How to watch and follow UTMB (and why you should)

The world’s best trail runners are in Chamonix, France, for what is widely regarded as one of the most difficult races in the world, the 19th Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc: a 170-kilometre (106 miles) trail race with a total elevation gain of over 10,000m. Action will start from the centre of Chamonix on Friday at noon E.T. 

UTMB is one of the largest trail races in the world, with 2,500 starters. The 100-miler is one of eight races during a week-long festival based around Chamonix, and acts as the championship race in the UTMB World Series. UTMB has strict entry and qualification requirements achieved by accumulating race points at qualifying trail races over the previous two-year period. 

Runners have 46 and a half hours to complete the race. Most can expect to be out on the UTMB course over two nights, as the race starts at 6 p.m. CEST. The top male finishers will complete the course in less than 21 hours, while the top females will be around 25 hours. 

It’s also worth noting that due to the level of difficulty, the dropout rate (percentage of people not finishing) can be as high as 40 per cent (and is highest in years with bad weather or extreme heat). This year’s race will likely see rain on the first night, followed by clear skies on Saturday. 

Check out here for our 2022 preview.

How to watch

The entire race will be live-streamed for free and ad-free on the UTMB World website on the UTMB Mont Blanc Facebook page. The stream will follow all the action from the finish and at the major checkpoints.  

You can also track the progress of your friends or favourite trail runners here.

Five reasons WHY you should watch

1. The course is crazy: 170 kilometres and over 10,000m of vert, plus picturesque views of France and Switzerland.

2. The weather can be unpredictable: In recent years, the event has seen extreme heat, rain, snow, sleet and high winds.

3. You get to watch the best of the best: UTMB is always stacked with the best trail runners in the world, including Jim Walmsley.

4. The finish line is wild: Runners descend from the Alps into the ski town of Chamonix through an electric finishing chute.

5. It’ll feel like you are there: The hype, the course and the atmosphere surrounding UTMB will make you feel like you’re in Chamonix.