to participate in the most popular trail-running competition in the world, check here. Also, please remember that the lucky runners who got picked in the draw have 14 days (from January 10th to January 23th) to finalize their registration, by paying the rest of the registration fee and sending the documents required.
About the UTMB®
The UTMB® is an exciting trail-running event which has been happening for 17 years! From the first edition in 2003, the UTMB® has brought together almost 10,000 athletes every year in a competition that requires commitment, discipline, a deep appreciation of sports and an adventurous spirit.
The reward exceeds the sacrifices - pushing one's physical and mental limits always brings satisfaction like nothing else does! In addition, competing in surreal and unique alpine places will broaden one's horizon and create unforgettable memories.
Novelties this year
Despite its history of 16 past editions, the UTMB® is constantly bringing something new to the table. After introducing a new race last year (the MCC), this year the TDS® will have a new route.
The new route was designed by the UTMB® race commission with the help of Thierry Bochet’s expertise - he is a brilliant local finisher of the PTL®. It enters the heart of the Savoie passing through all the unmissable places of the massif such as Pas d'Outray, a true view of the Beaufortain, with its breathtaking view of the Pierra Menta and the Grand Mont, two mythical places for ski mountaineering.
Useful links
Check results from 2018 and from 2017.
Check the rules for the UTMB®.
Excited about the UTMB®, but not a big fan of running yourself? Learn how to follow UTMB® and how to become a volunteer.
Check accommodation in Chamonix during the UTMB® and, also, the transport means to Chamonix.
